4. Sour fish curry
One of the most popular Sri Lankan curries is the ambul thiyal - sour fish curry. This dish originated in Southern Sri Lanka as a way to preserve fish. Cubed fish, usually tuna, is sauteed in spices such as garlic, turmeric, black pepper and cinnamon. The secret ingredient here is goraka: a tamarind-like fruit that, when dried, gives the dish its distinctive tart flavour.