Sri Lankan cuisine takes its influences from its Indian neighbours, previous colonists such as the Dutch, English and Portuguese and from Malay and arab cuisines. Rice is a staple of the Sri Lankan diet as are spicy curries and other liberally spiced dishes. For a typical Sri Lankan dish try the Koththu Roti which is served with vegetables, meat, egg and a selection of spices, though be sure to try a Sri Lankan curry which combines a kaleidoscope of ingredients such as coconut milk, chillies, curry leaves, garlic, cinnamon and Maldive fish to make a simple but fabulously tasty dish.