Viharamahadevi Park Food History
Viharamahadevi Park, located in Colombo, is the oldest and largest park in the city, adjacent to the National Museum. While the park itself is not typically known specifically for its food history, it is a part of Colombo's rich culinary tapeform in a myriad of street food vendors, small eateries, and upscale restaurants in the vicinity. Colombo, being the bustling capital, is a melting pot of cultures, and this diversity is reflected in its food. From traditional Sri Lankan cuisine influenced by its South Indian neighbor and the historical impacts of Dutch, Portuguese, and British colonization, the area surrounding Viharamahadevi Park offers a gastronomic journey that tells the story of the island's multifaceted heritage.
Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Viharamahadevi Park
Here is a list of top 10 must-try dishes when you are visiting Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo:
- Kottu (Non-Veg): A quintessential Sri Lankan street food made from godhamba roti, vegetables, egg, and spices, often mixed with chicken or goat.
- Hoppers (Veg/Non-Veg options): Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour batter usually accompanied by a variety of sambols and curries.
- Vegetarian Curry Platter (Veg): An assortment of different vegetable curries served with rice or bread, offering a taste of the island’s spice-rich vegetarian dishes.
- Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg): A sour fish curry that is a hallmark of Sri Lankan cuisine, featuring a blend of spices and typically made with tuna.
- Lamprais (Non-Veg): A Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish which consists of rice, meat, and sambols wrapped in a banana leaf and baked, giving it a distinctive flavor.
- Dhal Curry (Veg): A staple in Sri Lankan meals, this simple yet flavorful curry is made with lentils and is both nutritious and comforting.
- Watalappan (Veg): A creamy and rich dessert, akin to custard, made from coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, and a variety of spices including cardamom and nutmeg.
- Pol Sambola (Veg): A fiery coconut relish made with grated coconut, chili, lime juice, and Maldive fish, often served as a condiment with rice and curries.
- String Hoppers (Veg): Steamed rice noodles formed into flat spirals, commonly served for breakfast with curry and sambol.
- Faluda (Veg): A chilled and sweet beverage that combines rose syrup, vermicelli, basil seeds, and jelly with milk, often topped with a scoop of ice cream.
Top Famous Restaurants in Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo
Please note that the restaurants listed are in proximity to the park since the park itself is more of a green space rather than a food hub. Here are a few famous restaurants around Viharamahadevi Park with their addresses and famous offerings:
-
Upali’s by Nawaloka
Address: 65 C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 00700
Famous Food: Sri Lankan Curry Platter (Veg/Non-Veg)
-
The Mango Tree
Address: 82 Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 00700
Famous Food: North Indian Thali (Veg/Non-Vestaurant and Dish Information
Details on top quaint eateries or luxurious dining experiences near Viharamahadevi Park can be found by visiting travel forums, consulting food blogs or guides, or asking locals for suggestions, as these spots may offer a well-curated selection of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes that reflect the area’s culinary diversity.