Sri Lankan cuisine is a unique combination of indigenous culinary traditions and influences from various cultures that have visited or colonized the island over the years, such as Indian, Chinese, Dutch, Portuguese, and British.
Sri Lankan cuisine shares many similarities to Indian, Chinese, or Thai cuisine, with white rice as its primary staple.
But what sets Sri Lankan cooking apart is the unique blend of spices, ingredients, and cooking techniques used in preparation.
Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its generous use of spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cumin, coriander, fennel, mustard seeds, pandan leaves, curry leaves, and lemongrass.
Listed Below Are The 5 Best Places To Enjoy Sri Lankan Foods In Dubai
Cinnamon Tree Restaurant
Cinnamon Tree Restaurant in Dubai has earned a well-deserved reputation for serving some of the finest Sri Lankan cuisines in town.
This restaurant provides an exquisite selection of appetizers, main courses, desserts, and beverages that will surely please any craving for authentic Sri Lankan flavors.
Cinnamon Tree restaurant boasts an expansive menu that caters to seafood enthusiasts, vegetarians, and meat eaters alike.
The chefs have skillfully created their dishes with delicious flavors in mind for maximum customer satisfaction.
Thushanis
Thushanis is a beloved Sri Lankan eatery located in the Discovery Garden area of Dubai.
The restaurant is renowned for its wide selection of authentic Sri Lankan dishes such as mains, salads, appetizers, and beverages.
The restaurant provides a casual and comfortable dining experience, making it popular with families, friends, and colleagues.
At Thushanis Restaurant, customers have the option of enjoying curries, sambol, rice, or brown rice it.
The lunch menu has become a favorite among regular restaurant patrons due to its affordability and delicious range of Sri Lankan flavors.
Lakwil
Lakwil is a Sri Lankan restaurant in Dubai that has become an increasingly popular dining spot for those wanting to sample the unique flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine.
The restaurant’s menu offers an exciting blend of tastes from across Sri Lankan culinary traditions.
Lakwil offers hot butter cuttlefish, a dish beloved by both locals and visitors for its crispy texture and spicy sauce.
Sri Lankan mud crab curries are hearty dishes cooked using traditional Sri Lankan spices and ingredients.
Chef Lanka
Chef Lanka is a popular Sri Lankan buffet restaurant located in Al Karama, Dubai, known for its delicious and authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
The restaurant is particularly popular among locals and Sri Lankan ex-pats looking for a taste of home.
Chef Lanka’s menu offers spicy delicacies that satisfy even the most discerning palate.
Chef Lanka’s standout dish is the prawn kothu, a spicy stir-fried dish made with chopped flatbread, vegetables, and prawns.
Fish curry, cooked with a blend of Sri Lankan spices and served with rice or appams.
Red Box
Red Box is a popular Sri Lankan restaurant located in Dubai that offers delicious and affordable Sri Lankan cuisine.
The restaurant is known for its extensive menu of spicy dishes that satisfy even the most adventurous palate.
Despite offering authentic and high-quality Sri Lankan cuisine, the prices at Red Box are reasonable and accessible for all.
Some of the most popular dishes at Red Box include chicken fried rice with devilled meat or vegetables, which is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
The restaurant also offers a range of fiery foods such as hoppers, curries, and sambols; all served with rice or rotis.
Which Dish Is Dubai Renowned For?
Madrouba, an iconic traditional dish from the Arabian Gulf region, has become popular across many countries, such as Dubai, Bahrain, and Oman.
This dish consists of several ingredients, such as rice, garlic, onions, tomatoes, yogurt, and seasoning. It’s usually prepared with chicken but can also be made with fish or lamb bones crushed grains. The name comes from the Arabic word “darb,” meaning to hit or pound; these components are pounded together to create a creamy porridge-like consistency.
Which Sri Lankan Dish Is The Most Famous?
Parippu, commonly referred to as dhal curry in Sri Lankan cuisine, is a ubiquitous component of everyday Sri Lankan households and restaurants.
Masoor dhal is the main component of this dish, made with split red lentils that have been rinsed and boiled until soft.
These lentils are then combined with various spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, garlic, onions, and curry leaves for flavoring.
The mixture is then simmered until it reaches a thick and creamy consistency. Some variations of parippu also include adding coconut milk for an even richer and creamier dish.
What Is Dubai’s National Dish?
Khuzi (also spelled ghuzi) is the national dish of the United Arab Emirates and a popular and traditional meal enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike.
This dish is a complete and satisfying meal that features roasted lamb or mutton served over rice, topped with vegetables and nuts.
The lamb or mutton is marinated in various spices and seasonings, such as cardamom, cinnamon, and turmeric, before being roasted until tender and juicy.
Is Sri Lankan Cuisine Considered Healthy?
The traditional Sri Lankan plate showcases the country’s distinctive culinary heritage. It usually consists of rice – the staple food – along with various curries and sides.
Sri Lankan cuisine is predominantly pescatarian, with seafood as a key component.
Additionally, there’s an emphasis on using vegetables, lentils, and grains – making this a mostly plant-based meal option.
Curries and sides from Sri Lanka often include coconut milk, which provides healthy fats. Coconut oil is another common element used in cooking that has long been recognized for its numerous health benefits.
Conclusion
Sri Lankan cuisine has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in Dubai, with numerous restaurants serving traditional dishes to both locals and visitors alike.
This cuisine stands out due to its distinct blend of spices and cooking methods that set it apart from other Asian cuisines.
Sri Lankan food in Dubai offers a diverse selection of dishes to please everyone’s palate – from fiery curries to flavorful biryanis. No matter what your preference is for a dish, Sri Lankan cuisine has something for everyone.
Sri Lankan cuisine boasts an abundance of seafood, plant-based ingredients, and healthy fats – making it a nutritious and balanced option for those seeking delicious meals.
