Visitors to Sri Lanka should make it a point to sample the island nation's unique cuisine. Sri Lankan cuisine offers interesting flavours and textures which never fail to amaze the taste buds of the visitor. Considered to be amongst South Asia's most complex culinary styles, the cuisine of the nation demonstrates the influences of the culinary traditions of South India and the former colonial powers, but retains its unique character. There are several dishes that are considered to be representative of the island's cookery which should be tried out by anyone wishing to sample authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Kiribath is a staple which is invariably seen at all auspicious occasions. This is rice cooked with freshly prepared coconut milk, and this festive preparation has a distinctive texture and taste. It is typically accompanied by chillie paste, jaggery (solidified treacle) and bananas. Boiled or steamed rice forms an essential part of a typical Sri Lankan meal and it is consumed with a selection of curries and accompaniments. Fish, meats and vegetables are all prepared as curries, and side dishes include chutneys, pickles and sambols (spicy accompaniments). Curries are liberally flavoured with green chillies, chopped onions, cinnamon, black pepper, cloves, cardamom, saffron and nutmeg. Potato curry is often served in Sri Lanka and has an unmistakable flavour. Just as popular is the sour fish preparation known as 'malu ambul thiyal' which derives its sour flavour from the 'goraka' ingredient that sets off the succulent fish. Not to be missed is the delicious crab curry which is a wonderful way to enjoy this seafood specialty. Popular breakfast foods include hoppers or 'appa' – crispy pancakes, often made with the addition of eggs, coconut milk or palm treacle. Other repasts include string hoppers – locally called 'indiappa' – which are noodles made from rice flour shaped into curly spirals. There also several traditional local desserts and sweetmeats. Among these are oil cakes, 'kavun' which come in several different varieties. Other delectable desserts include 'watalappan', a spicy pudding and 'kalu dodol', a rich sweetmeat. Prospective visitors considering travel to Sri Lanka and interested in sampling Sri Lankan cuisines will find a useful resource in Truly Sri Lanka, a web portal offering valuable information on the country. Google+
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