Galle is not only renowned for its colonial charm and coastal beauty but also for its mouth-watering Sri Lankan cuisine. From fragrant curries to traditional street eats, here are five authentic dishes visitors must try to experience Galle’s rich food culture.
1. Lamprais
This is a famous staple dish in Galle that was introduced after the Dutch colonisation in the 17th century. This dish oozes with flavour in every bite; it’s a wonderful representation of the diverse dishes Galle has to offer, as well as how rich they can be. This dish is steamed rice cooked in meat stock that is paired with flavourful condiments, curries, and vegetables. The best part of this dish is that it’s wrapped in a banana leaf, which, when baked, infuses the rice with rich flavours and aromas. It is usually paired with a meat of choice and a boiled egg as well.
2. Hoppers (Appa)
It might be something you’ve never heard before, but the taste of this dish is otherworldly. These bowl-shaped pancakes that are as light as a feather are made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk. It’s soft in the middle while being crispy and scrumptious on the outside. Sometimes the egg version of this dish is also enjoyed. It is often paired with curry and spicy sambols, which brings out a mixture of sweet and savoury — a very unique combination on the palate.
3. Sri Lankan Crab Curry
A Bentota restaurant would be the perfect place to try authentic Sri Lankan crab curry. It’s a flavourful representation of the bold flavours this island beauty has to offer, and what’s the point of being on the coast of Lanka if you haven’t tried seafood? This dish is a luxurious meal that is a perfect blend of aromatic spices with a hint of sweetness. Curry leaves boost the flavours that set it apart from regular crab dishes. Many of the local restaurants serve it with bread, as it perfectly helps to savour every last drop of this very flavourful dish. It also helps that hotels like The Villa Bentota by KK Collection offer these wonderful dishes as well.
4. Kottu Roti
This iconic dish is a must-try in Sri Lanka. It is prepared by chopping up Godhamba roti, a kind of flatbread, and then stir-frying it with meat, eggs, or vegetables. It is flavoured with spices and chilli for an added kick. What makes this experience exciting is the way this dish is prepared; it is mixed with meat and curries using metal blades and a rhythmic beat that is fascinating to witness. Kottu Roti, served hot and frequently with curry or sambol, is ideal for a filling, tasty meal.
5. Fish Ambul Thiyal
Another seafood dish that is extremely close to the roots of the island is a sour fish curry that is extremely flavourful as well. It is prepared with firm fish, such as barracuda or tuna, and cooked in a spicy sauce made with tamarind and spices like curry leaves, turmeric, and black pepper. The strong, zesty flavours are absorbed by the slow-cooked fish, resulting in a dish that is tangy and savoury. This classic dish, which is frequently served with steamed rice, provides a genuine taste of coastal Sri Lankan cuisine.
