Food · Sri Lanka
Thambili: The King Coconut You Will Drink Every Day
By Days of Iru and Opa
You will spot piles of orange king coconuts (thambili) at roadside stalls all over Sri Lanka. Cheap, hydrating and everywhere, the water inside is the perfect antidote to the tropical heat.
How it works
The vendor hacks off the top with a knife and hands it over with a straw. Once the water is gone, ask them to split it so you can scoop the soft jelly inside.
Why drink it
King coconut water is light, faintly sweet and full of natural salts, which makes it great for rehydrating after a hike, a surf or a hot day of sightseeing.
Good to know
It costs very little, so it is an easy, healthy habit. Prices can creep up near big tourist sights, so buy from ordinary roadside stalls where locals stop.
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