2016 Oct 11
by Shamila Naleer
We all know how Sri Lankan food is absolutely irresistible and downright one-of-a-kind. The tangy, succulent tastes of our delicacies are simply an unimaginable burst of flavours (yes, I am very sincerely praising Sri Lankan food). So, let me take these next few paragraphs to tell you what Sri Lankan desserts I would cart off with myself to a deserted island.
- Pol Toffee
Under normal circumstances, I am not particularly fond of any coconut filled food (especially Bounty); but that’s just me. However, the only exception I would make is for some mouth-watering pol toffee. The sweet and ever-so-slightly crunchy toffee is so extremely pleasant to my taste buds. The best ones, though, were my grandmother’s special pol toffees; they never failed to give me goose bumps while I munched on them.
- Kiri Toffee
Veering not too far from the delicious plate of Lankan toffees, my second companion if I were stranded on a deserted island would definitely be kiri toffees, but not without some yummy, chunky pieces of cashews (now my mouth is watering -.-) My mom whips up some absolutely amazing kiri toffees with the help of condensed milk, sugar, butter, water and a hint of vanilla essence, and boy oh boy, the end product is රසම රසයි!
- Watalappan
Ah, yes. The dish everybody demands for from all their Muslim friends after the days of Eid or any other day, for that matter. The saccharine taste of jaggery and the soft and jelly-like texture of the dish are extremely delectable. Again, not unlike kiri toffees, a handful of cashew nuts are also an astounding compliment to the sweet, yummy taste of watalappan.
- Chocolate Biscuit Pudding
Yes, yes. I know. Fat, fat, fatty. But how can one possibly even think of turning away from Sri Lankan desserts like these. The flavours are such a delight to my taste buds. I exceptionally love it when the Marie biscuits, which are the stars of the dish, are more on the crunchy side. The chocolate is just the perfect way to flatter the biscuits and personally, they are ideal for you ladies out there going through your “time” (if you know what I mean).
- Kalu Dodol
This sweet dish is just the right amount of dark and just the right quantity of sticky. The jaggery, rice flour, coconut milk, cashews and cardamom is an absolutely perfect concoction of ingredients. If I am ever faced with the opportunity to get my hands on some good kalu dodol, I never miss my chance. You unquestionably shouldn’t either.
- Bibikkan
This cake-like delicacy is a scrumptious traditional dish. If I were to be stuck on an isolated island, I wouldn’t settle for mere cake; I would opt to go full-on Lankan and take a box full of Bibikkan slices, topped with some yummy cashews.
- Halapa
My grandpa loves downing his evening tea alongside some Halapa. So does my mom and my aunt and the rest of my extended family. The kurakkan, rice flour and caramelized kithul treacle create an aroma that brings you straight to the stove! The delicious dough is enveloped in dried Kenda leaves. After being cooled down, unwrap that baby and gobble it up like there is no tomorrow!
