One of the highlights of visiting a new destination is undoubtedly the food! During my recent trip to Sri Lanka, I had a feeling I would be enjoying plenty of curry—and I certainly did. However, Sri Lankan cuisine offers so much more than just curry. To give you a taste of what’s in store, I’ve put together a food diary to showcase what you can expect for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on your Sri Lankan culinary adventure. 

Most popular breakfast food in Sri Lanka

The Egg Hopper

A Sri Lankan egg hopper is basically a crispy rice pancake with an egg cooked right in the middle. The edges get all crunchy, while the yolk stays nice and runny. It’s a tasty, filling breakfast and perfect for a busy day exploring (admittedly, I didn’t try one as I’m not one for a hearty breakfast but I saw lots and they are loved by the locals). 

Fruit with yogurt and granola 

While I expected lots of fruit being a tropical destination, I was pleasantly surprised to often find a bowl of mixed fruit with yogurt and granola on offer. Light, refreshing and energising. 

Fruit Salad Sri Lanka

Most popular lunch food in Sri Lanka

Coconut Sambol  

As part of a toddy-tapping experience, I had the pleasure of joining a local family for lunch and learning how to make coconut sambol. Freshly grated coconut was mixed with garlic and spices, then paired with meat and potatoes—absolutely delicious!

Fresh seafood dishes

Being an island, I expected an abundance of seafood—and I wasn’t disappointed! From barramundi to prawns and squid, Sri Lanka is a seafood lover’s paradise. One standout was the fresh tuna salad I had at Barefoot Café in Colombo. If you’re looking for a great lunch spot in the city, Barefoot Café is definitely worth a visit.

Salad in Sri Lanka

Most popular dinner food in Sri Lanka

Meat, potatoes and vegetables

A surprise dish that made a repeat appearance at dinner was the traditional meat, potato, and veg combo that’s so familiar in England. While I was eager to try as much Sri Lankan cuisine as possible, it was nice to enjoy a comforting, familiar meal every now and then.

sri lankan food

Sri Lanka’s finest curries

Of course, no visit to Sri Lanka would be complete without a curry feast. At Ceylon Tea Trails, I was utterly spoiled (and perhaps a little overindulgent) with this incredible spread!  

What is the most popular drinks in Sri Lanka

I also had to give Arrack a try! A local Sri Lankan drink made from fermented coconut sap, sugarcane, or sometimes rice (depending on the region). It’s a strong, amber-coloured liquor with a sweet, smooth taste and a bit of a kick. Locals usually sip it neat, on the rocks, or mix it into cocktails.

Vienna tasting arrack in Sri Lanka

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