Eating Local: Exploring Sri Lanka's Culinary Offerings

Sri Lanka has a lot of things going for it: beaches, culture, history and gorgeous people. The island is also home to some of the tastiest food you’ll ever put in your mouth. From spicy curry to sweet jaggery cake, there are plenty of options for anyone who enjoys exploring different flavors. However, as with many other places around the world, much of Sri Lanka’s traditional cuisine has been lost over time due to colonization and the pressures of modern life. If you’re interested in exploring Sri Lanka’s culinary offerings, there are several things you should do. First of all, take a look at the kinds of foods that the locals eat on a regular basis.

Traditional Sri Lankan Herbal Foods: A Guide to Healing Through Food

Diabetes, cholesterol, high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis etc. are prevalent in these times, many are looking for medicine pills. But since we started eating food, there are many kinds of medicines that grow naturally in our environment, but we don't care about them because we don't know about their benefits. Not only do you spend money on instant food, but it also causes various diseases. But because our ancestors knew the importance of this, they did not have such diseases. They were inspired to grow these crops in almost every home garden, and they collected them for food. So, they lived healthy. It is possible to prevent such diseases from occurring before looking for alternative medicine.

thampala [Amaranthus viridis]- as well as called Chinese spinach.

There are two types, red and green. Can be easily cultivated in any area. Can be planted in pots and used for decoration as well as food. In 20-25 days, the plant can be harvest and it will grow again from the cut place. A cold hardy plant. Prevents constipation. Destroys colon cancer cells. Purifies urine. Eliminates sweat odor. Has antioxidant properties. It is good for osteoporosis because it is rich in calcium. Vitamin A is abundant.

Thebu [Cheilocostus speciosus]

Do you know that this plant, which is planted in pots and kept as a beautiful flower for home decoration, is a very valuable herb. Although it is found almost everywhere in rural areas, it is not used by many who do not know its value. In this time of diabetes, it can be prepared as a sambol and added to the food along with other types of food to balance the blood sugar level. Sri Lankan villagers believe that by drinking porridge prepared with rice once a week, it has the ability to control diabetes. Also, the leaves can be finely chopped and dried and drunk as tea. They also believe that it can cure gastric diseases, especially for acid reflux [amla pitta]. This is a fiber rich food which is more beneficial for hemorrhoids. They believe that it can protect the mucous membrane of the intestines and cure constipation. And they grind and apply these for gouty pain.  

Sarana [Trianthema portulacastrum] - family name- Aizoaceae

There are three types of saran leaves which are most popular since ancient times, white, red and maha sarana. It can be prepared as a vegetable and a delicious curry with lentils or jackfruit. There is no need for a specific place to cultivate this. Anyone living in any country can easily meet their nutrient requirements by growing this.  sarana leaves, which contains a lot of potassium, has the ability to control high blood pressure.

It also has the ability to destroy toxins in the blood. Also, eating saran cures various skin diseases like eczema, itching etc. Saran, which has the ability to cool the body, prevents the formation of stones in the bladder. It also prevents swelling of the joints. It is very beneficial for Phlegm. Energizing because it is a protein-rich food.

Pethi thora [Cassia tora]- as well as called Sickle Senna

By growing this plant in front of the houses, which blooms a beautiful yellow flower, it is possible to make a beautiful and delicious paste or curry and it is a powerful herb for insect bites and swelling. Eating green leaves prevent the phlegm of people with common colds. Even western doctors recommend it especially because of its blood purifying properties. Controls cholesterol and makes the heart healthy. It can also control diabetes. It is also used as an herb in skin diseases like eczema and rash.

Neeramulliya [Hydrophilia spinosa, Hydrophilia auriculata]

It is an herb for many diseases and grows in any area near water. It can be grown in a place with water or in a pot with mud. It is used to produce herbs. It is a proven remedy for urinary tract ailments. Prevents the formation of bladder stones. It is a medicine for urinary inflammation, less urination, etc. It reduces the risk of fatty deposits in the liver. It is believed to be an effective herb for arthritis. It is a food rich in vitamin E and potassium with antioxidant properties.

Kirihenda [Celosia argentea L.] as well as called cockscomb.

A must-have plant in Sri Lankan gardens. A potted plant in urban areas. Grows well in a soil mixture mixed with organic fertilizers. It is also the best food for consumption. Coconut, garlic, red onion and green chilies are ground together and cooked in milk; it is delicious as a curry.  

Very beneficial for diseases like night blindness. Prevents constipation. Purifies the blood and prevents skin diseases. Brightens the skin.

Karal murunga [ Moringa Oleifera] as well as called drumstick.

Moringa contains calcium, potassium, carotene. A cup of leaf juice is believed to have the properties of 80 milk glasses. Because it contains vitamin C, it is in a strong place in terms of anti-oxidation. It is believed to have the ability to destroy cancer cells in organs such as the liver. Good for gastritis or acid reflux. Balances the blood sugar level and blood pressure. Facilitates digestion and helps in the development of teeth and bones. The leaves can be dried and drunk instead of tea, thus helping to develop mental health in a stressful society. Moringa pod stew is also delicious and rich in iron. It is a type of plant that can be grown in the garden and consumed at home instead of buying it from the market.

Karamkoku [Acrostichum aureum]

A type of fern, this plant grows in cold areas near water. A naturally growing bushy plant. Thrives in areas with abundant shade in a saline soil mix. A food rich in vitamins A and C. High in fiber. Good for stomach diseases as it makes digestion efficient. Lankan rural women are keen to add this vegetable when cooking types of Fish That Can Trigger Gout because of its cold properties. It is very good to add these to the diet in every household in these times when diabetes is prevalent.

Gotukola [Centella asiatica] as well as called pennywort.

It can be grown in any area using organic fertilizers and can be easily grown in pots or in a sunny place. Gotukola has been in high demand since the past because of its high quality.

It is also widely grown in the Himalayan regions of countries like India and the ascetics of the Himalayan Forest have been eating these since tens of thousands of years. It is because they know that this plant is very beneficial to increase their meditation power. It increases immunity power. Contains vitamin A. Diseases related to the nervous system can be prevented. It has a powerful ability to kill toxins in the blood. Reduces hypertension. Can preserve skin color. Prevents skin diseases. Sri Lankan villagers used to mix rice with gotukola and boil it to drink because they believed that it would prevent worm diseases. They also strongly believed that by grinding a handful of gotukola and squeezing the juice without adding water, drinking the juice on an empty stomach would improve memory.

❗ This post does not provide medical advice it is intended for informational purposes only. It is not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on this site. 

When you think of a tropical paradise, the last thing that comes to mind is its food. Well, we’re here to tell you that’s an oversight you need to correct as soon as possible. Indian, African, and Chinese colonists have each left their mark on Sri Lankan cuisine, which has given rise to a melting pot of flavors. So, if you’re ready for your taste buds to embark on a journey of flavor discovery, read on for some insider tips on where and how to eat like a local in Sri Lanka – no matter how short or long your stay.