Vegetarian Food in Sri Lanka: Dishes and Ingredients to Discover

Sri Lanka is a wonderful place to eat vegetarian. Lentils, vegetables, coconut and rice are staples, and a plate of plant-based dishes can be full of flavour.

Dhal curry

Red lentils with spices and often coconut milk. Ask about ingredients if you are strictly vegetarian.

Vegetable curries

Pumpkin, eggplant, beans, green banana and jackfruit are common. Some are creamy, some drier.

Hoppers and string hoppers

Fermented batter pancakes and steamed rice-flour noodles. Both are served with dhal or sambol.

Pol roti and pittu

Coconut flatbread and steamed rice-and-coconut cylinders. Good partners for curry.

Sambol and mallung

Pol sambol is coconut with chilli, onion and lime. Mallung is a leafy dish with coconut. Ask how each is prepared.

Is Sri Lankan food automatically vegetarian?

No. Some dishes use fish, dried fish or meat-based stock even if they look plant-based. Explain your diet clearly and ask about the full ingredient list. If you are strict, ask about shared utensils too.

How to build a vegetarian plate

Rice, dhal, one or two vegetable curries, sambol and mallung give a mix of textures and flavours. Ask about chilli levels.

Cook vegetarian in Hikkaduwa

Tell us about your diet when you message us on WhatsApp, and we will discuss which dishes can be prepared. The class is private, costs $15 per person, lasts around 3-5 hours, and includes complimentary hotel pickup within 15 km.