Sri Lankan flavours : a journey through the island's food and culture /

Chef Dassanayaka, a restaurateur in Australia who was born in Colombo, Sri Lanka, invites his readers to the cuisine and culture of Sri Lanka through personal anecdotes, history, religion, and scrumptious recipes. He clearly labels each foreign spice and ingredient in the glossary section and includes photographs, which will aid the novice cook. The detailed recipes are organized into "Rice," "Breads," "Sambols," "Pickles," "Meat," "Fish," "Poultry," "Vegetables," "Light Snacks," "Sweet Meats," and "Drinks." Beginners will appreciate the clear and simple instructions in preparing their own Sri Lankan meals, such as the Biryani, Yellow Rice, and Beef Godambah. Dassanayaka's admiration for his family is evident through his reflections, and his personal approach will encourage readers to experiment with his recipes. The photography clearly reflects Sri Lankan culture, lifestyle, and country. Verdict Cooks of all skill levels will enjoy preparing and sharing Sri Lankan cuisine thanks to this cultural cookbook.-M. Rahman, Dayton (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.