Kitchen Recipe Collection
Kiri Appa (Sri Lankan Milk Hoppers)
A sweeter, creamier variation of the classic Sri Lankan hopper — a crispy fermented rice pancake with a pool of sweetened condensed milk set in the center, perfect for a special breakfast.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 40 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- hard
- Cuisine
- sri lankan
Ingredients
Scaled for 4 servings
- rice flour
- coconut milk
- instant yeast
- sugar
- salt
- sweetened condensed milk
Equipment
- Hopper pan (Appa Thachchiya)
- Ladle
- Lid
- Mixing bowl
Instructions
- 1
Prepare Batter
Combine rice flour, a teaspoon of sugar, yeast, and warm coconut milk. Whisk until smooth. Cover and ferment for 1–2 hours until slightly bubbly.
- 2
Season Batter
After fermenting, add a pinch of salt and thin with a little more coconut milk to achieve a thin, pourable consistency.
- 3
Heat the Pan
Heat the hopper pan over medium-high heat. Lightly grease with a very small amount of oil.
- 4
Swirl
Pour one ladle of batter into the hot pan. Immediately swirl to coat the sides in a thin layer, leaving a pool in the center.
- 5
Add Condensed Milk
Spoon one tablespoon of sweetened condensed milk into the center pool.
- 6
Cover & Cook
Cover with a lid and cook for 3–4 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden and the condensed milk center is set. Serve immediately.
Cooking Tips
- Use only one tablespoon of condensed milk — too much will pool and not set properly.
- This is an excellent option for special occasions or weekend breakfasts.
- Overnight fermented batter produces a more authentic, tangy contrast to the sweet center.
Variations
- Plain Hopper: Use a drizzle of kithul treacle (palm syrup) instead of condensed milk.
- Egg Hopper: Swap the condensed milk for a fresh egg for a savory version.
Chef's Notes & Storage
- Kiri Appa is a celebratory Sri Lankan breakfast, traditionally served at New Year, weddings, and special family events.
- Storage: Cook fresh. Batter keeps refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Estimate
265 calories · 6g protein · 45g carbs · 8g fat · 1g fiber per serving
