Food In Jaffna

Food History of Jaffna, Sri Lanka

The cuisine of Jaffna is deeply rooted in the Tamil culture and is influenced by the historical trade connections with South India. Jaffna's food has a distinctive taste that stems from the unique blend of spices and use of locally sourced ingredients. The cuisine was also influenced by the Dutch and Portuguese periods, which introduced new cooking methods and ingredients, giving rise to a fusion of flavors that are unique to the region. The Jaffna peninsula is abundant with seafood and tropical produce, making these key ingredients in their culinary practices. Coconut milk and tamarind also play a pivotal role in their dishes, adding a rich dimension to the flavors.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

1. Jaffna Crab Curry - This spicy curry is made with a variety of local spices and often highlights the freshness of the region's seafood. (Non-Veg)
2. Kool - A hearty seafood broth made with a mixture of crab, fish, cuttlefish, prawns and long beans, combined with palmyrah root flour. (Non-Veg)
3. Murukku - A crunchy snack made of rice flour, urad dal flour, cumin seeds, and carom seeds, which is deep-fried until golden brown. (Veg)
4. Odiyal Kool - A variant of Kool which is a thick soup made with odiyal flour and mixed seafood. (Non-Veg)
5. Dosai - A type of thin pancake made from a fermented batter of ground rice and lentils, often served with spicy sambol or curry. (Veg)
6. Brinjal Pahi - Eggplants cooked in a thick, spicy and sweetish tamarind sauce. (Veg)
7. Idiyappam - Also known as string hoppers, these are made from rice flour dough pressed into noodle form and then steamed. (Veg)
8. Pittu - A combination of ground rice layered with grated coconut and then steamed in a bamboo steamer. (Veg)
9. Rasam - A spicy soup usually made from tamarind juice as the base, with the addition of tomato, chili pepper, pepper, cumin and other spices as seasonings. (Veg)
10. Watalappan - A sweet custard pudding made of coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, various spices including cardamom, and sometimes even cloves and nutmeg. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Jaffna, Sri Lanka

• Mangos Indian Veg & Non-Veg Restaurant
  Address: 359, Temple Road, Jaffna
  Famous Food: Crab curry, Murukku (Non-Veg/Veg)
• Malayan Cafe
  Address: 135 Hospital Road, Jaffna
  Famous Food: Dosai and traditional Tamil meals (Veg)
• Cosy Restaurant
  Address: 15 Stanley Road, Jaffna
  Famous Food: Traditional Jaffna meals and seafood (Non-Veg)
• Green Grass Hotel & Restaurant
  Address: No. 33 Aseervatham Lane, Hospital Rd, Jaffna
  Famous Food: Pittu with spicy curries (Veg)
• Jetwing Jaffna
  Address: 37 Mahatma Gandhi Road, Jaffna
  Famous Food: Various fusion foods including Jaffna prawn curry (Non-Veg)