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From the Portuguese to the Dutch, India and Sri Lanka have been colonized by many foreign countries for more than 100 years. However, colonization brought with it various changes in both the countries' demographic, cultural, and culinary spheres. But do you know that these countries have been responsible for similar changes in each other’s territories? By sharing borders with some South Indian states, Sri Lankan culinary heritage was profoundly impacted by South Indian flavours, ingredients, and cooking style.
Sri Lankan culinary heritage is deeply influenced by Kerala’s culinary culture. This influence is traced by historians to the 14th century when the Chera dynasty’s ruler brought the Pattini cult to Sri Lanka. Along with religious practices like the worship of Kannagi, the rule also brought with it cooking styles, preparation methods, and ingredients.
Apart from the rule, the countries also share similar geographical features which lead to common ingredients in both- Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine. Rice, coconut milk, and dates are some of the ingredients that are common in both cuisines. The sharing of these ingredients gives rise to similar dishes. Sri Lanka’s ‘Kithul Peni’ is almost similar to Kerala’s ‘Paani’- both made from palm syrup. Kerala’s ‘Ishtew’, which is a stew made with coconut milk is similar to Sri Lanka’s ‘Hodhi’ and is served with ‘Idiyappam’. Even the famous Kerala ‘Puttu’ has a Sri Lankan cousin which is called ‘Pittu’.
Sri Lankan locals also believe that Indians from South Indian regions like Thiruneliveli visited Sri Lanka for trading purposes and impacted the culinary heritage of the country largely. The spicy Sri Lankan food didn’t suit their palate and they brought ingredients with them to make authentic South Indian dishes like Vada, Dosa, and Idli. As the transportation charges bothered them, they started growing the ingredients needed to make these in Sri Lanka itself. And, gradually Sri Lankans saw new dishes from the Indian culinary culture and added them to their staple food list.
It is quite evident that India and Sri Lanka had intimate political, social, and historical connections even before the colonization began. With the frequent movement between both the countries, the bond strengthened and the countries started sharing similar culinary constituents too. However, it is remarkable that the culinary bond between both countries is still intact. And why not? After all, food is what connects places and people irrespective of existing polarities.
