Bananas of Sri Lanka: 29 Varieties, One Tropical Legend | Food & Flavors
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BANANAS OF SRI LANKA: 29 VARIETIES, ONE TROPICAL LEGEND
A traveler’s guide to Sri Lanka’s banana heritage — popular types, flavors, health benefits, and where to try them.
About
Bananas are central to Sri Lankan life — from temple offerings and home gardens to hotels and market stalls. The island grows an estimated 29 varieties with distinct colors, aromas, and textures. This guide highlights the most popular types among locals and travelers, how they taste, health benefits, and the regions where you can find them.
Most Popular Banana Varieties
1) Ambul Banana
Flavor Type: Slightly sour, aromatic, firm
Main Ingredients/Traits: Eaten fresh or used in cooking; golden skin when ripe
Description: Everyday favorite with a pleasant tang; excellent for fritters and light curries.
Health Benefits: Aids digestion; light on the stomach.
Mostly Found: Kandy, Kurunegala, major city markets.
2) Kolikuttu (Silk Banana)
Flavor Type: Very sweet, creamy, fragrant
Main Ingredients/Traits: Thin skin, small size, ceremonial fruit
Description: Considered a premium dessert banana; often used in religious offerings.
Health Benefits: Quick energy; source of vitamin B6 and potassium.
Mostly Found: Kegalle, Gampaha, hill-country gardens.
3) Seeni Banana
Flavor Type: Soft, very sweet
Main Ingredients/Traits: Small fruit, deep yellow skin
Description: Hotel-favorite for fruit platters; great for desserts.
Health Benefits: Antioxidants; helps uplift mood.
Mostly Found: Galle, Matara, southern coastal belt.
4) Rath Kehel (Red Banana)
Flavor Type: Sweet, rich, perfumed
Main Ingredients/Traits: Red skin, pinkish flesh
Description: Culturally significant; prized for its color and aroma.
Health Benefits: Beta-carotene and vitamin C support skin and immunity.
Mostly Found: Kandy, Dambulla, northern markets.
5) Embul (Common/Cooking Banana)
Flavor Type: Mild, less sweet, versatile
Main Ingredients/Traits: Used ripe or half-ripe for cooking
Description: Ideal for boiling, deep-frying, and traditional sweets.
Health Benefits: Higher fiber; suitable for moderated sugar diets.
Mostly Found: Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa, Anuradhapura.
6) Suwandel
Flavor Type: Soft, perfumed, lightly sweet
Main Ingredients/Traits: White flesh, delicate texture
Description: Breakfast favorite among locals for its aroma and softness.
Health Benefits: Potassium and iron; gentle on digestion.
Mostly Found: Central and western regions.
7) Kathali
Flavor Type: Sweet, dense, aromatic
Main Ingredients/Traits: Thicker peel, firm body
Description: Popular for fruit salads and sweets; travels well.
Health Benefits: Vitamin A and fiber.
Mostly Found: Batticaloa, Ampara.
8) Anamalu
Flavor Type: Mildly sweet, delicate fragrance
Main Ingredients/Traits: Slender fruit; ripens quickly
Description: Elegant taste; loved by travelers for light refreshment.
Health Benefits: Digestive support; hydration.
Mostly Found: Southern and western provinces.
9) Puval
Flavor Type: Sweet with slight starch
Main Ingredients/Traits: Short fruit; good half-ripe
Description: Used in fritters and sweets; easy snack banana.
Health Benefits: B-vitamins; steady energy.
Mostly Found: Colombo, Galle, Ratnapura.
10) Koluu (Plantain Type)
Flavor Type: Starchy; best for cooking
Main Ingredients/Traits: Firm green fruit; holds shape in heat
Description: Used for curries, chips, and traditional snack preparations.
Health Benefits: Resistant starch supports gut health.
Mostly Found: Kurunegala, Monaragala.
Other Notable Varieties
- Ambul Kesel (Short sour type) — popular for fritters and light curries.
- Kolikuttu Red Hybrid — deep flavor with gentle tartness.
- Seeni Anamalu — miniature, extra soft and sweet.
- Vee Kehel — large plantain for cooking curries and snacks.
- Undu Kehel — eaten unripe in some Ayurvedic uses.
Cultural and Culinary Significance
Bananas symbolize hospitality and abundance in Sri Lanka. They appear in religious offerings, celebrations, and everyday meals. Banana leaves serve as natural plates, while the plant’s stem is used in village cooking traditions. Sampling different varieties gives travelers a window into local agriculture and regional taste.
Health Benefits
- Rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber for heart and digestive health.
- Natural, steady energy for hikes and day trips.
- Supports hydration and recovery in tropical climates.
- Gentle on the stomach; traveler-friendly snack.
Travel Tip
Buy bananas from verified vendors, reputable markets, or hotels listed on TravelSriLanka.world. Ask for local names to try new flavors, and taste both ripe and half-ripe types for different textures.
Tourist Emergency Contacts — Sri Lanka
- Police Emergency: 118 / 119
- Ambulance (Suwa Seriya, free island-wide): 1990
- Fire and Rescue: 110
- Tourist Police (Colombo HQ): +94 11 242 1052
- Sri Lanka Tourism Hotline: 1912
- Accident Service — National Hospital (Colombo): +94 11 269 1111
- Government Information Centre: 1919
Save 119, 1990, and 110 in your phone on arrival. For tourism assistance, dial 1912 from any local network.
Disclaimer: This article is for education and traveler guidance. Availability, regional names, and numbers may change. Verify with official sources and vendors before purchasing or booking. In an emergency, use the hotlines above or contact the nearest police station or hospital.