Jaffna Food – A Journey Through the Flavours of Sri Lanka’s Northern Cuisine – By Malsha – eLanka Jaffna, the vibrant cultural capital of Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, is not only known for its rich history and unique traditions but also for its distinctive cuisine. Deeply rooted in Tamil heritage and shaped by centuries of trade, migration, and local agriculture, Jaffna food stands apart from other Sri Lankan culinary styles with its bold flavours, aromatic spices, and creative use of local ingredients. A Cuisine Born from Heritage and Geography Jaffna’s location has made it a crossroads for influences from South India, Southeast Asia, and even colonial traders. Surrounded by the sea and blessed with fertile land, Jaffna’s cooks have always made the most of fresh seafood, home-grown vegetables, and traditional spices. Coconut, tamarind, curry leaves, and dried chillies are at the heart of many dishes, giving Jaffna food its fiery, ...
