Fish Ambul Thiyal as comfort food — exactly what I needed

Some dishes exist to comfort and Fish Ambul Thiyal is absolutely in that category. The deeply coconut-rich quality works on something almost primal — you feel the warmth of it immediately. pandan does work that no substitute can replicate.

Maldive fish is a uniquely Sri Lankan ingredient with no close equivalent elsewhere. There's something about the a family hoppers breakfast context that reinforces the comfort effect. king coconut water alongside is the traditional way and it makes complete sense. I come back to this dish when I need something dependable and restorative.