Recommended Sri Lankan food experiences

Curry Leaf at Hilton Colombo boasts a wide array of local favourites. If you’re thinking of hitting the Colombo town in search of a truly home-grown feast, then rest assured you will find what you’re looking for at the Curry Leaf. You can select from varied preparations of rice and noodles, fresh hoppers made plain or with a hearty egg, string-hoppers of red or white flour, kottu roti chopped up then and there to your choice, or pittu, to name just a few. The plentiful seafood dishes include a variety of fish, cuttlefish, prawns and crabs. There is a range of vegetarian options as well. Among the luscious dessert spread are local sweetmeats, curd with treacle, and ice cream. Open for dinner seven days a week, the all-you-can-eat seafood buffet is an experience not to be missed as the Curry Leaf's expert chefs prepare the catch of the day.

Kaema Sutra on the fourth floor at Shangri-La Hotel Colombo specialises in adding a contemporary touch to delicious Sri Lankan cuisine. The ambience is stunning, with traditional motifs and colourful masks complementing the modern interior. Bamboo poles fill the length of the ceiling while the bar is surrounded by large busts of elephants, both features adding an element of geometric elegance to the restaurant. Perhaps the most wonderful feature of the restaurant is the open-air terrace overlooking the immense Indian Ocean. Thus, sunsets at Kaema Sutra are a never-to-be missed experience, especially with one of their creative cocktails in hand and tapas to add some crunch. Kaema Sutra is one of the best social hotspots in Colombo with DJ music from 5pm onwards and live entertainment such as saxophone performances by Saxo Pete every Thursday to Monday from 8pm to 9.30pm. The much-loved and sophisticated street food, with a twist of authentic Sri Lankan culinary flavours are the highlight of the menu. The phenomenal size hoppers with soft centres and crispy edges are a popular must-try. The two-egg hopper and sweet Pani Appa with a sprinkle of strawberries and cream are highly recommended. Don’t forget to try the all-new Black Hopper made with squid ink. Kottu lovers can treat their taste buds to the delectable varieties such as Crab, Barramundi or Australian Mutton kottu. Their signature lamprais, both mixed-meat as well as chicken, is made to order

Travel back in time to a traditional village in Sri Lanka at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand. The entire restaurant is centred around a Nuga tree (Banyan tree). Be greeted by the Arachchi (village headman) and explore the various elements that represent a village. There is a paddy field too! An ambala for a short rest, a village shop and a kitchen as well to see how Sri Lankan food is being made. All dishes served at Nuga Gama are authentic traditional Sri Lankan food and there is home made ginger beer too. So if you want to experience the flavours of Sri Lanka, head to Nuga Gama!

As the name suggests, the Sri Lankan Restaurant at Grand Oriental Hotel serves up a delicious array of Sri Lankan traditional meals. The experience is enhanced by the modern services available to the visitor. The interior features a traditional set up of a hut with a variety of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The ambience is warm and inviting and the ceiling features traditional and colourful motifs representing the heritage of the island.