If you’re planning to travel to Sri Lanka and want to sample the country’s cuisine before your trip, or even if you’re just curious, it turns out you don’t have to go very far.
Offering an authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine, the Red Pepper Diner has become a beloved gem in the Hudson Valley. It’s been around for a good few years now, but recently moved from its original location off Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, near Dutchess Stadium.
Because the Wappingers Falls building was up for sale and the owners weren’t able to renew the lease, the Red Pepper relocated to its current space on Fishkill Road in Beacon in January 2023.
After celebrating its grand reopening in February last year with a daily Sri Lankan buffet, the diner has now firmly settled into its new location in Beacon and offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere.
An Introduction to Sri Lankan Cuisine
Sri Lankan cuisine is a testament to the island’s rich history, blending the flavors of its indigenous peoples with those of its myriad visitors, traders, and colonizers.
It reflects influences from neighboring India, as well as from Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonists, and even traders from as far as Indonesia and Malaysia. The result is a unique and eclectic mix of tastes, textures, and aromas.
At the heart of Sri Lankan cooking is rice, served with an array of curries that span a spectrum from fiery hot to subtly spiced. Cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and nutmeg, all of which are native to the region, play pivotal roles in flavoring dishes. The use of curry and pandan leaves adds a distinctive flavor that is quintessentially Sri Lankan.
The Portuguese, who arrived in the 16th century, introduced new cooking methods, ingredients, and dishes, including “lamprais”. This dish is heavily influenced by the Indonesian “nasi lemak”, and consists of rice boiled in stock with a special curry, wrapped in a banana leaf, and baked, creating a rich blend of flavors.
H2 – Rich in Seafood and Vegetarian Cuisine
The Dutch and British also left their mark on Sri Lankan cuisine, introducing dairy products, baking techniques, and new crops like potatoes and tomatoes, which have since become staples in the local diet.
The British also contributed to the popularization of tea on the island, which is now a major export and a daily staple, often enjoyed with milk and sugar.
The coastal communities, with their abundant access to the Indian Ocean, have historically relied on a diet rich in fish and seafood. Dishes like “ambul thiyal” (sour fish curry) highlight the use of tamarind and goraka (a local fruit) to impart a tangy flavor, characteristic of coastal Sri Lankan cuisine.
Vegetarianism is also prominent, with a variety of dishes made from vegetables, lentils, and fruits, reflecting the influence of Hindu culture from southern India. The use of coconut milk in these dishes adds a creamy texture and a subtle sweetness, balancing the heat from the chilies and spices.
Red Pepper Diner Menu Highlights
A significant part of Sri Lankan cuisine’s charm lies in its street food. The Red Pepper Diner brings this aspect of Sri Lankan culture to life with offerings like Kottu Roti.
This beloved dish is made from a mix of shredded flatbread, vegetables, egg, and a choice of meat. It’s all fried together on a flat iron skillet and topped with a curry sauce.
Another must-try is the Biryani, an aromatic rice dish served with cashew nuts, raisins, and meat of your choice and flavored with saffron and a mix of herbs.
The Red Pepper also offers a unique chance to sample Hoppers. These bowl-shaped pancakes are made from fermented rice flour, and have thin and crispy edges and a thick and soft bottom.
They can be both sweet and savory, but Egg Hoppers, with a soft-cooked egg in the center, are particularly popular. Those on a plant-based diet can also enjoy all of these dishes, as both vegan and vegetarian options are available.
To conclude your meal on a sweet note, the diner offers Watalappan, a spicy custard pudding made with coconut milk, or the light and airy Kiri Pani, a mix of curds and treacle.
A Rich Cultural Experience
Beyond the food, dining at the Red Pepper in Beacon is also about experiencing Sri Lankan hospitality. The warm and friendly atmosphere, combined with the genuine desire to share their culture, makes every visit memorable.
It continues to attract its old fans while bringing in new ones, too, with some considering it a good candidate for one of the greatest restaurants in Beacon.
