The growing love for Sri Lankan cuisine in Malaysia is wonderful. Similar to Indian cuisines but somehow also vastly different, Sri Lankan food is rich in spices, herbs, and packed with flavour.
Whether you know Sri Lankan dishes like the back of your hand or have yet to try them, we have created a list of places where you can begin your love affair with the island country’s flavours one tasty meal at a time.
1. Serendib Restaurant & Bar, Kuala Lumpur
From sweet and crispy appam to creamy coconut-based curries, Serendib serves up delicious and comforting meals with no compromises. Set in the heart of Kuala Lumpur (KL), this restaurant offers an upscale dining experience in a warm and inviting setting.
Their Signature Crab Curry is quite the hit, but you’ll also want to try the Signature Mutton Bone Curry. Other dishes on the menu include Idiyappam served with Sothi, Fish Cutlets, and Ragi Rotti.
Address: GTower LG 07 & 08 GTower, 199, Jln Tun Razak, 50400 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2181 4647
2. Yarl, multiple locations
With restaurants in Brickfields, Heritage Row, Ampang, and TTDI, Yarl is a must visit if you find yourself in the city. The menu comprises Northern Sri Lankan cuisine serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Build your own plate with the Lunch Veggie Set by choosing three different vegetable dishes to go with a soothing cup of Rasam or try the Red Rice Puttu Set served with an assortment of curries. Don’t miss the appam and Ulundu Vaddai, perfect for breakfast or as a tea time snack!
Address: 50, Jalan Padang Belia, Brickfields, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 010-360 6624
3. The Lankan Crabs, Bangsar
Crab lovers, head to The Lankan Crabs and try one of their three signature crabs dishes, the Singhalese Negombo Crab Curry, Garlic Butter Crab, amour personal favourite — the Jaffna Crab Curry following a recipe of Tamil heritage that’s perfect for spicy food lovers. They also serve briyani and meat dishes that’ll have you coming back for more.
Stick around for dessert, especially the Watalappam, a dish as tantalising as its name. It’s a coconut custard pudding with a brown sugar base served with a cardamon, cinnamon, and ginger sweet syrup. Yum!
Address: 4, Jalan Kemuja, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2201 0128
4. Ceylon Curry Club, Solaris Dutamas
If ‘clubs’ like this existed in school, we’d never miss a session! The Ceylon Curry Club takes food to a whole new level. Contemporary dishes, inspired by old flavours and wonderfully playful plating, each dish will have you falling in love with food all over again. From Egg & Prawn Godamba Roti to Buffalo Curd served with Kithul Treacle and a Berry Compote, dishes here feel new and fresh. You should also pair your meal with a cocktail inspired by the flavours of the island.
Address: A1-G2-3A, 1, Jln Dutamas 1, Solaris Dutamas, 50480 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 011-1233 9262
5. Ceylon Crab House, Bangsar
One can never have too many crabs right? If you prefer a more casual al fresco type dining experience, the Ceylon Crab House is for you. Yet another brilliant restaurant specialising in Sri Lankan Mud Crab dishes, we reckon the Crab Cutlets, Butter Soft-Shell Crabs, and Jaffna Style Crab Curry are a definite winner on the menu. But there are plenty of rice, kottu, soups, vegetable, and meat dishes to choose from too.
Address: Lot G1 Ground floor Bangsar Shopping Centre, Jalan Maarof, 59000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-2011 6882
6. Aliyaa Island Restaurant & Bar, Bukit Damansara
Dinner at Aliyaa is a must if you’re in the mood for delicious and authentic Sri Lankan food. Sophistication, warm hospitality, and hearty meals have won over the hearts of locals who find themselves returning for more. Try the Whole Mud Crab Curry, Tiger Prawns, and other seafood dishes.
They also have a good selection of vegetarian dishes such as the Beetroot Curry, Vegetable Kotthu, Amma’s Eggplant Salad, and more. Do also check out their Christmas menu if you plan on trying their food around the festive month.
Address: No 48 G&M, Jalan Medan Setia 2, Bukit Damansara, 50490 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 017-883 3738
7. Lankan Cafe, Petaling Jaya
Tucked away in Bukit Gasing is a place where you can sample some of the most authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. Lankan Cafe has its band of loyal following, and when you taste their home-cooked style dishes, you’ll understand why.
Showcasing some of the best Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes, the restaurant serves some of the most unforgettable appams you’ve ever tasted. Don’t even get us started on their mains, like mutton biryani and the Jaffna crab curry; the Brinjal Moju is also a must-try!
Address: Petaling Gardens, Jalan 5/59, Bukit Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Contact: +603 7772 2575
8. Alora Spices, TTDI
Another eatery that combines Sri Lankan and South Indian dishes is Alora Spices, and if what you’re looking for is a fuss-free, casual spot to dine at, this is it. Expect the usual dishes, but their fish curry and Tandoori Chicken Biryani are a must-try for meat lovers.
Veggie-lovers, their vegetarian Thali set is hearty and comes with a wide choice of vegetarian curries. And what is a Sri Lankan/South Indian affair without some appam, so definitely end your meal with theirs.
Address: 20, Jalan Datuk Sulaiman, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, 60000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: +6016 313 1417
