Lamprais and Biryani: The Island's Great Rice Parcels
Beyond everyday rice and curry, Sri Lanka has two special rice dishes with distinct heritages: lamprais, from the Dutch Burgher community, and biryani, from the island's Muslim community. Both are rich, festive and delicious.
Lamprais
Lamprais is rice cooked in stock, packed with a mix of meat curry, a special sambol, a fried egg and a fish cutlet, all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked. The leaf perfumes everything inside.
Biryani
Sri Lankan biryani is a fragrant, spiced rice cooked with chicken, mutton or fish, often served with a cooling raita and a spicy gravy. It is a favourite for celebrations.
Where to find them
Lamprais is a Colombo speciality found at old bakeries and Burgher kitchens. Biryani is widespread wherever there is a strong Muslim community, especially in Colombo and the east.
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