Dining

Rice and Curry:

Rice is a staple in Sri Lankan meals and is typically served with an array of vegetable curries.

Dals (Lentils):

Lentils are commonly used, particularly red lentils (masoor dal), which are cooked with spices and often served as a side dish.

Vegetables:

Common vegetables include eggplant, pumpkin, green beans, okra, and leafy greens. They’re often prepared in various ways, including curries and stir-fries.

Spices:

Sri Lankan cuisine utilizes an array of spices—curry powder, turmeric, cumin, coriander, and mustard seeds are frequently used to enhance the flavors of the dishes.

Coconut:

Fresh grated coconut and coconut milk are often incorporated into curries and chutneys, adding richness and depth.

Chutneys and Sambols:

These are often served as accompaniments. Coconut sambol, made from grated coconut, chili peppers, and lime, is a popular option.

Popular Sri Lanken Dishes

Mulligatawny Soup:

A spiced lentil soup made with vegetables and coconut milk, sometimes flavored with curry powder.

Kottu Roti:

A popular street food made from chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables, eggs (optional), and spices, stir-fried on a hot griddle.

Brinjal Moju:

A sweet and spicy dish made with eggplant, vinegar, and various spices, which is often served as a condiment.

Pumpkin Curry (Mathal):

A sweet and savory dish made with cubed pumpkin cooked with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut milk.

Mallung:

A traditional dish made with finely chopped leafy greens sautéed with coconut and spices, often served as a side dish.

*Cabbage Curry:

Shredded cabbage sautéed with spices and sometimes enriched with coconut.

Sri Lankan Breakfast Options:

String Hoppers (Idiyappam):

Steamed rice noodle cakes served with coconut milk and curries.

Hoppers (Appa):

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with spicy chutneys or vegetables.

Fruits

Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes are a feast for the senses, characterized by bold flavors and diverse ingredients. The balance of spices, freshness of vegetables, and the use of coconut creates a unique culinary experience that reflects the rich cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. Whether enjoyed at home or in a restaurant, vegetarian meals in Sri Lanka are sure to impress with their variety and taste.

Western Breakfast Options

Toast, Müsli