15+ Sri Lanka Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

15+ Sri Lanka Recipes to Savor and Enjoy

ByCook Maniac Team Reading Time: 12 minutes

Sri Lankan cuisine offers a vibrant mix of flavors and traditions influenced by its diverse culture. From aromatic spices to fresh ingredients, you’ll find plenty of delicious options to explore. Discovering Sri Lanka recipes can open up a world of culinary delights that you can easily recreate at home.

A colorful array of Sri Lankan ingredients - coconut, curry leaves, spices, and tropical fruits - laid out on a rustic wooden table

Whether you are a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes cater to all skill levels, making it simple to indulge in the rich tastes of Sri Lanka.

Get ready to experience a journey through mouthwatering dishes that showcase the heart and soul of this beautiful island nation.

1) Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

A pot simmering with fragrant Sri Lankan chicken curry, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh herbs

Sri Lankan chicken curry is a flavorful dish that combines spices and ingredients unique to Sri Lankan cuisine. You’ll love how the rich taste comes from using homemade curry powder, along with coconut milk and tangy tamarind.

Marinating the chicken is important to enhance the flavors. Typically, you’ll mix roasted curry powder, red chili powder, turmeric, salt, and vinegar. This blend not only adds heat but also fragrant aromas.

Serve this delicious curry with steamed basmati or jasmine rice for a complete meal. It’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds (680g) chicken, cut into pieces
  • 2 tablespoons roasted curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons vinegar
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch ginger, grated
  • 1-2 green chilies, slit

Cooking Instructions

  1. Marinate the chicken with spices and vinegar for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
  3. Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger until golden.
  4. Add chicken and cook until browned.
  5. Pour in coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
  6. Cook for 20-25 minutes, until chicken is tender.
  7. Serve hot with rice.

2) Fish Ambul Thiyal

A sizzling pan of Fish Ambul Thiyal, surrounded by aromatic spices and fresh ingredients, with a backdrop of Sri Lankan scenery

Fish Ambul Thiyal is a popular Sri Lankan dish known for its tangy flavor. This sour fish curry typically features tuna, but you can use other fish if you prefer. The main ingredient is goraka, a dried fruit that adds a unique sour taste.

To make this dish, you will need spices like black pepper and salt. The curry can be served with rice or bread, making it a great choice for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

  • 500g fish (tuna is best)
  • 2 tablespoons goraka (dried garcinia)
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak goraka in warm water for 15 minutes.
  2. Crush the goraka and mix it with black pepper and salt.
  3. Rub this mixture onto the fish and let it marinate for 30 minutes.
  4. Cook the fish in a pot over medium heat until done. Add water if needed to avoid burning. Enjoy!

3) Jackfruit (Polos) Curry

A simmering pot of jackfruit curry, surrounded by traditional Sri Lankan spices and ingredients

Jackfruit curry, known as Polos, is a tasty dish from Sri Lanka. It uses young green jackfruit, which is perfect for absorbing flavors. The texture is soft and meaty, making it a great meat substitute.

To make this dish, you’ll need simple ingredients like coconut oil, onion, garlic, and a mix of spices. The curry is usually served with rice or flatbreads, making it a filling meal.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • ½ medium onion, chopped
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 inch piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 can young jackfruit, drained and chopped
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; sauté until soft.
  3. Stir in turmeric and curry powder.
  4. Add jackfruit and a bit of water; cook for 20 minutes.
  5. Season with salt and serve warm.

4) Eggplant Moju

A bubbling pot of eggplant moju simmers on a rustic stove, surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh herbs

Eggplant Moju is a delicious Sri Lankan dish that features fried eggplant. It has a tangy, spicy flavor that makes it a great side or snack. You can easily prepare it in your kitchen.

The main ingredients include eggplant, shallots, and green chilies. These are combined with mustard and vinegar for a perfect pickle taste. It’s usually best when allowed to sit for a while to develop its flavors.

Many people enjoy making this recipe in advance since it lasts a long time without going bad. You’ll find it packed with flavor and sure to impress your friends and family.

Ingredients

  • Japanese eggplant (about 500g or 1.1 lbs)
  • Shallots
  • Green chilies
  • Mustard
  • Vinegar
  • Oil for frying

Cooking Instructions

  1. Cut the eggplant into strips and fry in hot oil until golden brown.
  2. Remove and drain the eggplant.
  3. In another pan, sauté shallots and green chilies.
  4. Mix in mustard and vinegar.
  5. Combine with the fried eggplant.
  6. Let it cool, then enjoy!

5) Kottu Roti

A bustling Sri Lankan kitchen with a chef cooking Kottu Roti on a sizzling hot griddle, surrounded by colorful spices and ingredients

Kottu Roti is a popular Sri Lankan dish made from chopped flatbread, often mixed with vegetables, chicken, or eggs. It is flavorful and has a unique texture that comes from the way the ingredients are tossed and chopped together.

To prepare Kottu Roti, you can use Godamba roti, which is specifically made for this dish. The curry sauce adds a delicious zing that ties everything together.

It’s a versatile dish, so feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies.

Ingredients

  • 3 ½ cups chopped Godamba roti
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 2 roma tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons curry powder
  • Salt to taste
  • Vegetable oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add onions and garlic, cooking until soft.
  3. Stir in tomatoes and chicken, followed by curry powder and salt.
  4. Push the mixture to one side and scramble the eggs.
  5. Add the chopped roti, mixing everything together thoroughly. Cook for a few minutes and serve warm.

6) Coconut Sambol

A wooden mortar and pestle filled with grated coconut, chili, and spices, surrounded by fresh ingredients like lime, onion, and curry leaves

Coconut sambol is a popular Sri Lankan dish that adds a burst of flavor to many meals. It is a spicy and tangy condiment made with fresh coconut, chilies, and other simple ingredients. You can serve it alongside rice and curries or with hoppers and idlis.

To make coconut sambol, start by shredding fresh coconut. Mix it with finely chopped onions, minced garlic, and minced red chili. You can add salt and lime juice to enhance the taste.

This dish is quick to prepare, taking about 10 minutes. It’s a great way to bring a taste of Sri Lanka to your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups shredded coconut
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red chili, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the shredded coconut, chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced chili.
  2. Add salt and lime juice to taste.
  3. Mix everything well.
  4. Serve fresh with your favorite dish.

7) Dhal Curry

A steaming pot of yellow dhal curry surrounded by vibrant spices and fresh herbs, with a backdrop of traditional Sri Lankan kitchen utensils

Dhal curry is a tasty dish you will enjoy making. It is simple and quick to prepare. The main ingredient is red lentils, which are packed with protein.

You can add coconut milk for a creamy texture. Spices like turmeric and curry leaves will give it a wonderful flavor. This curry is perfect with rice or bread.

To make your dhal curry, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Gather everything before you start cooking.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup red lentils
  • 2.5 cups water
  • 1/4 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 1 clove garlic, chopped
  • 1 spring curry leaves
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Rinse the red lentils in water.
  2. In a pot, combine lentils, water, turmeric, onion, and garlic.
  3. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes.
  4. Add curry leaves and coconut milk, cook for another 5 minutes.
  5. Serve warm with rice or bread. Enjoy!

8) Egg Hoppers

A colorful array of ingredients and spices surround a sizzling skillet of egg hoppers, with steam rising from the freshly cooked dish

Egg Hoppers are a delightful breakfast dish from Sri Lanka. They feature a bowl-shaped pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk. You can enjoy them with or without an egg cooked in the center.

To make Egg Hoppers, you’ll need some basic ingredients. The unique texture comes from fermentation, which gives them a slightly tangy flavor. Serve them with sambol, curry, or coconut relish for added taste.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups rice flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 ½ cups coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • Salt to taste
  • Eggs (optional)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Mix the rice flour, sugar, and salt in a bowl.
  2. Add warm water and coconut milk to the mixture.
  3. Stir in yeast and let it ferment for 18-20 hours.
  4. Heat a small skillet and pour a ladle of batter into it.
  5. Cover and cook until the edges are crispy.
  6. Crack an egg into the center if you like.
  7. Cook until the egg is set, then serve warm.

9) Lamprais

A table set with banana leaf-wrapped parcels, bowls of curry, and condiments for traditional Sri Lankan lamprais

Lamprais is a traditional Sri Lankan dish that reflects a mix of cultures and flavors. This meal is usually wrapped in banana leaves and baked, which gives it a unique taste. The rice is often cooked with ghee and is packed with spices, creating a delightful aroma.

Your lamprais includes main components such as curry, meat, and flavorful rice. You may find it accompanied by various side dishes like fish cutlets. This recipe can be a fun way to explore Sri Lankan cooking in your kitchen.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups ghee rice
  • 1 lb lamprais curry (meat of choice)
  • ½ lb fish cutlets
  • Assorted spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom)
  • Banana leaves for wrapping

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the ghee rice with spices until fluffy.
  3. Prepare the lamprais curry by cooking your meat choice with spices.
  4. Fry fish cutlets until golden brown.
  5. Lay out banana leaves and fill them with rice, curry, and cutlets.
  6. Wrap the leaves tightly and bake for 15-20 minutes.

10) Gotu Kola Mallung

A vibrant market stall displays fresh Gotu Kola and other ingredients for making traditional Sri Lankan Mallung

Gotu Kola Mallung is a tasty Sri Lankan dish packed with nutrition. It’s made primarily with gotu kola, also known as pennywort. This leafy green adds a fresh flavor and is good for your health.

To prepare this dish, you will sauté the gotu kola with coconut, spices, and onions. The addition of coconut gives it a delightful texture. You can enjoy it as a side dish with rice or flatbreads.

Ingredients

  • 1 large bunch of gotu kola (pennywort)
  • 1 cup grated fresh coconut
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 green chili, finely sliced
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Juice of 1 lime

Cooking Instructions

  1. Wash the gotu kola and chop it finely.
  2. In a pan, heat a little oil on medium heat.
  3. Add the chopped onion and green chili. Sauté until the onion is soft.
  4. Add the chopped gotu kola and stir well.
  5. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until wilted.
  6. Remove from heat and mix in the grated coconut, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

11) Achcharu (Pickle)

A colorful array of sliced vegetables and spices being mixed together in a large bowl to create a traditional Sri Lankan achcharu (pickle) recipe

Achcharu is a popular Sri Lankan pickle made with various vegetables and spices. It adds a tangy and spicy kick to your meals. You can enjoy it with rice and curry.

You can make achcharu using ingredients like green papaya, carrots, and chilies. The spices usually include turmeric and vinegar, which give it a unique flavor.

This pickle is not only delicious, but it is also a great way to preserve vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 1 green papaya (or carrots)
  • 10 green chilies
  • 200g shallots
  • 1/2-1 tsp turmeric powder
  • Coconut vinegar or distilled white vinegar
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Grate the green papaya or slice the carrots.
  2. Chop the green chilies and shallots.
  3. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Add the vinegar and salt.
  5. Store in a jar and let it sit for a few days before enjoying.

12) Sri Lankan Love Cake

A table set with ingredients for Sri Lankan Love Cake: cashews, semolina, eggs, sugar, and spices. A mixing bowl and wooden spoon sit nearby

Sri Lankan Love Cake is a delightful dessert often enjoyed during special occasions. This cake features semolina, cashews, and fragrant rosewater, giving it a unique flavor. It is dense, sticky, and full of aromas that make it a favorite.

To start, preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C). You will need a selection of simple ingredients. Mixing the egg yolks with sugar until thick is crucial for a light texture. Adding melted butter and other flavors enhances the taste.

Ingredients

  • 7 egg yolks
  • 500 g soft brown sugar
  • 400 g raw cashew nuts
  • 250 g semolina
  • 2 tbsp rosewater
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • Zest of a lemon (grated)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C).
  2. Beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick.
  3. Add melted butter, honey, rosewater, and lemon zest.
  4. Mix in semolina and cashews.
  5. Pour the mixture into a prepared baking dish.
  6. Bake for about 40 minutes or until golden brown.
  7. Let it cool before serving.

13) Pumpkin Curry

A steaming pot of pumpkin curry surrounded by spices and ingredients on a rustic kitchen counter

Pumpkin curry is a delicious Sri Lankan dish that is both hearty and flavorful. This vegan recipe combines pumpkin with spices and coconut milk for a creamy texture. It’s easy to prepare and perfect for any meal.

To make it, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. Cut your pumpkin into cubes and gather your spices. The cooking process is straightforward, making it beginner-friendly.

Ingredients

  • 700g Delica pumpkin or butternut squash
  • 400g sweet potato
  • 2 tablespoons neutral oil
  • 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 400ml coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add mustard seeds and cumin seeds; sauté until aromatic.
  3. Add pumpkin and sweet potato cubes.
  4. Stir in coconut milk and turmeric.
  5. Simmer for 20-25 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until tender.
  6. Season with salt, then serve warm.

14) Cashew Curry

A bubbling pot of cashew curry simmers on a rustic stove, surrounded by vibrant spices, fresh herbs, and colorful vegetables

Cashew curry is a delightful dish from Sri Lanka that you can easily make at home. The creamy texture comes from cashews, giving it a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.

To start, gather your ingredients. You’ll need fresh spices to enhance the taste, making it a flavorful addition to any meal. This curry pairs well with rice or bread.

The magic happens when you cook the cashews until they are soft and blend nicely with the spices. The result is a comforting, satisfying dish that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cashews
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large piece of ginger, grated
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil
  • 2-3 cups of water
  • Spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric, salt, and pepper)

Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 175°C).
  2. Add onions, garlic, and ginger. Sauté until soft.
  3. Stir in spices and cook for another minute.
  4. Add cashews and water. Simmer for 20 minutes.
  5. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm.

15) Hoppers

A table set with colorful plates of traditional Sri Lankan hoppers, accompanied by small bowls of spicy sambal and fragrant coconut sambol

Hoppers are a delicious breakfast dish from Sri Lanka. They are made from a fermented rice flour batter mixed with coconut milk. This creates a unique texture that is crispy on the edges and soft in the center.

You can enjoy hoppers plain or with various toppings. Popular choices include eggs, sambol, or curry. Making them requires some time for fermentation but the result is well worth it.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups raw rice
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon yeast
  • Water as needed
  • Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

  1. Soak the raw rice in lukewarm water for about 4-6 hours.
  2. Drain the rice and blend it with cooked rice and coconut milk until smooth.
  3. Mix in the yeast and let the batter ferment for 18-20 hours.
  4. Heat a hopper pan and pour a ladle of batter.
  5. Swirl it to cover the edges and cook until the edges are crispy.
  6. Serve warm.

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