The food of Sri Lanka

Many cultures have played a hand in the evolution of Sri Lankan food. Peter Kuruvita shares, in his own words, what he believes is the essence of this colourful cuisine, and notes that, "basically, you can curry anything."

Peter's cooking tips

Get ready to master Sri Lankan cuisine at home. Peter's expert cooking tips cover everything from tempering spices and grilling prawns, to the advantages of using a clay chatty.

Shopping list

Before you head to the grocer, jot down these essential ingredients for cooking authentic Sri Lankan meals. A hint? You can't go wrong with the four Cs: cardamom, chilli powder, coconut milk and curry leaves.

Pots, pans and chatties

To replicate the real taste of Sri Lanka in your kitchen, consider investing in some new tools. Essentials include a coconut scraper for making fresh grated coconut, and a mortar and pestle, which will help you make spice pastes with delicious results.