Sri Lanka is a multicultural country, so you can’t expect anything less from its cuisine. This country is rich in regional flavors. The cuisine is noted for a diverse array of rice & coconut specialties, seafood, herbs, spices, seasonal vegetables and fruits, and, of course, legumes.
Food is considered with gratitude, love, and generosity in Sri Lankan culture, demonstrated by sharing with others. Sri Lankans love sharing their food with their neighbors, family, and friends, and food baskets frequently accompany house visits. Some foods, as well as the techniques for preparing them, are unique to the locality.
The key to sustaining a traditional Sri Lanka food culture is the transgenerational food and food ingredients knowledge transmission, which is intertwined with maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
A well-balanced diet is a key to staying healthy. Sri Lankan foods, apart from their deliciousness, are also quite healthy.
Here we’ve compiled the following list of the top 10 Sri Lankan foods to maintain a healthy body:
Note: If you are in the UK, you can get all of these foods or their ingredients delivered to your doorstep vis Monzoon Sri Lankan groceries.
1- Gotu Kola Sambol
A popular Sri Lankan salad is Gotu kola Sambol, a herby coconut salad. It’s an excellent complement to rich, spicy foods.
It is one of the healthiest salads in Sri Lankan cuisine because it is prepared with coconut and Gotu kola. Both are quite healthy ingredients. Coconut, which is high in fiber and MCTs, may provide various health benefits, including better heart health, control of blood sugar, support digestion, and weight loss.
Gotu kola has long been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. Practitioners consider it to have antibacterial, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-depressant, and memory-enhancing properties.
2- Polos Curry
Polos (jackfruit curry) is one of the famous curries of Sri Lankan cuisine. It is a dish made from unripe, young jackfruit, chopped into cubes, and cooked in a rich spice blend.
Jackfruit is a nutritious fruit. It contains a good quantity of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants while also low in calories. Due to its texture, it is frequently used as a meat alternative. So Polos curry is a vegan and vegetarian favorite.
3- Wambatu Moju
Wambatu Moju or pickled Sri Lankan Eggplants are spicy, tangy, delicious, and quite healthy. Because eggplants are a nutrient-dense food, they are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals and are low in calories. Additionally, eggplants contain other nutrients such as niacin, magnesium, and copper. Along with providing essential nutrients, eggplants are high in antioxidants. Antioxidants assist in the body’s defense against free radical damage and lower the risk of heart disease.
4- Dhal Curry
Dal, also known as parippu, is a mainstay of Sri Lankan cuisine. It’s a simple dish with a lot of flavor and nutrition.
Lentils are high in fiber, magnesium, and folate, all of which contribute to a healthy heart. Magnesium helps the body’s blood, oxygen, and nutrient flow. Folate lowers the risk of cardiac disease by preventing arterial wall damage.
5- Kiribath
Kiribath is a unique rice dish made with coconut milk. This is the ultimate comfort food which can be prepared with red or white rice.
Coconut milk may improve digestion, enhance the immunological and nervous systems, and keep your heart healthy. Kiribath is high in fiber so have a bowl of this to fill your stomach and leave you with a sensation of pure heartwarming delight.
6- Sour Fish Curry
Sour fish curry or Ambul thiyal is one of the most popular fish curries in Sri Lanka. Made with cubes of firm fish, usually tuna.
Fish is one of the world’s healthiest foods. It’s high in protein and vitamin D, among other nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and body and have been linked to a lower risk of numerous diseases.
7- Appams
Appams (sometimes called “palappams”) is delicious, lacy, and fluffy hoppers prepared with fermented ground rice and coconut batter. It is a popular and nutritious breakfast option high in probiotics, carbs, good fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, all of which contribute to overall health. They’re also gluten-free and vegan. Its low-calorie content helps prevent obesity and maintain good health.
8- Mangosteen
Mangosteen is a deep purple fruit that has translucent pulpy segments. You can find this seasonal fruit being sold along the roadside in Sri Lanka (mostly between July and September). You should try one because it is low in calories and includes a range of vital vitamins, minerals, and fiber. These nutrients are necessary for your body to perform a variety of functions.
9- Wood Apple
A delectable Southeast Asian fruit, Wood apple is another popular Sri Lankan food. This coconut-sized fruit has a hard shell. A brown paste is enclosed within the shell and can be eaten directly from it. It is often consumed as a thick smoothie.
Wood apples are considered a “Superfood.” High fiber, copper, vitamin C, zinc, calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and manganese. It is beneficial for digestion, blood sugar regulation, and energy boost. It aids in blood purification and toxin elimination from the liver and kidneys.
Wood apples are also beneficial in the treatment of respiratory problems. It also relieves sore throats and coughs.
10- Ranawara
Ranawara tea is a famous herbal tea in Sri Lanka because of its numerous health benefits. This tea is caffeine-free. You can drink it to help your body get rid of toxins and stay hydrated naturally. It also improves blood circulation and purifies the blood, recognized for regulating blood sugar levels. It is a popular herbal tea that promotes clear skin, reduces body odor, and reduces body heat. Overall it helps to live a healthy life.
To Sum Up…
As we now know, Sri Lankan food has several health benefits where at the same time not compromising on the taste. Try Sri Lankan food when every you get the chance ad spread the valuable information around.
