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Asking homestay hosts to cook vegetarian traditional meals

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M
Mia S.•6485 rep•2

We booked a cheap local homestay. Are Sri Lankan families used to cooking strictly vegetarian meals, or is fish sauce used in everything.

17
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5 Answers from travellers

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Sri Lankan cuisine is naturally very vegetarian and vegan friendly, but there is one major catch: Maldive Fish (Umbulakada). These cured fish flakes are often sprinkled into vegetable curries and sambols for umami flavor. You MUST explicitly tell your host "No Maldive fish, no dried fish." Once they know, they will happily prepare an incredible, 100% vegetarian feast for you.

20
K
Kamal P.•15230 rep•1

The Dhal and Pumpkin curries are naturally vegan anyway, mostly coconut milk based.

43
E
Ethan J.•7050 rep•2

Also ask for Gotukola Sambol. It is a super healthy, fresh green herb salad.

42
K
Kamal P.•15230 rep•1

Good to know about the Maldive fish. I will mention it to them today.

29
M
Mia S.•6485 rep•2

If they are a Hindu family in the tea estates, their food is strictly vegetarian by default.

2
A
Amali D.•6360 rep•1

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