Sri Lanka, being an island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean, boasts an abundance of fresh seafood that is incorporated into its cuisine. With a history of fishing that spans thousands of years, Sri Lanka has developed a rich culinary heritage that prominently features seafood. From spicy curries to grilled fish, there is a wide range of seafood dishes to choose from in Sri Lankan cuisine. Many of these dishes showcase the island's unique blend of spices and herbs, which give them a distinct flavour and aroma. In this article, we will explore the best Sri Lankan seafood dishes, their ingredients, preparation, and cultural significance. Get ready to take your taste buds on a journey through the flavours of Sri Lanka's rich seafood culinary heritage.
Ambulthiyal
Ambulthiyal is a signature dish of Sri Lanka, made with fish and a blend of spices, including black pepper, cinnamon, and turmeric. The fish used in this dish is typically a firm and meaty variety, such as tuna or shark. The fish is first cut into small pieces and marinated with a mixture of salt and turmeric before being fried until crispy. The fried fish is then mixed with a spice paste made from roasted spices, including black pepper, cinnamon, cloves, and fennel seeds, as well as garlic, ginger, and curry leaves. The spice mixture is simmered with tamarind juice and water until it thickens into a rich, tangy sauce. The fried fish is then added to the sauce and simmered until it absorbs the flavours of the spices and becomes tender. The resulting dish is a flavourful and aromatic blend of spices, tangy tamarind, and tender fish, making it a must-try dish for seafood lovers visiting Sri Lanka.
Prawn Curry
Sri Lankan prawn curry, also known as 'isso baduma' in Sinhalese, is a popular seafood dish that is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine. This dish is made with succulent prawns cooked in a spicy coconut-based curry. The prawns are marinated in a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, including turmeric, coriander, cumin, and fennel. The curry is then made by sautéing onions, garlic, and ginger in coconut oil before adding the spice blend and cooking until fragrant. Coconut milk is then added to the pot along with tamarind paste, curry leaves, and pandan leaves, giving the dish a unique tangy and sweet taste. The prawns are then added to the curry and simmered until they are cooked through and coated in a flavourful sauce. Sri Lankan prawn curry is typically served with rice or bread, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
Cuttlefish Curry
Sri Lankan cuttlefish curry is a flavourful and aromatic seafood dish that is popular among locals and visitors alike. The dish typically features tender and succulent cuttlefish cooked in a rich and fragrant curry sauce, made with a blend of spices, coconut milk, onion, garlic, ginger, and other aromatics. The dish is usually served with steaming hot rice and garnished with fresh herbs like coriander or curry leaves. The spicy and tangy taste of the curry sauce complements the tender and delicate texture of the cuttlefish, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
One of the key ingredients in Sri Lankan cuttlefish curry is the use of curry powder, which is a blend of ground spices that include coriander, cumin, fennel, turmeric, and other flavourful ingredients. The curry powder adds a depth of flavour and complexity to the dish, along with a beautiful golden hue. In addition to the curry powder, the dish also features other aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and onion, which are sautéed until fragrant and then simmered with coconut milk to create a rich and creamy sauce.
Fish Bun
Fish bun is a popular snack in Sri Lanka that is made with a soft, fluffy bread roll filled with a mixture of spiced fish and vegetables. The filling typically includes pieces of cooked fish, onions, green chillies, and spices like turmeric, chilli powder, and cumin. Sometimes, potatoes and carrots are also added to the filling. The bread dough is usually made with a combination of flour, yeast, sugar, and salt and is left to rise before being shaped into individual rolls. The rolls are then filled with the fish mixture and baked until golden brown. Fish buns are a great on-the-go snack and are commonly found in bakeries and street food stalls throughout Sri Lanka. They are often enjoyed with a cup of tea or as a quick meal on their own.
Seafood Kottu
Seafood kottu is a popular Sri Lankan street food that combines chopped roti, vegetables, and seafood, such as prawns, squid, and fish. This dish is cooked on a hot griddle with a pair of metal blades, creating a distinctive sound as the ingredients are chopped and mixed together. The dish is then blended with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, as well as chilli peppers, garlic, and ginger.
The seafood used in kottu can vary depending on availability and personal preference. Prawns are a common addition to seafood kottu, and are often cooked with the shell on to add extra flavour to the dish. Squid and cuttlefish are also popular options and are usually cut into small pieces to blend in with the other ingredients. Fish, such as tuna or mackerel, can also be added to seafood kottu, either in small chunks or in the form of fish cutlets.
Along with seafood, vegetables are also an important part of this dish. Common vegetables used in seafood kottu include carrots, onions, leeks, and cabbage. Some variations also include greens like spinach or kale. These vegetables are sautéed until they are soft and tender and are then mixed with the chopped roti and seafood.
Seafood kottu is typically served with a spicy coconut chutney, which helps balance out the heat from the chilli peppers. The chutney is made with grated coconut, chilli peppers, garlic, and lime juice, and can be customised to be as mild or as spicy as the diner prefers.
Seeni Sambol (with fish)
Seeni sambol is a sweet and spicy onion relish that is a popular condiment in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is usually served as a side dish or a condiment with rice and curry dishes. However, when paired with fish, it takes on a whole new dimension. The combination of the sweet and spicy flavours of seeni sambol perfectly complements the mild and delicate taste of fish.
To serve, the crispy fish is laid on a bed of steaming hot rice, and a generous dollop of seeni sambol is spooned over the top. The result is a mouthwatering and flavourful dish that is sure to satisfy any seafood lover.
Deviled Fish
Deviled fish is a popular Sri Lankan seafood dish that is typically made with a spicy and tangy sauce. The dish is usually made with firm fish, such as tuna or kingfish, cut into bite-sized pieces and fried until crispy on the outside. The sauce is made with a blend of spices and seasonings, including chilli powder, garlic, ginger, curry leaves, and vinegar, which is added to the fried fish and stir-fried until the fish is coated evenly. The result is a deliciously spicy and flavourful dish that can be served with steamed rice, bread, or roti. Deviled fish is a favourite among seafood lovers in Sri Lanka and is often served at special occasions and family gatherings.
Spicy Fish Fry
Spicy fish fry is a popular seafood dish in Sri Lanka that features crispy fried fish pieces coated in a blend of aromatic spices. The fish used in this dish is usually a firm and meaty variety like tuna or kingfish, which is first marinated with a mixture of spices like turmeric, chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and garlic. The marinated fish is then shallow-fried in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. The resulting dish is packed with bold taste and a fiery kick from the chilli powder, making it a favourite among those who enjoy spicy food. Spicy fish fry is often served as an appetiser or snack and pairs well with a cold beer or refreshing lime soda.
Fish Biryani
Sri Lankan fish biryani is a delicious rice dish that is popular across the island nation. It is a spiced rice dish that combines fragrant basmati rice with a variety of spices and fresh fish. Some of the key ingredients used in Sri Lankan fish biryani include fresh fish, basmati rice, onions, ginger, garlic, tomatoes, and a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and chilli powder. The dish is typically garnished with fried onions, cashews, and raisins, which add a crunchy texture and a touch of sweetness to the dish.
When it comes to taste, Sri Lankan fish biryani is known for its complex blend of flavours that come from the various spices used in the dish. The tender chunks of fish are perfectly seasoned and are complemented by the fragrant, fluffy rice that has been infused with the aroma of the spices. The garnishes of fried onions, cashews, and raisins add crunch and sweetness to the dish, balancing out the spiciness of the biryani.
In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a haven for seafood lovers, with a vast variety of dishes to satisfy every palate. From the spicy and tangy flavours of ambulthiyal to the creamy richness of prawn curry, the savoriness of cuttlefish curry, and the delectable taste of fish biryani, Sri Lankan seafood cuisine is an experience in itself. The island nation's blend of spices, herbs, and fresh seafood creates a unique flavour that is hard to replicate anywhere else in the world. Whether you're a traveller looking to explore the local cuisine or a foodie seeking new flavours, Sri Lankan seafood is definitely worth a try.