The Culinary Palette of Bentota, Sri Lanka
Bentota, a serene coastal town in Sri Lanka, boasts a rich culinary heritage that seamlessly blends traditional Sri Lankan flavours with colonial influences. The proximity to the ocean ensures a fresh supply of seafood, while the agricultural hinterland contributes an abundance of tropical fruits, vegetables, and spices. Influences from the Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonizers, as well as the trade routes that brought Arabs, Malays, and Indians to the island, have contributed to a vibrant and diverse food culture.
Top 10 Food Dishes in Bentota
Here is a list of must-try dishes in Bentota, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian tastes:
- Rice and Curry - This staple dish is a vibrant ensemble of steamed rice served with various curries containing local vegetables, lentils, or seafood. (Non-Veg/Veg)
- Hoppers (Appa) - These bowl-shaped pancakes are made from fermented rice flour batter and are often served with sambol or curry. (Veg)
- Kottu Roti - A popular street food made by stir-frying chopped roti bread with vegetables, egg, and optionally meat or seafood. (Non-Veg/Veg)
- Seafood - Fresh catches like crabs, prawns, and fish are cooked in delectable curries or grilled to perfection. (Non-Veg)
- Vegetarian Kottu - A meat-free version of Kottu Roti, filled with vegetables and optionally cheese or egg for added flavor. (Veg)
- Dhal Curry (Parippu) - A creamy and comforting curry made with lentils, coconut milk, and a host of aromatic spices. (Veg)
- String Hoppers (Idiyappam) - Delicate nests of rice noodles, often served with kiri hodi (a coconut milk gravy) and sambol. (Veg)
- Pol Roti - Coconut flatbread often served for breakfast with lunu miris, a spicy onion relish. (Veg)
- Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) - A sweet and spicy pickled eggplant dish often paired with rice. (Veg)
- Fruit Juices - Abundant tropical fruits like mango, pineapple, and banana are used to make refreshing juices. (Veg)
Famous Restaurants in Bentota
Bentota offers a multitude of dining experiences, from beachside shacks to high-end restaurants. Below are some of the top restaurants that offer an authentic taste of the local cuisine:
- Malli's Seafood Restaurant
- Address: Pitaramba, Bentota
- Famous for: Grilled Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
- Golden Grill
- Address: National Holiday Resort, Bentota
- Famous for: Sri Lankan Rice and Curry (Non-Veg/Veg)
- Aida Restaurant
- Address: Aida Ayurveda & Holistic Health Resort, Bentota
- Famous for: Vegetarian Kottu (Veg)
- Amal Restaurant
- Address: Galle Rd, Bentota
- Famous for: Hoppers with Spicy Curry (Non-Veg/Veg)
- Pier 88 Nebula Restaurant
- Address: Aluthgama - Mathugama Rd, Bentota
- Famous for: Lobster Thermidor (Non-Veg)
- Fresco Seafood Restaurant
- Address: Bentota Bridge, Bentota
- Famous for: Crab Curry (Non-Veg)
- Diya Sisila Restaurant
- Address: Sooriyagoda, Bentota
- Famous for: Traditional Sri Lankan Buffet (Non-Veg/Veg)