Sri Lankan food carries a depth you can taste from the first bite. It’s not about heat alone. It’s about warmth, aroma and layers of flavour that build slowly. At RA Restaurant & Bar, these spices sit at the centre of everything we cook. They bring our island roots into our kitchen at Sunshine Beach.
Here’s a look at the spices that shape our dishes and why they matter so much.
Ceylon Cinnamon – Soft, Sweet and Full of Warmth
When most people think of cinnamon, they imagine something bold and sharp. Ceylon cinnamon is different. It’s softer, sweeter and has a gentle aroma that lifts a dish instead of overpowering it.
In our kitchen, it’s used in curries, slow-cooked meats and even a few of our desserts. It’s one of the most recognisable Sri Lankan spices and a reminder of home for anyone who grew up with it.
Cloves – The Spice with Real Punch
Cloves bring a burst of aroma the moment they hit the pan. They add depth, warmth and a hint of sweetness. Used in small amounts, they create that unmistakable base flavour found in many traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
You’ll find them in our rice dishes, meat curries and spice mixes that form the backbone of our cooking.
Cardamom – The Fragrant Lift
Cardamom is one of those spices that can change an entire dish with just a seed or two. It’s fresh, slightly sweet and adds a little brightness.
We use it in curries, biryanis and our homemade spice blends. It brings balance to the stronger spices around it and adds a clean finish to the flavour.
Curry Leaves – The Soul of the Pan
For Sri Lankans, the sound of fresh curry leaves hitting hot oil is a moment filled with comfort. The aroma is instant – sharp, earthy and full of life.
Curry leaves sit at the start of many dishes. They’re used to temper the oil, waking up the pan before any other ingredient is added. In seafood dishes, sambols and curries, they bring a taste that you simply can’t replace.
How These Spices Come Together in Our Kitchen
Every morning begins with the same rhythm – roasting, grinding and mixing spices in small batches. It keeps the flavours fresh and helps our dishes stay true to their roots.
We use traditional methods shaped by Sri Lankan cooking, then bring in the freshness of local Sunshine Coast produce.
The result is food that holds the warmth of the island and the lightness of the coast.
Why Sri Lankan Spices Belong at Sunshine Beach
The Sunshine Coast has a relaxed feel that pairs well with food made to be shared. Sri Lankan spices fit into that space naturally.
They give depth without heaviness.
They bring warmth without being overwhelming.
They carry stories of family, tradition and long conversations around good food.
That spirit lives in our kitchen every day.
Taste the Island in Every Dish
If you’re curious about Sri Lankan spices or simply want to try something made with real care, our menu is the best place to start.
Each dish has a touch of the island and a touch of Sunshine Beach.
Book your table – experience the flavours of Sri Lanka right here on the coast.
