10+ Sri Lanka Recipes: Discover Delicious Dishes to Try at Home

Sri Lanka is known for its rich and diverse culinary traditions, filled with bold flavors and unique dishes. Exploring Sri Lankan recipes allows you to experience a variety of delicious meals that reflect the island’s vibrant culture.

From spicy curries to sweet desserts, each recipe tells a story and invites you to bring a taste of Sri Lanka into your own kitchen.

You’ll find that the ingredients used in these recipes are often fresh and aromatic, with a perfect balance of spices. As you cook, you’ll not only satisfy your taste buds but also discover the warmth and hospitality that Sri Lankan food embodies.

Each dish offers a journey into the heart of a beautiful island nation.

1) Sri Lankan Chicken Curry

Sri Lankan chicken curry is a dish packed with flavor. It combines tender chicken with a blend of spices that create a delicious experience. You’ll love how the unique taste of roasted curry powder enhances each bite.

To make this dish, start by marinating your chicken. Use ingredients like red chili powder, turmeric, and vinegar for the best results. This allows the flavors to soak in deeply.

While cooking, add creamy coconut milk for richness. It balances the spices perfectly. You can serve it with basmati or jasmine rice to complete your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken, cut into pieces
• 2 tablespoons roasted curry powder
• 1 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• 1 can coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons oil
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Marinate chicken with spices and vinegar for 30 minutes.
2. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat.
3. Add marinated chicken and cook until brown.
4. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes.
5. Adjust salt and serve hot with rice.

2) Egg Hoppers

Egg Hoppers are a delightful breakfast dish from Sri Lanka. They have a bowl-like shape and are made from fermented rice flour. You can enjoy them with or without eggs, but the egg version is the most popular.

To make Egg Hoppers, you will need a special pan to create their unique shape. They are usually served with tasty accompaniments like sambols, curry, or dhal, making each bite flavorful.

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups coconut milk
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon dry yeast
• Eggs (optional)
• Salt and pepper (for seasoning)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix rice flour, sugar, coconut milk, and water in a bowl.
2. Add dry yeast and let the mixture ferment for 18-20 hours.
3. Heat your hopper pan on medium heat.
4. Pour a small amount of batter into the pan and swirl to coat the sides.
5. Crack an egg into the center, cover the pan, and cook for about 3-4 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

3) Polos (Baby Jackfruit) Curry

Polos curry is a delicious Sri Lankan dish made with young green jackfruit. This dish is vegan and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for those who enjoy trying new and exciting vegetarian recipes.

The texture of baby jackfruit is tender and absorbs spices very well. You can use coconut milk to add creaminess. The combination of spices and coconut creates a rich taste that you will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• ½ medium onion or shallots
• 2-3 garlic cloves, minced or whole
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1-2 cups young green jackfruit, chopped
• 1 cup coconut milk
• Spices (like turmeric, curry powder, and chili)

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat coconut oil in a pot over medium heat (around 350°F or 175°C).
2. Sauté onion until soft.
3. Add garlic and ginger, cooking for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in chopped jackfruit and spices.
5. Pour in coconut milk and simmer for 20 minutes.
6. Serve hot with rice or bread. Enjoy!

4) Coconut Sambol

Coconut Sambol is a popular Sri Lankan side dish. It is made from fresh grated coconut, spices, and can be quite spicy. This dish pairs well with many meals, especially rice and curries.

To make it, you will need a few simple ingredients. You can customize the heat by adjusting the number of chilies you use. This dish is quick and easy to prepare in just about 10 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh coconut, grated
• 2-3 dried red chilies
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt (to taste)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix the grated coconut, chopped onion, and red chilies.
2. Add salt and lemon or lime juice.
3. Use your hands to combine everything well.
4. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

5) Sri Lankan Milk Toffee

Sri Lankan Milk Toffee is a beloved sweet treat. It combines simple ingredients to create a rich, creamy fudge-like candy. This dessert is often enjoyed on special occasions and during festive times.

To make this delicious toffee, you will need condensed milk, sugar, cashew nuts, and butter. Combining these ingredients makes a delightful treat that melts in your mouth.

Ingredients

• 1 can (300 mL) condensed milk
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
• A pinch of ground cardamom (optional)
• Chopped cashew nuts (for garnish)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pan, mix the condensed milk, sugar, and water.
2. Cook over low heat, stirring continuously.
3. As the mixture thickens, add the ghee or butter.
4. Stir for about 15 minutes until it turns a darker shade.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased tray and let it cool.
6. Cut into pieces and enjoy!

6) Cashew Curry

Cashew curry is a delicious dish you can enjoy vegetarian or vegan. This creamy dish uses raw cashews, spices, and coconut milk for a lovely flavor.

To make this curry, you start by soaking the cashews. This softens them and helps create a rich sauce. You will also use onions, garlic, and Sri Lankan curry powder for a great taste.

Cooking the curry is simple. Sauté the onions and garlic, add the spices, and then mix in the soaked cashews and coconut milk. Let it simmer for a bit to allow all the flavors to develop.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (300g) raw cashews
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 3 tsp Sri Lankan curry powder
• 1 cup (240ml) coconut milk
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Soak the cashews in water for at least 2 hours.
2. Heat the coconut oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. Sauté the onions until soft.
4. Add minced garlic and curry powder; cook for 1 minute.
5. Stir in the soaked cashews and coconut milk.
6. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Season with salt, and serve hot.

7) Sri Lankan Love Cake

Sri Lankan Love Cake is a delightful treat full of flavor. It’s popular for special occasions and celebrations. This cake combines semolina, cashews, and aromatic spices.

The rose water adds a unique touch that makes it stand out. You will love the soft texture and rich taste. It’s a great way to share a piece of Sri Lankan culture with friends and family.

Ingredients

• 225 g semolina
• 225 g unsalted butter
• 400 g white sugar
• 12 egg yolks
• 28 g rose essence or rosewater
• 400 g raw cashew nuts
• Zest of one lemon
• Various spices (like nutmeg and cinnamon)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. In a bowl, beat the egg yolks and sugar until thick.
3. Add melted butter, rose water, and lemon zest.
4. Mix in semolina and chopped cashews.
5. Pour the mixture into a greased pan.
6. Bake for about 45 to 50 minutes.

8) Maldive Fish Sambol

Maldive Fish Sambol is a delicious Sri Lankan condiment. It is made with dried fish, coconut, and spices. This sambol adds a tasty kick to many meals.

To make it, you’ll need ingredients like dried fish, coconut, onions, and chili. This sambol pairs well with rice, chapatis, or as a side dish with curries.

Ingredients

• 150g dried Maldive fish
• 1 cup grated coconut
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 tablespoon chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Shred the dried fish into small pieces.
2. Mix the fish with grated coconut and chopped onion in a bowl.
3. Add chili flakes, lemon juice, and salt.
4. Combine everything well.
5. Serve fresh with your favorite dishes.

9) Spicy Fish Curry

Spicy Fish Curry is a flavorful dish that brings the taste of Sri Lanka to your table. It features fresh fish cooked in a spicy and aromatic sauce.

You can easily adjust the spice levels to fit your taste. The use of tamarind adds a unique sourness that balances the heat.

This dish is often made with ingredients like onions, garlic, and curry leaves, which all add depth and richness. Serve it hot with rice or bread for a satisfying meal.

10) Coconut Roti

Coconut roti is a popular flatbread in Sri Lanka. It has a unique flavor and texture, thanks to fresh grated coconut. This bread is simple to prepare and pairs well with various dishes.

You will need just a few ingredients to make coconut roti. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a side with curries. Plus, you can add spices or herbs to match your taste.

Ingredients

• ½ cup fresh grated coconut
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1.5 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp thinly sliced shallot or onion
• 1 green chili (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Mix the grated coconut, flour, and butter together in a bowl.
2. Add the sliced shallot and chili, if using.
3. Knead the mixture until it forms a dough.
4. Divide the dough into small balls and flatten them into discs.
5. Heat a pan over medium heat (about 350°F or 180°C).
6. Cook each disc for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.