The river around the island is known for its abundant fishing, where you can while away the day, or just relax in your private hut and wait for the local staff to cook mouth-watering Indian dishes such as fish curry, pappadam or vegetable korma.

FORBES: Great Escapes From Modern Life

Locals proudly declare that favourites such as tender jackfruit curry and cinnamon-spiced potato curry are among the best you will ever eat.

BBC: Foodie paradise in Sri Lanka's hill country

Ella, with its verdant hills and cool nights, is fertile ground for growing many of these spices, such as cardamom, curry leaves and turmeric.

BBC: Foodie paradise in Sri Lanka's hill country

Double-fried, hand-cut chips are dunked into homemade sauces, such as lemon mayonnaise and curry, and everything is local, seasonal and sustainable.

BBC: Chipping away at the history of fish and chips

More unusual ingredients, such as tamarind paste and aromatic curry leaves, can be found in Indian grocery stores or specialty shops.

NPR: Indian Food: Eating in Technicolor

In a city brimming with great Thai restaurants, one of the best is another former warehouse space in the neighborhood, Longrain, known for authentic, vivid dishes such as whole red snapper in red curry sauce.

FORBES: Travel

The evening meal consists of a dozen small plates, including spicy curries made from whatever was freshest at the market, such as young jackfruit, okra, pumpkin or bitter melon, and the Rawana speciality, a rich garlic curry simmered in a pressure cooker until soft and creamy.

BBC: Foodie paradise in Sri Lanka's hill country

Unusual Japanese mains include combinations such as foie gras, kale, edamame and pumpkin seeds, or Texas quail, yellow beans, Chinese artichokes, curry and quail egg.

BBC: Business trip: Houston