Discover Traditional Colombo Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Discover Traditional Colombo Cuisine: Local Dishes, Restaurants & Recipes

Welcome to Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka! As you explore this diverse and culturally rich destination, don't miss the opportunity to indulge in its delicious traditional cuisine. Colombo offers a wide array of flavorful dishes that combine influences from various cultures, resulting in a unique culinary experience.

Popular Local Dishes

Here are some must-try dishes that showcase the authentic flavors of Colombo:

• Hoppers: These bowl-shaped thin pancakes made with fermented rice flour are a breakfast favorite. Enjoy them plain or filled with egg, cheese, or even spicy sambal.
• Kottu Roti: A street food staple, kottu roti is made by stir-frying shredded flatbread with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish.
• Lamprais: Served in banana leaf parcels, lamprais is a combination of rice, meat (usually beef or pork), and various side dishes such as sambal, seeni sambol, and fried eggplant. It's a true explosion of flavors.
• Deviled Chicken: This spicy and tangy chicken dish is a crowd-pleaser. The chicken is first deep-fried and then sautéed with onions, bell peppers, and a flavorful sauce.
• Ceylonese Curry: Colombo is known for its rich and aromatic curries. Whether it's chicken, fish, or vegetarian, these curries are fragrant with spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves.

Authentic Colombo Restaurants

When it comes to finding authentic Colombo cuisine, these restaurants are highly recommended:

• Ministry of Crab: Located in the restored Old Dutch Hospital, this award-winning restaurant specializes in mouthwatering Sri Lankan crab dishes.
• Nuga Gama: Set in a traditional village atmosphere, Nuga Gama offers a unique dining experience with a menu featuring a range of Sri Lankan delicacies.
• The Mango Tree: Indulge in a variety of Sri Lankan dishes while enjoying the picturesque views of the Indian Ocean at this waterfront restaurant.
• Upali's by Nawaloka: This popular restaurant offers an extensive menu of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, including a variety of hoppers, curries, and street food favorites.

Colombo Cuisine Recipes to Try at Home

If you want to recreate the flavors of Colombo in your own kitchen, here are a couple of traditional recipes:

Hopper Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• 1/4 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 teaspoon instant yeast
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Water, as needed

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, mix the rice flour, coconut milk, yeast, sugar, and salt. Slowly add water while stirring until you get a thin batter. Let it rest for about 30 minutes.
2. Heat a non-stick pan or hopper pan and pour a ladleful of batter into the center of the pan. Quickly swirl the pan to spread the batter in a circular shape, making the edges thinner than the center.
3. Cover the pan and cook on low heat for about 2-3 minutes until the edges become crisp and golden. Leave the center slightly soft or cook for longer if desired.
4. Serve the hoppers hot with your choice of accompaniments.

Kottu Roti Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded roti or flatbread
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, etc.), chopped
• 1 onion, sliced
• 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 eggs
• 200g chicken or beef, cooked and shredded (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large frying pan or wok, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and cook for a few minutes until they become tender.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and crack the eggs into the empty space. Scramble the eggs and mix them with the vegetables.
4. Add the shredded roti or flatbread, cooked meat (if using), curry powder, salt, and pepper. Stir-fry everything together for a few minutes until well combined.
5. Adjust seasonings if needed and serve the kottu roti hot.

Now that you have some insight into traditional Colombo cuisine, it's time to embark on a culinary adventure! Enjoy exploring the local flavors, dining at authentic restaurants, and attempting the recipes at home.