Kokis

Kokis are lacy, crispy deep-fried cookies that are a beloved part of Sri Lankan New Year celebrations and festive gatherings. The name comes from the Dutch koekjes (little cakes), reflecting the island's colonial history. The batter of rice flour, coconut milk, egg, and turmeric is applied to a special kokis mold (an ornate, flat iron shape), dipped into hot oil, and fried until golden and crisp. The resulting cookies are delicate, crunchy, and mildly sweet, with an intricate floral or geometric pattern from the mold.