There's more to Sri Lanka than Rice and Curry- 7 authentic lip-smacking Sri Lankan dishes!

Known for its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, centuries-old Buddhist temples, rich arechaeological history, and plenty of water sports, Sri Lanka-also called the pearl island of the Indian Ocean-is a must visit for those looking to soak in the sun, climb a peak, and have a date with history. Often, rice and curry is the highlight of the Sri Lankan culinary experience. However, it has much more more to offer in terms of mouth-watering food, making you fall in love with the gastronomic journey and tingling your tastebuds.

Here are 7-must have Sri Lankan food experiences that will delight your palate!

1. Coconut Rotti

Pol Rotti or Coconut rotti is a staple Sri Lankan dish that can be eaten at any time of the day, be it breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even snacks. The rotti is made using flour and shredded coconut (although at times onion, chilli, or even curry leaves may be used) by kneading all the ingredients into a dough. Then, little balls are made out of the dough and each ball is made into a circle of roughly 2-3 inches radius. Finally, an iron skillet is placed over the flame and these cirlces are cooked till brown spots appear over them. Usually, served with a fiery chilli paste (chutney), it is at times served with the dhal curry, another Sri Lankan staple.

2. Dhal Curry

Another dish found in a Sri Lankan household on a daily basis is the very-famous Dhal Curry! Known as "parippu" in Sinhalese, this can be served with rice, roti, or even String Hoppers. I was even served noodles with dhal curry once and needless to say, it was delicious! This usually mildly-spiced vegan lentil dish is lighter than its Indian countepart and takes under 30 mins to cook. For spice lovers, there's a spicier version as well (called parippu mirisata in Sinhalese). Almost every eatery in Sri Lanka has this on their menu. A must-try during your sojourn to the island.

3. String Hoppers (Idiyappam)

Idiyappam or String Hoppers, as they are known in the island nation, is another favourite Sri Lankan breakfast. I was served this as breakfast in many places during my Sri Lanka tour and they became one of my breakfast favourites. To make String Hoppers, rice flour is pressed to make thin noodles, with these noodles being steamed before being served. They make a lip-smacking combination with dhal curry and pol sambol!

4. Pol Sambol

Like Salsa or Chutney? Try Pol Sambol when in Sri Lanka. The unofficial Sri Lankan national dish, you will be hard pressed to find a Sri Lankan who does not relish Pol Sambl. Pol refers to coconut and sambol means a chutney/salsa-like condiment in Sinhalese. The main ingredients in this dish are shredded coconut, lime, chillis, and shallots (small onions, usually used for Sambar, an Indian dish), which grinded together produce a medley of flavours in the mouth. The tangy aftertaste of this dish lingers on in the mouth long after you have finished devouring it. This comfort food goes with rice, roti, string hoppers, and the list goes on.....

5. Kottu

You hear metallic sounds coming from the kitchen while passing by a Sri Lankan eatery? Most likely, Kottu is being prepared. Another widely popular dish amongst Sri Lankans, you can find it on the menu of roti shop as well as a 5-star restaurant. There exist many varieties, with flavours such as vegetabale, egg, cheese, chicken, beef, seafood, and mixed kottu, to name a few! To prepare this mouthwatering dish, spices such as garlic, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, chilli are mixed with carrots, onion, soy sauce, and curry topped in a hot girdle. Depending on the type of kottu being cooked, crispy vegetables, tasty meat, slices of beef, egg, or cheese is added. Finally, thin crispy shredded/sliced roti is added on top. All these toppings are mixed on the girdle using long metallic utensils, and hence, the metallic noise! Try out your choice of kottu on your Sri Lanka tour.

6. Rice and Curry

The face of Sri Lankan cuisine: the quintessential rice and curry. While travelling through the country, you will find most eateries serving this dish. First, a serving of steaming hot rice is put on the plate followed by dhal curry, different types of vegetables (most places have a leafy vegetable, beans curry cooked with coconut milk, dry/gravy potato curry, caramelized brinjal curry, locally known as wambatu), pol sambol, and crispy papadum. For non-vegetarians, you have the choice between fish, chicken, or beef curries. The number of curries varies from eatery to eatery. Traditionally eaten with hands, rice and curry can be had for lunch or dinner.

7. Arrack

For all the connoisseurs of local drink: Arrack is the perfect drink. Made using water and unopened coconut flowers of coconut palms, this sweet, slightly burning drink is Sri Lanka's signature spirit. If you like trying out local liquor, try cocktails such as Arrack attack and Arrack Punch at one of the shacks by the beaches of Sri Lanka. Top it with some grilled seafood and chips for the perfect meal!