Oct 17 2014.
views 443710 must-eat Sri Lankan food items!
Sri Lankan food, known for its spice and taste is indeed a treat to those outside as well as those residing in the country. It is impossible to dislike some of the unique food items even to those who are not so partial towards the curry culture commonly seen in the eastern way of life. If you are particularly inclined towards spicing things up a bit, Lankan spices will indefinitely rock your olfactory and gustatory receptors and there is no turning back.
1. Pol Sambol - Undoubtedly the best result of mixed grated coconut, salt chili, lime and Maldive fish which go with almost any staple food; rice, bread, string hoppers, you name it. It is great with any other curries and adds an amazing flavour to the combination of food and even stands out alone. The best combination with pol sambol is the popular Dhal curry, Spicy dry fish tempered in oil with a sprinkle of onions and curry leaves along with a preferred staple, either bread or rice.
2. Kottu - The ultimate mix of everything under the sun, to create a mouth watering dish comprising of Gothamba roti, vegetables, eggs, or meat and various spices. Lately cheese has too been introduced along with many other varieties of meat as well as fish. It a filling dish and ideally perfect for noon or night. Kottu is widely popular amongst many as the making of Kottu is just as interesting as the dish. The two metal blades slicing ingredients rhythmically to a beat has inspired many artists to write songs as well as use the particular beat as a trend in the music industry.
3. String Hoppers - Made of rice noodles which has been curled into flat spirals, is originally served for breakfast and dinner with a particular curry, along with fish or meat to add flavour to the staple. It's easy to consume and is not as heavy as rice or any other staple and the quantity of individual serving varies according the quality of the string hoppers as well. It could be prepared in different sizes with relation to one's preference and is made either using red or white rice noodles.
4. Achcharu - If you haven't tasted achcharu, you haven't lived! It is an exotic mixture of fruits along with spices and other condiments. It is as simple as ABC and requires the least amount of ingredients and utensils. Achcharu could be made according to one's preference of fruit and there is a long list of probable fruits such as mangos, Ceylon olives, Ambarella, Lovi which could be used to put together a delicious Achcharu.
5. Ambul Thiyal - For all the fish fans this is a treat and a must- enjoy as it is a mix of spice with sour to bring out the unique flavour of fish. The sourness is added through a unique Goraka paste and is best with a block of Milk rice or even Pittu. A heavy meal in that and you're ready to snooze.
6. Hoppers - The crunchy crusty food item with the soft flour or egg middle (plain / egg hopper) is ideally so Sri Lankan and is best when it's accompanied by Katta sambola; a chili and Maldives-fish mixture used for spicing up or to add flavour complimenting the staple. Perfect as a breakfast meal or dinner and it fills you right up.
7. Isso wadey - By far the best waday with a heavenly flavour and is an absolute pity if haven't been tried at least once. A patty made of gram dough, with a topping of deep fried prawns, chopped onions, carrots and a divine sauce poured on top which tickles your taste buds and leaves you asking for more. Best form of street food available in small stalls near galleface, and is great to enjoy with friends or family.
8. Kidu - To those who aren't partial to biriyani, this is a perfect dish. Comprises of rice cooked in ghee and spice leaves accompanied by either a beef or chicken curry along with dhal, potato, mango curry as well as what is known as kaliya (a mixture of eggplant and ash plantain). It is undoubtedly a scrumptious yet filling meal that should be tried at least once.
9. Unduwel/ Pani walalu - Bombarded by these during the Avurudu festive season, it is the most sweetening form of sweetmeat filled with honey, capable of satisfying your senses almost immediately with just one bite. It's an authentic food item, attracts those with a sweet tooth and is served mostly as a snack.
10. Kola Mallum - Ideal for those concerned over a healthy or nutritious diet. Kola mallum is the preparation of shredded green leaves or leafy vegetables mixed with spices, grated coconut, maldive fish, chopped onions along with a pinch of salt and a few drops of lime for added flavour. Goes together with rice and has a high nutritional value which helps one's immune system.
By Eshani Seneviratne
0 Comments
Cobra says:
Oct 18, 2014 at 12:00 amExcellent selection but you forgot to mention 'katta sambol' didn't you?