Delicious Coconut Recipes from Sri Lanka
From the heart of the island to your kitchen—authentic coconut-rich dishes to savor.
Coconut is more than just an ingredient in Sri Lankan cuisine—it’s a way of life. From breakfast to dessert, this tropical fruit adds richness, aroma, and deep flavor to countless traditional dishes. At Sri Lanka Coconut, we celebrate our heritage by sharing recipes that let you experience the warmth of our island through every bite.
Here are some of Sri Lanka’s most beloved coconut-based recipes you can try at home:
1. Pol Sambol (Coconut Sambol)
A spicy, tangy coconut relish that’s perfect with rice, string hoppers, or roti.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup freshly grated coconut (or desiccated coconut rehydrated with warm water)
- 1–2 dried red chilies (crushed)
- 1 small onion (finely chopped)
- Juice of ½ a lime
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Maldive fish flakes
Method:
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl using your hands or a spoon until well combined. Adjust spice and lime to taste.
2. Kiri Bath (Coconut Milk Rice)
A must-have at every Sri Lankan celebration, kiri bath is creamy rice cooked in coconut milk.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rice
- 2½ cups water
- 1½ cups thick coconut milk
- Salt to taste
Method:
Cook rice in water until soft. Add coconut milk and salt, stir well, and cook on low until the liquid is absorbed. Press into a flat tray and cut into diamond shapes.
3. Coconut Roti (Pol Roti)
A simple, hearty flatbread made with grated coconut and flour.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup grated coconut
- ½ tsp salt
- Warm water to knead
- Optional: chopped onions, green chilies
Method:
Mix all ingredients and knead into a soft dough. Divide and flatten into small discs. Cook on a hot skillet until golden on both sides.
4. Coconut Lentil Curry (Parippu Curry)
A creamy, comforting dhal made with coconut milk.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 onion (sliced)
- 1 green chili (sliced)
- Curry leaves, mustard seeds, garlic for tempering
Method:
Boil lentils with turmeric until soft. Add coconut milk and simmer. In a separate pan, temper onion, garlic, curry leaves, and mustard seeds. Pour over the lentils and mix well.
5. Watalappan (Coconut Custard Dessert)
A rich, spiced coconut pudding loved throughout Sri Lanka.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup thick coconut milk
- 3 eggs
- ½ cup kithul jaggery (or dark palm sugar)
- 1 tsp ground cardamom
- Pinch of nutmeg
Method:
Whisk eggs and jaggery, then stir in coconut milk and spices. Pour into a baking dish and steam or bake until set. Chill before serving.
Cook with Heart, Cook with Coconut
These recipes capture the essence of Sri Lankan home cooking—simple, flavorful, and always made with love. Using Sri Lanka Coconut products ensures authenticity, freshness, and the true taste of the island in your own kitchen.
Ready to bring Sri Lankan flavor home?
Try these recipes today and experience the magic of coconut like never before.
