This is the national dish of Sri Lanka and is a staple in the Colombo diet. Rice is served with a variety of curries, which can be made with meat, fish, vegetables, or lentils. Some popular curries include chicken curry, fish curry, and dhal curry.
Hoppers:
These are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk. They are often served with egg, curry, or sambal.
String Hoppers:
These are thin, noodle-like strands made from rice flour. They are often served with curry or soup.
Kottu Roti:
This is a stir-fried dish made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, meat, and spices. It is a popular street food in Colombo.
Biryani:
This is a rice dish that is made with meat, vegetables, and spices. It is a popular dish in many South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka.
Samosas:
These are fried pastries that are filled with potatoes, peas, and spices. They are often served with chutney.
Watalappan:
This is a custard pudding that is made with coconut milk, jaggery (a type of palm sugar), and spices. It is a popular dessert in Sri Lanka.
Other Snacks and Drinks:
Colombo is also known for its wide variety of snacks and drinks. Some popular snacks include:
- Fish buns: deep-fried buns filled with fish
- Cuttlefish: dried cuttlefish that is often eaten as a snack
- Isso Wade: crispy lentil crackers
- Kokis: sweet, deep-fried pastries made from rice flour and coconut milk
Popular drinks include:
- Ceylon tea: Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, and Colombo is a great place to try different types of tea
- Arrack: a local spirit made from coconut sap
- Lassi: a yogurt-based drink that can be sweetened or salted