Sri Lankan Crab Curry: A Messy, Glorious Feast
Crab curry is one of Sri Lanka's great indulgences, and the island's lagoon crabs are prized for their size and sweetness. It is a hands-on, gloriously messy dish that rewards the effort of cracking every claw.
The dish
Whole crab is cooked in a deep, roasted-spice and coconut gravy, sometimes thickened with roasted rice. The flavour is rich, peppery and slightly sweet from the crab.
Where it shines
Jaffna in the north and Negombo's lagoon are famous for crab, but you will find excellent versions in Colombo and along the coasts wherever the catch is good.
How to eat it
Roll up your sleeves and use your hands, crackers and a scoop of rice to catch the gravy. Order it a touch milder if you want to taste the crab over the chilli.
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