Sri Lanka, the beautiful tropical island nation nestled in the Indian Ocean has been blessed with unparalleled natural beauty. From sun kissed beaches to awe-inspiring historical sites, the island’s attractions come in all forms and sizes. One of the most notable aspects of the country is its ethnic and cultural diversity which is well reflected by Sri Lankan cuisine.

 

Deemed as one of South Asia’s most complex cuisines, the local cuisine draws influence from neighbouring countries and the colonial powers which staked their claim on the country back in the day. The staple food of the locals is rice and curry. Over the years traders who arrived here from all across the globe left behind a rich diversity of cooking techniques and styles.

 

The curries are usually very spicy and some dishes show resemblance to Kerala cuisine. Curries made with meat, lentils, vegetables and even fruits are part of this meal. Side dishes such as sambols, chutneys and pickles add more flavour to this meal. A local favourite is coconut sambol which is made by mixing ground coconut with lime juice, salt, chilli peppers and Maldive fish. This sambol is consumed with not only rice, but also bread, string hoppers and even boiled lentils.

 

Milk rice is also a popular favourite in the country. Whilst Sri Lankan cuisine is similar to South Indian cuisine in terms of spiciness, many local preparations are known to be among the hottest dishes in the world. However, the cuisine gets its unique flavour from coconut milk.

 

Hoppers are also commonly consumed by the locals, especially for breakfast and dinner. Other “must try” local foods include pittu, koola’ya, roti and the Dutch-influenced lamprais which is boiled rice and special curries wrapped in a banana leaf and baked in the oven. Sri Lankan cuisine also includes an array of delicious sweets and short eats.

 

Beach hotels in Sri Lanka are renowned for their desirable locations and exemplary comforts and Chaaya Tranz Hikkaduwa is no exception. Boasting stylish designs and modern amenities, this Hikkaduwa hotel makes for the ideal base from which to explore the numerous attractions in the region.