Remember Kolamba, that cool joint in London? Back in 2019, when it first popped up in Soho, most folks strolling in had no clue about Sri Lankan food. Aushi Meewella, one of the restaurant’s founders, grew up in Sri Lanka and saw a gap in the food scene. She wanted to dish up the flavors from home that were missing in London.
Sri Lanka: A Bite-Sized Neighbor with a Big Culinary Scene
Despite being a tiny island next to India, Sri Lanka’s food and culture are a whole different story. And guess what? A fresh batch of Sri Lankan chefs and foodies worldwide are shining a spotlight on their cuisine, celebrating its diversity and deliciousness.
Tourism and Taste Buds
Meewalla gives props to tourism for boosting the love for Sri Lankan food. Even though a few hiccups like the pandemic and an economic crisis hit the country, tourists are flocking back. As Meewella says, “People visit, discover our island, and taste our food—and realize it’s absolutely scrumptious.”
Culinary Comeback with a Social Media Spin
Chef Dhayanie Williams, from “MasterChef Australia 2019,” points out how social media and shows like MasterChef have been major game-changers. Chefs sticking to their Sri Lankan roots on these platforms got everyone curious. And you know what happens next? People hit the restaurants, eager to try the real deal.
Beyond Curry: Sri Lankan Culinary Secrets
Sri Lankan cuisine isn’t just about curry and rice, despite what many think. Take Sri Lankan roti, for example. They’re smaller, thicker, and made with coconut and rice flour, unlike the big wheat rotis in India.
The Flavorful Fusion
The beauty of Sri Lankan cuisine lies in its mix of influences. It’s a tasty mash-up of ethnic cultures and even Dutch and Portuguese flavors from their colonial days. Dishes like mutton poriyal from the Tamil region and sweet Eid desserts like watalappam bring this culinary blend to life.
Plant-Powered Pleasures
What sets Sri Lankan cuisine apart? Its strong plant-based game! There are tons of vegan options that make it stand out globally. This isn’t some passing fad; it’s a way of life embedded in the culture. Sri Lankans have been using wild, organic goodies like jackfruit and yams for ages, blending them with spices and herbs for those unique flavors.
Coconut: The MVP of Sri Lankan Cuisine
Coconut rules the kitchen in Sri Lanka. From creamy coconut milk in curries to refreshing morning smoothies like kola kenda, coconut’s everywhere. And don’t forget the celebratory kiribath—a creamy coconut rice breakfast for special occasions.
Spice is Nice, But There’s More to It
People often think Sri Lankan food is all about spice, but there’s a whole orchestra of flavors at play. Sure, there’s chili, but there’s also coriander, black pepper, mustard seeds, and more. Chefs like Sam Fore are jazzing up familiar dishes like fried chicken with Sri Lankan spice blends.
Innovation and Tradition on a Plate
Chefs worldwide are putting their spin on Sri Lankan dishes. They’re keeping the original flavors alive while jazzing things up for a modern audience. At Curry Bowl in Zagreb, Croatia, Brian Senaratne simplified the menu for European diners and introduced them to Sri Lankan flavors in a friendly way.
The Future of Sri Lankan Food
So, what’s next? Sri Lankan cuisine is on the rise, and chefs like Fore believe it’s going to keep growing. With a dash of creativity and respect for tradition, Sri Lankan food might soon become everyone’s go-to craving. And who knows? Casual Sri Lankan joints could soon be the next big thing across America!
