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Rice and curry
Rice and curry is the everyday staple, typically served with a variety of vegetable, meat or fish curries, sambols and pickles in one generous plate.
Hoppers and string hoppers
Hoppers are bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes, often served with an egg cracked into the centre, while string hoppers are steamed rice noodle nests usually eaten with curry.
Street food favourites
Kottu roti, a stir-fried chopped flatbread dish, and short eats such as vadai and rolls are widely available and popular with locals and travellers alike.
Vegetarian and dietary needs
Vegetarian dishes are common and easy to find, and most restaurants can accommodate dietary requests if you communicate them clearly, especially in advance for larger groups.
Tea and drinks
Ceylon tea is a national institution, best sampled fresh in the hill country, alongside king coconut water as a refreshing, widely available drink.
