Starchy root

Yams are a popular culinary dish in Sri Lanka. Indigenous yam and tuber types are flavorful and healthful. They play an important role in the diet. In Sri Lanka, there are a variety of non-edible root and tuber kinds. Only 12 species have been identified as safe edible tubers, and only a few yam variants are cultivated for the food market. Some of them are poisonous, while others are exclusively used medicinally.

They are steamed and served with freshly grated coconut and chile chutney, or they are used in curries. Yam flour is also popular.

Currently, just a few yam cultivars are grown for the Sri Lankan culinary market.