Sri Lankans love eating ‘Dhal’

Ask any Sri Lankan what the most common dish and the answer will almost always be Parippu.

Better known among English speakers as dhal curry. It’s one curry you’ll find everywhere in Sri Lanka, from fancy hotels to roadside eateries, from village kitchens to city restaurants.

Sri Lankans usually eat rice (a lot of it!) and sometimes swap it with bread, roti, or string hoppers. .

But whatever the base is, one thing remains: there has to be a curry or two to go along with it.

These curries could be vegetables, meats, leafy greens… but if there’s one dish that makes it to almost every plate, it’s dhal or the Parippu. (a form of lentil)

Why is it so loved?

Because it’s simple, delicious, affordable, and comforting. Rich or poor, everyone in Sri Lanka enjoys Parippu.

For many, it’s the first solid food they eat as a child, and for others, it’s the go-to meal at the end of a long day.

And here’s the best part—if you’re visiting Sri Lanka, you don’t need to go hunting for it. Just walk into any place that serves food, and it’ll be there. Guaranteed.

So, how is Parippu cooked?

The star of the show is the red lentil (Masoor Dhal). They cook quickly and soak up flavors beautifully.

Here’s the typical Sri Lankan way:

First, the lentils are washed and boiled with turmeric, onion, garlic, and green chilies until soft.
Coconut milk is added to give it that creamy, comforting texture.
Finally comes the magical step: the tempering. Mustard seeds, onions, curry leaves, and dried chilies are fried in coconut oil and poured over the curry.

That sizzling aroma? Pure happiness.

Some families keep it light and soupy (perfect with rice), while others cook it thicker or even fry it up with tomatoes and onions (amazing with roti or bread).

No matter the version, it’s always good.

What about nutrition?

Here’s another reason Parippu is such a staple: it’s healthy.

It’s packed with protein (a big win for vegetarians).
Full of fiber, which keeps you full and helps digestion.
Loaded with iron, vitamins, and minerals.
And when made with coconut milk, you also get a dose of healthy fats.

Basically, it’s comfort food that’s good for you.

So, if you ever land in Sri Lanka and sit down for your first meal, don’t be surprised when the bright orange dhal curry shows up.

Try it once, and you’ll understand why it’s loved by an entire nation.