Food History of Maritime Archaeology Museum, Galle, Sri Lanka

The Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle does not have a specific food history of its own, as it primarily focuses on showcasing Sri Lanka's rich maritime past. However, the city of Galle, where the museum is located, has a culinary history that mirrors the island's diverse cultural influences – from Sinhalese and Tamil to Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonial eras. Galle's food has been influenced by the traders and colonizers who brought new ingredients and cooking methods, resulting in a vibrant, spice-rich cuisine. Here, one can trace the historical blend of native culinary traditions with those of the various merchants and settlers that ventured into the region over the centuries.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Galle, Sri Lanka

1. Hoppers (Appa) - A pancake-like dish made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with spicy sambol. (Veg/Non-Veg)
2. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) - Steamed rice noodle cakes, often served with curry. (Veg/Non-Veg)
3. Kottu Roti - Chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables and your choice of meat, and then stir-fried. (Veg/Non-Veg - usually made without beef)
4. Curry and Rice - A staple meal with a variety of curries, encompassing chicken, fish, or exclusively vegetarian options. (Veg/Non-Veg)
5. Dhal Curry (Parippu) - A flavorful lentil curry cooked with spices and coconut milk. (Veg)
6. Pol Sambol - A spicy coconut garnish made with grated coconut, red onions, chili powder, lime juice, and salt. (Veg)
7. Eggplant (Brinjal) Moju - A sweet and spicy pickled eggplant dish. (Veg)
8. Wambatu Curry - An eggplant curry with a blend of spices and coconut milk. (Veg)
9. Fish Ambul Thiyal - Sour fish curry, a signature dish from the southern coast, made using goraka. (Non-Veg)
10. Lamprais - A Dutch-Burgher influenced dish, rice is baked in a banana leaf with special curry, frikkadels (meatballs), and sambols. (Non-Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Galle, Sri Lanka

Lucky Fort Restaurant

Address: 7 Parawa Street, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Rice and Curry with a selection of ten different vegetable curries. (Veg)

A Minute by Tuk Tuk

Address: Old Dutch Hospital, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Seafood Platter, Negombo Prawn Curry. (Non-Veg)

The Pilgrim’s Lounge Café and Restaurant

Address: 26 Pilgrim’s Lane, Galle Fort, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Kottu Roti and a variety of traditional Sri Lankan curries. (Veg/Non-Veg)

Pedlar's Inn Cafe

Address: 92 Pedlar St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Grilled Sea Bass and Avocado and Tomato Salad. (Non-Veg/Veg)

Chambers Restaurant

Address: 40 Church Street, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Arabic mezze and Lampries. (Non-Veg)

Calorie Counter Galle Fort

Address: 70 Pedlar St, Galle 80000, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Healthy gourmet meal options with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices. (Veg/Non-Veg)

While dining around Galle, one should notice the common absence of beef dishes in respect to the Buddhist majority population that reveres cows. Instead, other proteins such as chicken, fish, and mutton are widely used in non-vegetarian dishes.