The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sri Lanka, has a rich and diverse culinary heritage that has evolved over centuries. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and then extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century, Galle Fort has been a melting pot of cultures and their respective culinary influences. The Dutch, Portuguese, British, Arab, Malay, and Moor traders have all left their mark on the local cuisine. As a result, you'll find a fusion of flavors here that include native Sinhalese cooking mixed with Dutch and Portuguese recipes, along with Malay and Arab influences. Staple ingredients commonly found include rice, coconut, and an array of spices, reflecting the island’s historical role as the center of the spice trade.