Traveling through Sri Lanka by tuk-tuk: here’s how!
August 22, 2025
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During my journey through Sri Lanka, there was one thing I truly experienced to the fullest: the food. Everywhere you go, you’re surrounded by the aromas of spices, sizzling pans, and vibrant dishes filling the table. The highlight? A cooking class in Ella, where I learned how to turn simple ingredients – coconut, rice, spices – into the most flavorful curries and sambols. That’s when I realized how special Sri Lankan cuisine really is: not only to taste during your travels, but also to bring back home. Because how fun is it to surprise your friends with dishes you once cooked in Sri Lanka? In this article, I’ll share the most delicious local dishes of Sri Lanka, from fragrant curries to crispy street food snacks.
An introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine
Sri Lankan cuisine is an explosion of flavors: spicy, fresh, aromatic, and often with a touch of coconut. What makes this cuisine so fascinating is the balance between bold spices and simple ingredients. Almost every dish is made with local staples such as rice, lentils, coconut, and fresh vegetables, enriched with spices like cinnamon, turmeric, chili, and curry leaves. Did you know that Sri Lanka is actually one of the world’s largest producers of cinnamon?
In Sri Lanka, food is so much more than just a ‘regular’ meal. It’s seen as a social activity, with the table always filled with small dishes so you can taste a little bit of everything. And here’s a fun fact: Sri Lankans prefer to eat with their right hand, as it’s believed you can truly experience the flavors and textures that way.
The national dish: rice and curry
If you want to know what the national dish of a destination is, the best thing to do is ask a local. In Sri Lanka, the fun part is that it doesn’t matter who you ask, the answer will always be ‘rice and curry.’ It might sound a little plain, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. When you order rice and curry, you can expect much more than just a plate of rice with a single curry. Traditionally, it’s served with a variety of small dishes that you enjoy alongside your rice. Think of a fragrant dhal curry made with lentils, a spicy chicken curry, a mild vegetable curry, a refreshing coconut sambol, and tangy pickled vegetables.
Every curry you taste is unique, thanks to the rich mix of spices. One might be creamy with coconut milk, while another has a tangy freshness from tamarind or lemon. Curries aren’t only made with meat or fish either, they’re often prepared with vegetables, or even fruit, like jackfruit.
Tip: Try this dish at a local rice & curry restaurant, or even better, at a homestay. That’s often where you’ll get the most authentic versions!
Popular Sri Lankan dishes you've to try
When you’re in Sri Lanka, there are a few dishes you absolutely must try. Here are our favorites:
1. Kottu Roti
Sri Lanka’s ultimate street food dish is Kottu Roti. Kottu is made from finely chopped pieces of roti mixed with vegetables, eggs, and often cheese, chicken, or other meats. It’s cooked on a large hot plate, with chefs rhythmically chopping and stirring with two metal spatulas, a sound you’ll quickly recognize while traveling through Sri Lanka. The result? A dish that’s absolutely finger-licking good. The best Kottu we had was at Garlic Cafe in Hiriketiya.
2. Hoppers
Everywhere you go in Sri Lanka, you’ll see ‘hoppers.’ But what exactly are they? Imagine a crispy, bowl-shaped pancake that’s thin and lightly crunchy. They’re made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often topped with an egg cracked into the center while cooking. In Sri Lanka, hoppers are commonly eaten for breakfast, but they also make a perfect light dinner.
3. Pol Sambol
Perhaps the most beloved side dish in Sri Lanka: pol sambol. This mix of grated coconut, red chili, lime, and onion adds a fresh, spicy kick to virtually any meal. You’ll find it at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We even made this recipe ourselves during a cooking class at Ella Spice Garden in Ella, one of the most memorable evenings we had in Sri Lanka.
4. Ambul Thiyal
Along the coast — which is pretty much everywhere in Sri Lanka — you can’t miss the fish dishes. Ambul Thiyal is one of the most traditional fish dishes you can try in Sri Lanka. This fish curry is flavored with dried goraka (a type of tamarind) that gives it its distinctive tangy sourness. It’s delicious served with rice, but just as good straight from the bowl.
5. Dhal curry
Lentils are essential in Sri Lankan cuisine. One dish where they shine is dhal curry. It’s a simple dish, yet incredibly flavorful. The lentils are slowly cooked in coconut milk and seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, chili, garlic, and turmeric. What makes dhal curry extra special is that it tastes slightly different everywhere, every family and every restaurant has its own recipe.
The best way to savor Sri Lankan flavors
If you want to taste the most delicious dishes of Sri Lankan cuisine, you should head to the small local eateries. It’s in these simple ‘rice & curry’ restaurants that you’ll find the most flavorful curries, the same places where locals themselves eat.
Want to experience truly authentic food? The best option is to stay at a homestay in Sri Lanka. Many families cook with love for their guests, serving dishes you won’t find anywhere else. Another great idea is to join a cooking class, for example in Ella or Kandy. During a cooking class, you’ll not only learn how to prepare the dishes, but also gain a deeper understanding of the spices used in Sri Lankan cuisine.
Tip: Sri Lankan cuisine can be quite spicy. Menus often indicate the level of heat, but don’t hesitate to ask for your dish to be mild if you prefer.
More travel inspiration for your Sri Lanka trip
Did you know that we’ve also gathered our personal travel experiences and plenty more tips for traveling in Sri Lanka? From fun hotspots to must-do activities and destinations you won’t want to miss, our blog is full of articles packed with tips!
Tips and inspiration for your Sri Lanka trip
Have you completely caught the taste? Could you imagine going on a road trip through a destination like Sri Lanka, where the cuisine is simply fantastic?
Then get inspired by our articles about a road trip through Sri Lanka or discover how fun it is to explore Sri Lanka by tuk-tuk. This way, your trip becomes not just a culinary journey, but an adventure you’ll remember forever!
Not sure where to start planning your trip to Sri Lanka? As certified travel advisors, we’re happy to help you get started. All you need to do is schedule a video meeting with us, and you’ll receive your personalized travel proposal!
Lois Weeterings
A dreamer and adventure seeker, always on the lookout for new experiences. But also a hard worker with a thousand ideas racing through my mind. As a personal travel consultant and travel blogger, I share my passion for faraway destinations, thrilling adventures, and winter sports. With deep knowledge of places like Namibia, Colombia, the ABC Islands, and the Middle East, I’m here to help you craft a trip you’ll never forget. Through my personal stories and expert tips, I aim to inspire you to explore the world your way. Always with my camera in hand, I’m determined to capture every magical moment and share it with you.
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