Sri Lankan Meals
Traditional Sri Lankan Meals: A Flavorful Exploration of Everyday Dining
Sri Lankan cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, spice, and culture. While street food offers quick and exciting bites, the real soul of the island lies in its homemade meals — a vibrant mix of curries, sambols, rice, and hearty breakfasts that reflect centuries of culinary heritage.
Meals in Sri Lanka are rich, aromatic, and built around shared dining. Whether it’s a simple rice and curry lunch or an elaborate string hopper breakfast, each meal is a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.
1. Rice and Curry (Lunch/Dinner)
Rice and curry is the national staple — served in homes, restaurants, and lunch packets across the country.
Main: Steamed white or red rice
Accompaniments:
Chicken, fish, beef, or jackfruit curry
Dhal curry (parippu)
Gotu kola sambol or pol sambol (coconut sambol)
Fried eggplant or brinjal moju
Papadam or fried chillies
It’s a flavorful, filling, and balanced meal, typically eaten with your hands for a truly authentic experience.
2. String Hoppers (Breakfast or Dinner)
String hoppers (or idiyappam) are soft, steamed rice noodle discs that are light and perfect for soaking up curries.
Served with:
Kiri hodi (mild coconut milk gravy)
Spicy chicken or fish curry
Pol sambol (grated coconut relish)
This dish is popular in both Sinhalese and Tamil communities and is loved for its unique texture and gentle flavors.
3. Pittu Meal
Pittu is a steamed mixture of rice flour and coconut, often shaped into cylindrical molds.
Accompanied by:
Coconut milk gravy
Meat or fish curry
Lunu miris (onion and chili paste)
Pittu is a hearty breakfast or dinner meal, especially popular in the eastern and northern parts of Sri Lanka.
4. Kiribath (Milk Rice Meal)
Kiribath is rice cooked in thick coconut milk until soft and creamy. It’s a traditional meal for celebrations, New Year, and religious rituals.
Served with:
Lunu miris or katta sambol
Jaggery (for a sweet version)
Banana or boiled sweet potato
It’s eaten for breakfast or ceremonial meals and symbolizes good fortune.
5. Kottu (Dinner or Late Night Meal)
Kottu is a beloved Sri Lankan street and home meal made by stir-frying chopped flatbread (godamba roti) with eggs, vegetables, and curry.
Variations:
Chicken Kottu
Egg Kottu
Cheese Kottu
Beef or mutton Kottu
Dolphin Kottu (vegetarian – no dolphins involved!)
The sound of metal blades clanging on a hot griddle while chopping the roti is a signature of Sri Lankan nightlife. Kottu is filling, spicy, and deeply satisfying — perfect after a long day.
📍 Where to Buy Traditional Meals in Sri Lanka
Whether you’re a local or tourist, you can find authentic Sri Lankan meals at:
🏠 Home-style Restaurants
These small eateries serve rice and curry lunch packets daily.
Often very affordable and packed with flavor.
🍽️ Hotels & Restaurants
Mid-range and upscale restaurants serve meals like lamprais, hoppers, and string hoppers.
Buffets usually offer multiple curry options.
🛣️ Street Food Stalls
Especially popular for kottu, hoppers, and roti at night.
Found near railway stations, markets, and bus stops.