Food In Popham S Arboretum

Food History of Popham's Arboretum, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Popham's Arboretum is not typically known for its food history, as it is a nature reserve. This peaceful sanctuary is named after Sam Popham who founded it in 1963, celebrating the dry-zone flora and fauna. However, the general area of Dambulla has a rich culinary history influenced by its cultural diversity and agricultural abundance. The food reflects Sinhalese, Tamil, and Moor traditions, with rice and curry being the staple. Spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg, which grow in the region, are fundamental to the local cuisine.

Top 10 Food Dishes to Try at Popham's Arboretum, Dambulla

• Dhal Curry (Veg): A staple dish made of red lentils, coconut milk, and spices.
• Polos Curry (Veg): A savory curry made from young jackfruit, cooked with spices.
• Gotu Kola Sambol (Veg): A spicy salad made with finely chopped gotu kola leaves, shallots, and grated coconut.
• Kokis (Veg): A crispy, deep-fried pastry made from rice flour, often enjoyed during festivities.
• Wambatu Moju (Veg): An eggplant pickle that’s sweet, sour, and very flavorful.
• Kottu Roti (Non-Veg): Chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, stir-fried with spices. Vegetarian versions are also available.
• Chicken Curry (Non-Veg): A rich and spicy curry that is often enjoyed with rice or bread.
• Parippu (Veg): A creamy lentil curry made with red lentils, coconut milk, and turmeric.
• Hoppers (Veg): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with chutneys or curry.
• Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg): A sour fish curry uniquely flavored with dried goraka fruit.

Famous Restaurants Near Popham's Arboretum, Dambulla

Athula Restaurant

Address: Kandalama Road, Dambulla
Famous Dish: Vegetable Kottu (Veg)

Mango Mango Restaurant

Address: Sigiriya Road, Inamaluwa, Dambulla
Famous Dish: Pineapple Curry (Veg)

Rangiri Dambulla Restaurant

Address: Kandy Road, Dambulla
Famous Dish: Sri Lankan Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg) - Typically served with a variety of vegetable and meat curries.

Chooti Restaurant

Address: Sigiriya Road, Dambulla
Famous Dish: Chicken Curry (Non-Veg)

Please note, the term "Non-Veg" used in this context denotes dishes that contain meat, excluding beef, in line with the request to avoid cow non-veg food.