Food In Sigiriya

Food History of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, renowned for its ancient rock fortress, is a place where visitors can delve into the rich culinary traditions of Sri Lanka. The history of food around Sigiriya is tied closely to that of ancient Ceylon, where agriculture played a pivotal role. The area around Sigiriya has been a fertile ground for growing various crops due to its lush environment. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is characterized by its aromatic spices, rice cultivations, and coconut plantations which are abundant in the region.

The iconic Rock Fortress itself, believed to have been built in the 5th century by King Kashyapa, may have been home to advanced agricultural and culinary practices. Archaeologists have found evidence of well-planned gardens and water systems, indicating a sophisticated understanding of cultivation that would have supported the production of diverse food ingredients used in local dishes.

Over the centuries, Sri Lankan cuisine has been influenced by various cultures including Indonesian, Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arab, and Indian, which have all added complexity to the country's culinary landscape. While Sigiriya does not have its own unique dishes separate from the broader country, it offers a local experience of Sri Lanka's traditional food.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka for Tourists

1. Rice and Curry (Non-Veg/Veg) - A staple meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries made from meat, fish or vegetables.
2. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) (Veg) - A traditional breakfast dish, these are steamed rice flour noodles served with curry or sambal.
3. Kottu Roti (Non-Veg/Veg) - A popular street food dish made with chopped flatbread (roti) and stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and sometimes meat or cheese.
4. Hoppers (Appa) (Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with coconut sambol or a fried egg in the middle.
5. Pol Sambol (Veg) - A spicy coconut relish made with shredded coconut, red onions, dried chili, lime juice, and spices.
6. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry, where fish is cut into cubes and sautéed with a blend of spices including dried goraka.
7. Dhal Curry (Veg) - A fragrant and hearty dish made from lentils cooked with coconut milk and spices, it’s a staple accompaniment to rice.
8. Wood Apple Juice (Veg) - A tangy beverage made from the pulp of the wood apple fruit, blended with sugar or honey and water.
9. Watalappan (Veg) - A delicious custard dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg.
10. Mallung (Veg) - A dish of chopped greens, often kale, cabbage or gotu kola, mixed with coconut and seasoned with garlic and red onions.

Top Famous Restaurants in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

Chuti Restaurant

Address: Sigiriya Rd, Sigiriya

Famous Food: Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg)

Gedara Restaurant

Address: Inamaluwa - Sigiriya Road, Sigiriya

Famous Food: String Hoppers with Curry (Veg)

Ahinsa Restaurant

Address: Main Road, Sigiriya

Famous Food: Hoppers (Appa) (Veg)

Wijesiri Family Restaurant

Address: Sigiriya Road, Kimbissa

Famous Food: Kottu Roti (Non-Veg/Veg)

Croissant Hut

Address: Kimbissa, Sigiriya

Famous Food: Pol Sambol with Hoppers (Veg)

Pradeep Restaurant

Address: No. 05, Sigiriya Road, Sigiriya

Famous Food: Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour fish curry) (Non-Veg)

Note that the distinction between vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes is based on common preparations, but many restaurants will offer variations that can cater to different dietary preferences or restrictions.