Rice and curry is a popular dish in Sri Lanka, as well as in other parts of the Indian subcontinent.

The curry uses chili peppers, cardamom, cumin, coriander and other spices.

The Southern cuisines use ingredients like dried fish which are local to the area.

The spicier preparations are believed to be among the world's hottest in terms of chili content (second only to Sylheti).

As a result, many local restaurants in developed and tourist areas offer special low-spice versions of local foods to cater to foreign palates or have an alternative "Western" menu for visitors and tourists.