Sigiriya Frescoes and Food History
The Sigiriya Frescoes are an iconic historical treasure in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. While they themselves are not related to food, they provide an insight into the rich cultural heritage of the country, which has a long-standing tradition of farming and cooking. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is influenced by various factors including geography, historical trade routes, and colonial occupation. The dishes are renowned for their use of rice, spices, fruits, and a variety of vegetables, reflecting the island's abundant natural resources and spice gardens that would've been present during the era of the Sigiriya fortress.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- Dhal Curry (Veg) - A staple dish prepared with red lentils, spices, and coconut milk.
- Pol Sambol (Veg) - A spicy condiment made with grated coconut, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt.
- Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg) - The quintessential Sri Lankan meal with a serving of rice accompanied by various curry dishes.
- Kottu (Non-Veg) - A street-food favorite consisting of shredded roti bread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and optional meats.
- Hoppers (Appa) (Veg/Non-Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, with or without an egg in the center.
Vegetable Roti (Veg) - Flatbread filled with spicy cooked vegetables, often served as a snack or quick meal.
- Wambatu Moju (Eggplant/Aubergine Pickle) (Veg) - A sweet and spicy pickled eggplant dish.
- String Hoppers (Idiyappam) (Veg) - Steamed rice noodle patties, usually served with curry.
- Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry) (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry unique to Sri Lankan cuisine, using dried goraka.
- Wood Apple Juice (Veg) - A beverage made from the pulp of wood apples, a common tropical fruit in Sri Lanka.
Top Famous Restaurants in Sigiriya
Ahara Gourmet Gallery
Address: No 122, Back of Beyond, Sigiriya 21120, Sri Lanka
Famous for: Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg)
Chooti Restaurant
Address: Sigiriya Road, Kimbissa, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Famous for: Kottu (Non-Veg)
Wijesiri Family Restaurant
Address: Inamaluwa-Sigiriya Road, Sigiriya 21120, Sri Lanka
Famous for: Hoppers (Appa) (Veg/Non-Veg)
Gedara Resort & Restaurant
Address: Audangawa, Kashyapa Road, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
Famous for: Wood Apple Juice (Veg)
Rangiri Restaurant - Nearby Dambulla Cave Temple
Address: Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Famous for: Vegetable Roti (Veg)