Introduction

String Hoppers, locally known as Idiyappam, are a beloved staple in Sri Lankan cuisine. Made from rice flour and shaped into soft, thin noodle nests, this dish is light, comforting, and deeply traditional. String Hoppers are commonly enjoyed for breakfast or dinner and are especially popular in Sri Lankan households for their simplicity and versatility.

Unlike heavier rice-based dishes, String Hoppers offer a gentle texture and neutral flavor, making them the perfect base for rich curries, coconut-based sides, and spicy sambols.

What Makes Sri Lankan String Hoppers Special

The beauty of String Hoppers lies in their texture and technique. The dough is pressed through a special mold to form fine strands, which are then gently steamed. This process creates soft, fluffy noodles that hold together without being sticky or dense.

Another unique feature is how String Hoppers are eaten. They are rarely served alone and are instead paired with a variety of curries and sides, allowing each bite to be customized with different flavors.

Ingredients Used in String Hoppers

Rice Flour

Finely ground rice flour is the main ingredient. It gives String Hoppers their light texture and mild taste.

Hot Water

Hot water is used to bind the rice flour into a smooth, pliable dough.

Salt

A small amount of salt enhances the natural flavor of the rice.

Coconut (Optional)

Fresh grated coconut is sometimes mixed into the dough or sprinkled between layers for added aroma and richness.

How String Hoppers Are Made

Step 1: Preparing the Dough

Rice flour is mixed with salt and hot water to form a soft, non-sticky dough. The dough is kneaded lightly until smooth.

Step 2: Pressing the Noodles

The dough is placed into a string hopper press and squeezed in circular motions onto small woven mats or plates, forming nest-like shapes.

Step 3: Steaming

The formed String Hoppers are steamed for a few minutes until fully cooked. Steaming keeps them light and moist without drying them out.

Step 4: Serving

Once cooked, they are carefully removed and served warm with curries and accompaniments.

Tips for Perfect String Hoppers

1. Use very fine rice flour for smooth strands.

2. The dough should be warm when pressing for easier shaping.

3. Do not over-steam, as this can make them dry.

4. Serve fresh for the best texture and taste.

   
   

What to Serve with String Hoppers

String Hoppers are traditionally served with:

• Coconut sambol or onion sambol
• Dhal curry or chicken curry
• Potato curry or vegetable curry
• Coconut milk gravy (kiri hodi)

String Hoppers represent the gentle and comforting side of Sri Lankan cuisine. Simple in ingredients yet rich in tradition, they remain a timeless favorite enjoyed across generations.