Off The Eaten Path: Staten Island Sri Lankan

 

I often wonder why more people aren’t aware of the delights of  Sri Lankan food, and the reason, I believe, has to do with the scarcity of Sri Lankan restaurants in America. In fact, the only stateside Sri Lankan restaurants I know about all happen to be in that fabulous food mecca of New York City. While two are located in downtown Manhattan (Banana Leaf and Sigiri), the other five are appropriately clustered in the outer borough of Staten Island–an island cuisine transplanted to another  island. Apparently there’s a sizeable community of some 3-4,000 Sri Lankans living on NYC’s least populated borough, and though you may take a Sri Lankan from Sri Lanka you can’t take him or her away from his rice & curry.

Mantattan’s South Ferry, where you can catch a free boat to Staten Island

“Little Sri Lanka,” located in Staten Island’s Tompkinsville neighborhood, hardly resembles a bustling Chinatown or Little India, but rather encompasses an unassuming intersection (Victory Blvd. and Cebra St.) with a gaggle of Sri Lankan-owned shops and eateries. As far as the restaurants go, the food you will eat at any one of them is authentic, most affordable, and offers a broad gamut of Sri Lankan dishes and specialties. Meanwhile shops like Lanka Grocery (otherwise known as Apey Kade) stock all the unique spices and ingredients needed to prepare this cuisine at home–much to the benefit of the expat community there.

some Sri Lankan “short eats” or snacks at New Asha restaurant

the lampreis at Lak Bojun

Besides the amazing food, another thing these places serve up is some good old Sri Lankan hospitality. Anyone who has visited the country knows that Sri Lankans will smother you with kindness, generosity, and plenty of smiles, and you come away with those same positive vibes after a visit with the Staten Island Sri Lankans.

the waitress at Dosa Garden Restaurant

Staten Island has never been much of a destination for those who reside in or visit New York, but it should be–if only for the amazing experience of discovering another culture and cuisine. The Staten Island ferry is free and runs every half-hour on the weekends, and just a short walk or bus ride from the ferry dock you will find a unique dining experience that is definitely worth the trip!

A plate of “rice & curry” from San Rasa Restaurant’s all-you-can-eat Sunday Buffet

a curry plant for sale at Lanka Grocery

with Viji of New Asha Restaurant

New Asha

322 Victory Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10301

718-420-0649

http://www.newasharestaurant.com

Sanjeewa & the crew at Lak Bojun

Lak Bojun

324 Victory Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10301

347-466-5338

with Sehan & Jay of Ape Kade

Lanka Grocery (Apey Kade)

344 Victory Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10301

718-390-0052

with the crew at Dosa Garden

Dosa Garden

323 Victory Blvd.

Staten Island, NY 10301

718-420-0919

Sanjeewa at San Rasa Restaurant

San Rasa Restaurant

226 Bay St.

Staten Island, NY 10301

718-420-0027

And the newest addition to the Staten Island Sri Lankans:

Unfortunately we were unable to schedule a visit there, but it looks great inside.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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