The East, Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan cuisine reflects its colonial past, with influences from Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlers. Indian trade and spice routes also significantly shaped the flavors. Rice serves as the staple, accompanying an array of curries including fish, chicken, vegetable, and dhal (lentil).
The East Coast, including Arugam Bay, has strong Tamil and Muslim influence. This leads to unique preparations and flavors, often featuring abundant fresh seafood.
The national dish: rice with several small bowls of vegetable, meat, or lentil curries, accompanied by sambols.
Chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and meat, seasoned with spices.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often with an egg.
Upscale hotels and boutique resorts like Jetwing Surf offer refined menus.
Focus on fresh ingredients and presentation.
Numerous options along the main strip offer Sri Lankan and Western dishes.
Chill Space, Hideaway Arugam Bay Restaurant, and Mambo's.
Small local rice and curry shops and kottu stalls provide authentic flavors.
Find them along the main street and into Pottuvil town.
Buffalo curd, similar to yogurt, served with Kithul treacle (palm syrup).
A steamed coconut custard pudding, flavored with cardamom, nutmeg, and jaggery.
Sri Lankan cuisine is naturally vegetarian-friendly, with abundant vegetable and dhal curries.
Arugam Bay is in a predominantly Muslim area, providing many halal options.
Navigating dietary needs is possible; clear communication is .
Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their right hand. Cutlery is always provided in tourist areas.
Customary to offer and accept food with your right hand.
Meal times are generally flexible for tourists, but local establishments have specific timings.
Breakfast: 7-10 AM, Lunch: 12-2 PM, Dinner: 6-10 PM.
Know basic Sinhala/Tamil words like "no meat."
Many staff in tourist areas speak English.
Seek recommendations from expat groups.
Ask your accommodation for advice.
Fresh seafood grills are popular, especially in the evenings.
Select your dinner fresh from displayed catches.
Seek out places popular with locals for authentic tastes.
Experience the true flavors of the region.
Most tourist-oriented restaurants offer common international dishes.
Pottuvil has a local market for fresh produce and fish.
A national dish, typically served with various curries and sambols.
A popular street food of chopped flatbread stir-fried with additions.
Crispy, bowl-shaped pancakes often served with an egg in the center.
Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their right hand.
Cutlery is always available in tourist establishments.
It is customary to offer and accept food with your right hand.
A gesture of respect and hospitality.
Common items: hoppers, string hoppers, or roti with dhal and sambol.
Rice and curry is the preferred choice for midday meals.
Options include rice and curry, kottu, and fresh seafood.
For an authentic experience, seek out eateries popular with locals.
