Top 12 Sri Lankan Desserts You Should Not Miss!
Different cultures come with a wide range of tastes, and Sri Lanka is really popular for its mouth watering sweets and desserts apart from its spicy food and exotic fruits. Experience the taste of Sri Lankan traditional sweets like nowhere in the world and know more about the different spices used in these amazing dishes.
Gear up to tantalize your taste buds with the great Sri Lankan sweet treats and binge on these virtually for now. But, you can definitely get your Sri Lanka family packages planned to have the best time while settling your taste buds.
Top 12 Sri Lankan Desserts You Should Know About
If you have a sweet tooth, then you must not miss out on this rich melting pot of cuisines without any wait. You can grab the chance to soothe the cravings and let your taste buds come to a subtle place. There are many restaurants in Sri Lanka where you can taste these mouthwatering desserts.
So, let’s get started with the most amazing popular Sri Lankan traditional sweets.
1. Aluwa
It is one of the most popular Sri Lankan traditional sweets that you must not miss! Usually, people here eat these sweets on the occasion of Tamil New Year or Sinhala, the nutty sweetmeat.
Also, it is made from only two ingredients, palm treacle or coconut and rice flour and garnished with cashews. So, it is a pure delight to have – one of the best Sri Lankan coconut desserts that you can have in the country.
So, why not taste Aluwa and savor this candy in other flavors, that are Semolina Aluwa and Cashew Aluwa.
Popular Eateries: Lakpahana, Foodie Colombo
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2. Aasmi
This is one of the best Sri Lankan desserts that is served with thick sugary syrup, and easily melts in your mouth. It is definitely one mouthwatering dessert that is made from rice flour and coconut milk with the juice of cinnamon leaves as well.
So, you can definitely count on this as one of the best Sri Lankan coconut desserts that you must have while on your trip.
Also, when your batter is ready for this dessert, it is poured on the hot oil with the help of a punctured coconut shell spoon to make a design that makes it more attractive.
Popular eateries: Mount Lavinia Hotel, Foodie Colombo and Lakpahana
3. Kithul Treacle
It is one favorite Sri Lankan dessert fusion that you must try whenever you visit the country. It is an authentic dish filled with great taste. Also, you must know that it is made from buffalo milk curd which takes it to a healthier side.
Also, why not taste the sweetest dish of Sri Lanka while being a perfect sugar substitute? Make sure you are having the best taste of Sri Lanka while getting it with something healthier as well.
Popular Eateries: Laksala, Galle caterers
4. Wattalapam
Talking about Sri Lankan desserts, you cannot miss this mouth-smacking pudding that is made during festivals in Sri Lanka or any other special occasion.
It is usually made with coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, and eggs and then garnished with cloves, nutmeg, and cardamom. Also, it is a steamed dessert that is an ultimate delight for the people out there.
Popular eateries: Upali, Galle caterers, AI-Mass Indian Family Restaurant
5. Peni/Undu Walalu
You cannot miss one of the best lip-smacking Sri Lankan desserts that is full of calories and loved by the majority of people out there.
It is made with a lot of honey and definitely the sweetest dish present in Sri Lanka, popularly eaten by the children there. Also, it is exclusively handmade and also known as the “honey rings” in the country.
People prefer Sri Lankan sweet treats whenever they are here, and this Peni or Undu Walulu is one great dessert to have!
Popular Eateries: Lakpahana, Foodie Colombo
6. Kalu Dodol
Let’s know about one of the best Sri Lankan coconut desserts which is made from rice flour, jaggery, and thick coconut milk which is garnished with raisins and nuts.
Also, you can easily find them in the grocery stores in the southern region of the country. It takes a lot of time for preparation, so it is not usually made casually in homes.
But, it is definitely a great dessert that you must not miss whenever in Sri Lanka. Get them in packets manufactured in the markets of Hambantota.
Popular Eateries: Lakpahana, The Dodol House
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7. Athirasa
Athirasa is the tastiest thing you could have in Sri Lanka. As the name implies – it is extremely tasty with great flavors. If you don’t know, it is basically a sweet cake that is made from rice flour and jaggery that gets flattened into circles and then fried to make it more attractive and tasty.
It is made for special occasions and is extra rich in sweetness. They are extremely tempting and known to be one of the best Sri Lankan desserts to have.
Popular Eateries: Lakpahana, Food Colombo
8. Konda Kavum
Konda Kavum is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet treat that holds a special place in the hearts of many. It’s a delicious deep-fried snack made with rice flour, coconut milk, and jaggery (a type of sweetener).
The batter is carefully mixed to create a smooth consistency before being shaped into small, round cakes. These cakes are then deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Popular Eateries: Lakpahana, Foodie Colombo
9. Kokis
Kokis is a tasty and popular snack from Sri Lanka. It’s a special kind of crispy fried cookie that is often made during festive occasions and celebrations. To make Kokis, a simple batter is prepared with rice flour, coconut milk, and a pinch of salt.
The batter is then poured into a special mold and deep-fried until it becomes golden and crispy. The unique shape of Kokis resembles beautiful flowers or intricate patterns, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Popular eateries: Foodie Colombo, Lakpahana
10. Helapa
We can’t complete the list of Sri Lankan desserts without mentioning the gem – Helapa! It is a unique dessert made from kurukkan flour, treacle, rice flour, cardamom, and grated coconut which is cooked together to make it to perfection.
Then, the mixture gets wrapped in the kanda leaf to get boiled until the dough becomes firm. Then, it is served with the leaf wrapping that has to be removed when eating.
Popular eateries: Sweets.IK
11. Bibikkan
Bibikkan is a delicious Sri Lankan sweet treat that people enjoy during special occasions and festivals. It is a type of coconut cake that is popular for its unique taste and texture. Bibikkan is made with grated coconut, jaggery (a natural sweetener made from concentrated sugarcane juice), and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom and nutmeg.
These ingredients are mixed together to form a thick batter, which is then baked until it becomes a golden-brown cake. The result is a rich and flavorful dessert that has a sweet and slightly spicy taste.
Popular eateries: Tammy’s, Foodie Colombo
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12. Aggala
It is one of the best Sri Lankan desserts, a snack that is really popular in the country for their evening tea. It is made from coconut, salt, honey, and rice flour with the mixture rolled into tiny balls and then roasted for their taste.
So, why not enjoy the greatest taste of Sri Lankan desserts and have the best time favoring your tastebuds as well?
Popular eateries: Natural eats, Ella Relax Inn
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you recommend some popular Sri Lankan sweet treats?
Sri Lanka is known for its delicious sweet treats that will satisfy your taste buds. One popular dessert is “Kiri Pani” or coconut milk pudding, made with coconut milk, sugar, and a touch of cardamom.
Another favorite is “Kavum,” a deep-fried sweet made from rice flour and treacle, creating a crunchy exterior and a sweet, chewy inside. “Wattalapam” is a rich and creamy steamed pudding with ingredients like jaggery, coconut milk, and spices, offering a unique blend of sweetness and spice.
Don’t forget to try “Kokis,” intricately shaped deep-fried cookies made from rice flour and coconut milk, perfect for a crunchy snack. These delightful Sri Lankan sweets showcase the country’s rich culinary heritage and are sure to leave you craving more!
What are some traditional Sri Lankan desserts?
Sri Lanka has a delightful variety of traditional desserts that satisfy sweet cravings. One popular treat is “Kiri Pani” or coconut milk rice pudding, made with rice, coconut milk, and jaggery for sweetness.
Another favorite is “Weli Thalapa,” a steamed dessert crafted from rice flour, coconut, and jaggery. For a crispy delight, there’s “Kokis,” intricately shaped deep-fried cookies made from rice flour and coconut milk.
“Aasmi” is a sweet, thin pastry enjoyed during festive occasions, prepared with rice flour, sugar, and coconut milk. Additionally, “Bibikkan” is a rich and spicy cake featuring ingredients like coconut, cashews, and treacle. These desserts showcase the unique flavors and cultural richness of Sri Lankan sweets.
Are there any regional variations in Sri Lankan dessert recipes?
Yes, there are indeed regional variations in Sri Lankan dessert recipes. Just like how different regions have their own unique cultures and traditions, the same goes for the sweet treats in Sri Lanka.
In the southern coastal areas, you might find desserts like Bibikkan, a rich coconut and jaggery cake, while in the central hills, Aasmi, a sweet and crispy delicacy made with rice flour, is popular during celebrations.
Moving to the northern regions, you may come across special sweets like Weli Thalapa, a steamed rice flour and jaggery dessert. So, the delicious desserts in Sri Lanka can vary from one region to another, adding a delightful diversity to the country’s culinary landscape.
