Sri Lankan Desserts: Sweet Endings to Every Meal

When it comes to Sri Lankan cuisine, the focus is often on the savory dishes with their bold flavors and aromatic spices. However, the island nation also has a rich tradition of desserts that are equally delightful and satisfying. From creamy puddings to syrup-soaked sweets, Sri Lankan desserts offer a sweet ending to every meal. Let’s explore some of the popular desserts that you must try when visiting Sri Lanka.

Watalappan

Watalappan is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert that is often served during festive occasions. It is a creamy and rich pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery (a type of unrefined sugar), eggs, and various spices such as cardamom and nutmeg. The pudding is steamed to perfection, resulting in a smooth and velvety texture. Watalappan is usually garnished with cashew nuts or grated coconut and is best enjoyed chilled.

Kiri Pani

Kiri Pani, which translates to “milk rice,” is a popular dessert in Sri Lanka. It is made by cooking rice in coconut milk and sweetening it with jaggery or sugar. The rice is then molded into small bite-sized portions and served with a drizzle of treacle or honey. Kiri Pani is often enjoyed during breakfast or as a snack, and its creamy and sweet taste makes it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

Kavum

Kavum is a deep-fried sweet treat that is commonly prepared during special occasions such as New Year celebrations. It is made by mixing rice flour, jaggery, and coconut milk to form a thick batter. The batter is then shaped into small round or diamond-shaped patties and deep-fried until golden brown. The result is a crispy exterior with a chewy and sweet interior. Kavum is a must-try for those who enjoy indulging in deep-fried desserts.

Pani Walalu

Pani Walalu, also known as Undu Walalu, is a popular Sri Lankan sweet made from urad dal (black gram) flour. The flour is mixed with jaggery syrup and shaped into small balls, which are then deep-fried until golden brown. The fried balls are soaked in a sweet syrup made from treacle or sugar, giving them a sticky and syrupy texture. Pani Walalu is a favorite snack during festive seasons and is often enjoyed with a cup of tea.

Bibikkan

Bibikkan is a traditional Sri Lankan cake that is typically made during Christmas time. It is a dense and rich cake made with grated coconut, semolina, jaggery, and a blend of aromatic spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. The cake is baked until golden brown, resulting in a moist and flavorful dessert. Bibikkan is often enjoyed with a cup of hot tea and is a beloved treat during the holiday season.

Aluwa

Aluwa is a sweet and chewy Sri Lankan dessert made from rice flour, jaggery, and various nuts and dried fruits. The ingredients are mixed together to form a thick dough, which is then shaped into small squares or rectangles. Aluwa is often garnished with cashew nuts or raisins and is enjoyed as a snack or dessert. Its sticky and sweet texture makes it a delightful treat for those with a sweet tooth.

Conclusion

Sri Lankan desserts offer a wide variety of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy any sweet craving. From creamy puddings to deep-fried delights, these desserts showcase the unique ingredients and culinary traditions of Sri Lanka. So, the next time you find yourself in Sri Lanka, make sure to indulge in these sweet endings to every meal.