Asian Food Primer: Sri Lanka Food

by David Johnson

Since it is an island, fish is common in Sri Lanka. Although the majority of people are Buddhist, there are Hindu, Muslim, and Christian minorities, creating diversity in food habits. Ghee, Indian clarified butter, is used and rice is served at nearly every meal.

Common ingredients:

seafood, poultry, rice, coconuts, plums, oranges, bananas, mangos, kiwi, melon, beans, lentils, vegetables, curries, hot peppers

Popular dishes:

molee (coconut milk curry with vegetables, fish or poultry); dal (lentils or beans boiled with onions and spices); white curries made with coconut

More Information:

• Infoplease Atlas: Sri Lanka
• Country Profile: Sri Lanka