Which spices should I buy to take home, and from where?
I don’t want to buy from the tourist trap spice gardens. Which spices are the best quality in Sri Lanka, and where should a normal local buy them?
4 Answers from travellers
Sri Lanka is world-famous for True Cinnamon (Ceylon Cinnamon). It is totally different from the Cassia cinnamon sold in western supermarkets. Buy the cinnamon quills. Also, roasted curry powder and black pepper are excellent.
Do not go to the spice gardens on the side of the road in Matale. Go to a regular "Food City" or "Keells" supermarket. You will find high-quality, export-grade spices in the baking/spice aisle for local prices (about $1-$2 a packet).
Supermarket is the best tip! I bought 10 packets of roasted curry powder from Keells for my friends back home. Cheap and authentic.
If you are in Kandy, visit the Central Market. You can buy fresh vanilla beans and cardamom pods by the gram. Just haggle a little bit.
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