Rice and Curry Nilaveli If you’re looking for an authentic Sri Lankan dining experience in Nilaveli, nothing beats a plate of Rice and Curry with fresh seafood. Located near the pristine Nilaveli Beach and just a short drive from Trincomalee, our meals are prepared with locally sourced ingredients, freshly caught seafood, and traditional spices that capture the true taste of Sri Lanka.
🥘 What We Serve
Our menu changes daily based on the freshest catch from local fishermen. Popular favorites include:
- Fish Curry – Tender fish simmered in coconut milk and spices. 2500 LKR
- Prawn Curry – Juicy prawns in a rich, flavorful gravy. 4500 LKR
- Cuttlefish Curry – Soft and spicy with a touch of coconut cream. 4500 LKR
- Mud Crab Curry – A Sri Lankan delicacy with bold flavors. 4500 LKR
- Vegetable Four Curries – Choose from dal, brinjal moju, beans, beetroot, and more. 1500 LKR
- Vegetable Eight Curries – Choose from dal, brinjal moju, beans, beetroot, and more. 2750 LKR
- Chicken Curry – Tender fish simmered in coconut milk and spices. 2500 LKR
- Each meal is served with steaming rice and a variety of side curries that balance spice and flavor.
🌊 Why Choose Us?
✔ Authentic Sri Lankan recipes passed down through generations
✔ Fresh seafood caught daily from Nilaveli waters
✔ Friendly, homely atmosphere – more than just a meal, it’s an experience
✔ Perfect stop after snorkeling, diving, or exploring Nilaveli Beach
📍 Location
We are located just minutes from Nilaveli Beach and close to Pigeon Island National Park, making it the perfect food stop after your ocean adventure.
🍴 Join Us for a Meal
Come and enjoy the best Rice and Curry Seafood in Nilaveli – where tradition meets flavor. Whether you’re a solo traveler, couple, or family, our kitchen welcomes you to experience the taste of Sri Lanka.
👉 Book Your Meal Today and enjoy a truly local dining experience.
Why Should You Book Our Food 12 Hours in Advance? Read More Click Here
At The Rice and Curry Seafood Nilaveli, we believe that great food starts with the freshest ingredients and the utmost care in preparation. Here’s why we ask you to book at least 12 hours in advance:
- Fresh Ingredients, Always
Nilaveli is known for its vibrant local markets and fresh produce. By knowing your preferences in advance, we can source the freshest ingredients from local farmers and fishermen on the same day. - Customized Menus Just for You
Our dishes are not one-size-fits-all. Booking ahead gives us time to craft a menu tailored to your taste, dietary preferences, and any special requests. - Authentic, Slow Cooking
Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is all about slow cooking to enhance flavor. From marinating spices to simmering curries, our recipes require time and care for the perfect taste. - Zero Waste Philosophy
Pre-orders help us manage portions and avoid food waste. It ensures that everything we prepare is enjoyed to the fullest, leaving nothing behind. - An Elevated Dining Experience
Whether you’re enjoying our food in the comfort of your home or joining us for a cooking experience, we want to offer you the very best. The advance notice allows us to focus on the finer details of presentation and service.
So, when you book in advance, you’re not just reserving a meal—you’re signing up for a thoughtfully prepared culinary experience that celebrates the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine.
50+ Sri Lankan Vegetable Curries
- Parippu Curry – Lentil curry
- Brinjal Moju – Eggplant pickle
- Polos Curry – Young jackfruit curry
- Kankun Curry – Water spinach curry
- Beans Curry – Long beans in coconut gravy
- Beetroot Curry – Sweet and spicy beetroot
- Murunga Curry – Drumstick curry
- Kathurumurunga Curry – Fenugreek leaves curry
- Ash Plantain Curry – Green banana curry
- Carrot Curry – Spiced carrot curry
- Cabbage Curry – Stir-fried cabbage with spices
- Potato Curry – Spicy potato curry
- Pumpkin Curry – Sweet pumpkin in coconut gravy
- Snake Gourd Curry – Traditional snake gourd curry
- Wing Bean Curry – Winged beans in coconut gravy
- Jackfruit Seed Curry – Curry made from jackfruit seeds
- Drumstick Leaf Curry – Leafy greens from drumsticks
- Ridge Gourd Curry – Light and healthy ridge gourd curry
- Tomato Curry – Tangy tomato curry
- Okra Curry – Okra in coconut gravy
- Spinach Curry – Simple spinach curry
- Mukunuwenna Curry – Malabar spinach curry
- Green Chili Curry – Mildly spicy green chili curry
- Leek Curry – Mildly flavored leek curry
- Cucumber Curry – Refreshing cucumber curry
- Tamarind Leaf Curry – Slightly sour curry
- Fenugreek Curry – Bitter yet delicious curry
- Beet Leaf Curry – Using beet greens
- Pineapple Curry – Sweet and tangy curry
- Brinjal & Green Chili Curry – Spicy eggplant curry
- Mixed Vegetable Curry – Combination of local seasonal vegetables
- Jackfruit Flower Curry – Delicate curry using jackfruit blossoms
- Seeni Sambol – Sweet onion relish
- Gotukola Sambol – Centella leaf salad
- Ash Plantain & Coconut Curry – Green banana with coconut gravy
- Sweet Potato Curry – Mildly spiced sweet potatoes
- Kohila Curry – Lotus stem curry
- Wattakka Curry – Bottle gourd curry
- Thampala Curry – Local green leaves curry
- Soya Bean Curry – Soya beans cooked in coconut gravy
- Pumpkin & Coconut Curry – Traditional East Coast style
- Brinjal & Tomato Curry – Eggplant with tangy tomato base
- Bean & Carrot Curry – Mixed bean and carrot curry
- Tindora Curry – Ivy gourd curry
- Peanut & Green Chili Curry – Crunchy peanuts with mild chili
- Cucumber & Coconut Curry – Refreshing and light curry
- Red Cowpea Curry – Cowpeas in spicy coconut gravy
- Green Gram Curry – Mung bean curry
- Bottle Gourd & Fenugreek Curry – Healthy and nutritious
- Spinach & Coconut Curry – Creamy and mild
- Jackfruit & Coconut Curry – Traditional Polos curry variant
- Okra & Tomato Curry – Classic Sri Lankan combination
Sri Lankan Meat, Seafood & Egg Curries
Chicken Curries
- Chicken Curry – Classic spicy Sri Lankan chicken curry
- Chicken Drumstick Curry – Chicken legs with coconut gravy
- Chicken Wing Curry – Light and flavorful
- Chicken and Potato Curry – Chicken with potatoes in gravy
- Chicken and Green Chili Curry – Spicy favorite
- Chicken and Coconut Curry – Creamy, rich coconut flavor
- Chicken Roast Curry – Slightly dry, roasted spices
- Chicken Black Pepper Curry – Bold black pepper taste
Beef Curries
- Beef Curry – Classic Sri Lankan beef curry
- Beef and Potato Curry – Hearty combination
- Beef Black Pepper Curry – Spicy and bold
- Beef and Coconut Milk Curry – Mild and creamy
- Beef with Green Chili Curry – Extra heat
- Beef with Onion and Tomato Curry – Tangy and flavorful
Mutton / Lamb Curries
- Mutton Curry – Traditional spicy curry
- Mutton Bone-in Curry – Rich and aromatic
- Mutton with Coconut Milk – Mildly spiced creamy curry
- Mutton Black Pepper Curry – Bold and hot
- Mutton with Potato Curry – Hearty and filling
Pork Curries
- Pork Curry – Classic Sri Lankan style
- Pork with Coconut Milk – Creamy coconut-based curry
- Pork Black Pepper Curry – Spicy and savory
- Pork with Pineapple Curry – Sweet and tangy variant
- Pork with Potato Curry – Traditional home-style
Seafood Curries
- Fish Curry – Fresh fish cooked with spices
- Fish Ambul Thiyal – Sour fish curry
- Tuna Curry – Popular in coastal areas
- Cuttlefish Curry – Spicy cuttlefish in coconut gravy
- Prawn Curry – Juicy prawns cooked in coconut gravy
- Crab Curry – Mud crab cooked in spicy coconut sauce
- Crab Black Pepper Curry – Bold and spicy crab dish
- Lobster Curry – Special occasion curry
- Squid Curry – Tender squid in coconut gravy
- Mixed Seafood Curry – Combination of fish, prawns, cuttlefish
Egg Curries
- Egg Curry – Hard-boiled eggs in spicy coconut gravy
- Devilled Egg Curry – Spicy, tangy Sri Lankan style
- Egg and Potato Curry – Simple and flavorful
Special / Regional Variants
- Fish Cutlet Curry – Fish patties in curry gravy
- Smoked Fish Curry – Coastal Sri Lankan style
- Crab and Coconut Curry – East Coast specialty
- Prawn and Green Chili Curry – Spicy prawn delight
- Fish Head Curry – Popular delicacy
- Tuna Belly Curry – Rich and fatty cut
- Mutton and Green Chili Curry – Extra spicy variant
- Beef and Drumstick Curry – Hearty combination
- Chicken and Cashew Curry – Festive style
- Prawn and Pineapple Curry – Sweet and tangy combination
- Fish and Mango Curry – Unique coastal flavor
- Crab Curry with Coconut Milk – Rich, creamy, and aromatic
- Mixed Egg and Vegetable Curry – Balanced Sri Lankan home-style
A Delicious Dive into Nilaveli’s Seafood: Rice and Curry Delight
Introduction
Nilaveli, a picturesque coastal village in Sri Lanka, is known for its stunning beaches, serene landscapes, and most importantly, its delectable seafood. If you’re a food lover and want to experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, you must try the famous rice and curry seafood dishes that reflect the rich flavors of the region.
Lunch: A Flavorful Start to Your Day
For lunch in Nilaveli, the perfect dish to enjoy by the beach is a classic Seafood Rice and Curry Plate. Fresh catch from the ocean is the star of this dish, with a variety of seafood options like prawns, crab, and fish, all paired with fragrant rice and an array of flavorful curries.
- The Rice: Aromatic basmati or local Sri Lankan rice is served as the foundation of this dish. It’s steamed to perfection, providing a perfect balance to the spicy and tangy curries.
- The Seafood Curry: A flavorful fish curry made with freshly caught fish, simmered in a spicy, rich coconut milk base. The curry is enhanced with a variety of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, along with a tangy touch of tamarind or lime.
- Prawn Curry: Succulent prawns cooked in a mildly spiced curry sauce, with a combination of coconut milk, garlic, and ginger. The prawns are sweet, tender, and perfectly complemented by the creamy, spiced sauce.
- Crab Curry: A must-try in Nilaveli! Crab cooked in a delicious blend of local spices and coconut milk, offering a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Accompaniments: To balance the heat of the curries, you’ll also find condiments like mallung (a healthy, spicy leafy vegetable dish), papadum (crispy lentil crackers), and pol sambol (a spicy coconut relish) alongside the main dish.
Pair this with a refreshing glass of king coconut water or a local fruit juice to cleanse your palate.
Dinner: A Perfect End to Your Day by the Sea
For dinner, you’ll want to indulge in something light yet satisfying. Nilaveli offers a fantastic variety of seafood, and the evening breeze makes it the ideal time to enjoy a more relaxed but equally flavorful seafood rice and curry feast.
- Seafood Stir-fry with Vegetables: Another option is a quick seafood stir-fry featuring prawns, fish, and squid, sautéed with colorful vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. It’s a lighter dish compared to the traditional curries but equally delicious.
- Vegetarian Side Dishes: If you’re looking for some variety, Nilaveli’s rice and curry plates often include a mix of vegetable curries like green bean curry, eggplant curry, and spicy potato curry, giving you a nice contrast to the richness of the seafood.
Finish your dinner with a traditional Sri Lankan dessert, such as watalappan (a spiced coconut custard) or king coconut pudding. The sweet, creamy flavors are the perfect end to your seafood-filled day.
Conclusion
Whether you’re enjoying a hearty lunch or a lighter dinner, seafood rice and curry in Nilaveli is an experience that captures the essence of Sri Lankan coastal cuisine. The combination of fresh seafood, aromatic rice, and flavorful curries makes for a meal that will leave you craving more. So next time you’re in Nilaveli, make sure to indulge in the flavors of the sea!
Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli
Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli Rice and Curry Nilaveli
Situated in a tranquil garden setting, The Rice & Curry Seafood Nilaveli provides an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience. Guests can enjoy freshly prepared dishes like prawn curry, crab curry, and various seafood options, all served with rice and traditional accompaniments. The owners are known for their warm hospitality, often sourcing ingredients based on guest preferences. It’s advisable to book at least 12 hours in advance to ensure a personalized dining experience.
📍 Location & Contact
- Address: Approximately 900 meters from Nilaveli Public Beach, Nilaveli, Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.
- Contact: Reservations can be made via their Facebook page or by visiting their official website.
- Dining Experience
- Guests dine in a tranquil garden setting under a palm leaf pitched roof, providing an intimate and authentic atmosphere. The owners are known for their warm hospitality, often sourcing ingredients based on guest preferences. Reservations are required, and it’s recommended to book at least 12 hours in advance to ensure a personalized dining experience
- Menu Highlights
- The restaurant’s menu showcases a variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes, including:
- Sri Lankan Crab Curry: Sweet, succulent crab cooked in a spicy coconut gravy.
- Prawn Malu Curry: Juicy prawns simmered in aromatic spices.
- Fish Ambul Thiyal: A tangy, sour fish curry made with tamarind.
- Coconut Sambol: A refreshing accompaniment made with freshly grated coconut, red onions, and spices.
- Vegetarian Options: Including dal curry and spiced vegetables.
- Meals are served with steamed rice, papadam, seasonal fruits, fresh juice, and freshly made Watalappan (a traditional Sri Lankan dessert).
- The Rice & Curry Seafood Nilaveli is a highly acclaimed, home-based restaurant situated approximately 900 meters from Nilaveli Public Beach in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. Operated by a local family, it offers an authentic Sri Lankan dining experience, specializing in freshly prepared rice and curry dishes featuring locally sourced seafood.
🌾 History of Sri Lankan Rice and Curry
Rice and curry is not just a meal in Sri Lanka—it’s a cultural institution, eaten daily by most Sri Lankans. Its roots trace back thousands of years, influenced by the island’s rich agricultural heritage and its position on ancient trade routes. Key points:
- Ancient Origins:
- Rice cultivation in Sri Lanka goes back over 3,000 years. Early inhabitants relied heavily on rice as a staple, accompanied by wild greens, coconut, and local herbs.
- Coconut, tamarind, and chili were incorporated over centuries, creating the base for curries.
- Colonial Influences:
- Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonization introduced new spices, cooking techniques, and ingredients, such as chili, which is now central to Sri Lankan curry.
- Regional Diversity:
- Coastal areas like Nilaveli focus on seafood curries (crab, fish, prawns, cuttlefish).
- Inland regions rely more on chicken, beef, and vegetable curries.
- There’s a wide variety of vegetarian curries, reflecting Buddhist influence in Sri Lankan cuisine.
- 🍛 Composition of a Traditional Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Meal
- A traditional meal usually includes steamed rice accompanied by several curries, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Here’s a breakdown:
- Rice
- White steamed rice is standard, though red or brown rice is common in rural areas.
- Rice is often the base to soak up flavorful curries.
- Vegetable Curries (popular vegetarian options)
- Dhal Curry – made with red lentils, coconut milk, and spices.
- Brinjal Moju – sweet and tangy eggplant pickle.
- Gotukola Sambol – finely chopped green herb salad with coconut.
- Green Beans, Pumpkin, Beetroot, or Cabbage Curry – lightly spiced with coconut milk.
- Meat & Seafood Curries
- Fish Ambul Thiyal – tangy, tamarind-based fish curry.
- Crab Curry – rich, spicy coconut-based gravy.
- Prawn Curry (Malu Malu) – cooked in aromatic spices and coconut milk.
- Chicken or Beef Curry – spiced and often slow-cooked for tenderness.
- Condiments and Sides
- 🥄 How Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Is Prepared
- The process can vary by family or region, but the traditional approach is meticulous and flavor-driven:
- Base Preparation:
- Most curries start with onions, garlic, ginger, and chili sautéed in coconut oil.
- Ground spices like cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, and curry powder are added.
- Coconut Milk:
- Coconut milk is used in most curries to add richness and balance spices.
- Freshly grated coconut is preferred in authentic households.
- Cooking:
- Curries are often slow-cooked to allow flavors to meld.
- Seafood is added last to avoid overcooking.
- Serving:
- 🕰️ When Rice and Curry Is Eaten
- Daily Meal: Rice and curry is eaten for lunch and dinner, sometimes even breakfast in coastal areas.
- Festivals and Special Occasions: During Sinhala and Tamil New Year or religious celebrations, families prepare elaborate rice and curry spreads with 10–20 dishes.
- Community and Sharing: Meals are often communal, symbolizing hospitality and family unity.
- 🌍 Cultural Significance
- Rice and curry is a reflection of Sri Lanka’s biodiversity—coconut, spices, fish, and vegetables represent local produce.
- It’s a symbol of Sri Lankan hospitality; visitors are often offered rice and curry as a warm welcome.
- Each household has its own signature recipes, passed down through generations.
- 📌 Fun Fact
- A full Sri Lankan rice and curry meal may have 8–32 different dishes, depending on the household or restaurant.
- Coastal restaurants like The Rice & Curry Seafood Nilaveli specialize in seafood curries, often sourcing ingredients fresh the same day from local fishermen.
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