Foodies and Sri Lankans

Foodies will love this island of delights

Sri Lanka has so many delectable food and dishes which is why it’s known internationally as a food destination. 

With the multiple cultures residing and influencing this island, all foodies will love the deliciously rich cuisine that Sri Lanka offers all its visitors. I particularly enjoyed the Dutch and Portuguese flavors, but that's not all Sri Lanka has. You can find authentic English, Arab, Malay and Indian delicacies on the island too.

Being a food lover I had just one agenda on my list, how do I eat as much as I can in the time I have on the island. The solution was to take off on my food journey and choose car hire Colombo, which allowed me to travel on my terms and see the country while exploring its multiple cuisines.

Where to go and what to eat

Ministry of Crabs in the Iconic Dutch Hospital. 

It’s easy to find good curries anywhere in Sri Lanka, cafes and roadside are good, it’s always better to try the nightly buffet at Zion View in Ella. But for those who truly love seafood, I would really recommend that you eat at Ministry of crab in Colombo that has the freshest seafood on the island.

The islands tea capital, Nuwara Eliya is perfect for those elegant high teas with sandwiches, cakes and tasty tarts all which can be found at the St. Andrew’s Hotel.  I really enjoyed the tea and scones and which is a testament to how good the tea is as I am not really an avid tea drinker. The English influence can be further seen with the abundance of veggies like cabbage, carrots leeks and potatoes, along with strawberries and roses that were strewn across the hillsides.

You can find the Dutch and Portuguese delicacies like love cake which was simply divine and made with semolina, ground cashews and honey. The nutmeg, cinnamon and rosewater gave the dish freshness and made it smell mouthwatering. Dishes like Bolo Fiado(a layered pastry cake with dried fruit and syrup), Breudher(yeast cake with lots of butter) took me to another world and you should definitely hit Café Chill where you can eat the legendary Lamprais which is made with signature Dutch meatballs, veggies and rice slowly cooked in a banana leaf.

A Quarter Chicken Biriyani. 

You can find flatbreads and samosas at many Arab and Indian restaurants, but it’s the Wattalappam which has Malay influences and is made from jaggery coconut milk and cardamom that will take your breath away. The out of this world dessert can be found at Mama’s Galle Fort Roof Café and is well worth you driving done there to have a bite or simply indulge in Biriyani, found almost everywhere in the Island. 

But I really have to say that the two of my most favorite restaurants in Colombo were Chutneys which had an array of condiments to go with tradition Asian food and The Lagoon which had the best lobster I had ever had.

Living life on bite at a time

Having your own transportation in another country gives you the freedom and mobility to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace and comfort. This is why I rented a car from Kings Rent a Car and it really helped me stop where ever and whenever I wanted and let me discover amazing cafes and roadside food which may have gone undiscovered if I was travelling in a train or bus. I really feel that choosing a car hire form Colombo is the best way to discover the hidden treats that this sea kissed island has to offer. All you need is a valid license and you can speed off into the sunset and have the time of your life.