The Prawn Story: From Ocean to Plate
At ISSO, our name speaks volumes. “Isso” means prawn in Sinhala—a tribute to Sri Lanka’s renowned seafood heritage. We are dedicated to serving export-quality, eco-friendly Sri Lankan prawns that not only delight your palate but also tell a story of tradition, sustainability, and meticulous traceability
A Journey of Quality and Sustainability
Our prawns are more than just a meal—they’re a journey. Harvested from the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean, our prawns are caught using sustainable, eco-friendly methods that safeguard our marine environment. We partner with trusted local fishing communities, ensuring that every prawn is handled with care and respect for nature.
Traceability: From Fisherman to Your Plate
What sets our seafood apart is its transparency. At ISSO, every prawn comes with a story.
Fisherman’s Signature:
Each prawn is traced back to the dedicated fisherman who caught it, complete with the name of the boat and the specific fishing technique used.
Eco-Friendly Harvesting:
Our sustainable fishing practices guarantee that every catch is as fresh and firm as nature intended, preserving the prawn’s naturally sweet taste and ensuring export-quality standards.
From Boat to Plate:
After being caught, our prawns are swiftly processed following best industry practices. This rigorous traceability—from the name of the fisherman and his boat to our carefully managed kitchen—ensures that you experience only the finest fresh seafood.
Prawns: We Serve
Black tiger prawns (Scientific name: Penaeus Monodon)
In the warm estuaries and coastal waters of Sri Lanka, the mighty Black Tiger Prawn (Penaeus monodon) commands respect. Renowned for its robust flavor and striking appearance, this prawn is typically caught both in the wild and through carefully managed aquaculture. Local fishers deploy traditional trawling techniques and sustainable farming practices to ensure that these prawns reach the market at peak freshness.
Their life is one of seasonal rhythm—the Black Tiger migrates in response to the warm monsoon currents, with breeding peaks during the tropical summer when the water salinity and temperature create ideal conditions. The climate’s steady warmth is crucial, as fluctuations can impact both their abundance and growth. When fully mature, these prawns can reach impressive sizes of up to 30 centimeters in length, making them a prized catch for seafood connoisseurs.
Flower prawns (Scientific name: Penaeus Semisulcatus)
Adorned with a delicate, almost floral coloration, the Flower Prawn (Penaeus merguiensis) paints a picture of natural beauty in Sri Lanka’s coastal waters. Typically harvested using eco-friendly gill nets or trawling methods, these prawns are prized for their unique taste and texture.
Flower Prawns follow subtle seasonal migrations, often tracking the availability of plankton blooms that serve as a natural food source. Their movements are finely attuned to the monsoonal rhythms and tidal patterns of the Indian Ocean. The warm, stable climate of Sri Lanka, with its periodic rains and gentle breezes, supports their growth, allowing them to reach lengths of around 15 to 20 centimeters. Their vibrant appearance and distinctive flavor make them a delightful addition to any seafood feast.
White prawns (Scientific name: Penaeus Indicus)
The understated elegance of the White Prawn (Penaeus indicus) is a beloved feature of Sri Lanka’s seafood offerings. Commonly found in the shallow, coastal waters, these prawns are usually caught using traditional methods or harvested from semi-intensive aquaculture systems in brackish ponds.
Although less migratory than their tiger counterparts, White Prawns adjust their behavior with seasonal shifts in water temperature and salinity. The tropical climate, characterized by consistent warmth and monsoonal rains, supports their growth and flavor development. Typically, these prawns reach lengths of about 20 centimeters, offering a delicate balance of sweetness and firm texture that appeals to both local families and international visitors.
Whiteleg prawns (Scientific name: Penaeus Vannamei)
Celebrated for its adaptability and rapid growth, the White Leg Prawn (Penaeus vannamei) has become the cornerstone of modern aquaculture in Sri Lanka. Raised predominantly in controlled pond environments, these prawns are farmed using advanced, eco-friendly techniques that ensure optimal water quality and minimal environmental impact.
While their natural migration is less apparent due to intensive farming, these prawns thrive under carefully managed conditions that mimic the warm, brackish waters of their native habitats. The consistent tropical climate of Sri Lanka—with its gentle monsoons and stable temperatures—allows White Leg Prawns to grow steadily, reaching sizes of 20 to 25 centimeters in ideal conditions. Their reliable quality and subtle flavor have made them a favorite in both local kitchens and export markets.
Freshwater prawns (Scientific name: Macrobrachium Rosenbergi)
Flowing through the clear, life-giving rivers of Sri Lanka, the Freshwater Prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii)—often referred to as the Giant River Prawn—is a testament to nature’s splendor. These prawns are primarily cultivated in freshwater aquaculture systems or caught in naturally flowing rivers, where the water’s purity and nutrient-rich environment foster their growth.
Unlike their coastal cousins, freshwater prawns do not follow long migratory routes; instead, their distribution is largely influenced by seasonal flooding and the natural flow of rivers. The temperate conditions and periodic rains of the inland regions play a vital role in their development. Known for their impressive size, these prawns can grow up to 40 centimeters in length, though the commercially harvested specimens are typically more modest in size—offering a hearty and flavorful experience that celebrates Sri Lanka’s rich inland biodiversity.
A Commitment to Excellence
By choosing ISSO, you’re not just enjoying a meal; you’re supporting a legacy of responsible seafood sourcing and local craftsmanship. Our commitment extends beyond quality—it’s about fostering community, preserving our natural resources, and delivering an unforgettable culinary experience.
Taste the difference with every bite and join us in celebrating the rich traditions and sustainable practices that define Sri Lankan seafood.
ISSO’s Prawn Guide
Prawns are an excellent source of lean protein, essential vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, making them a nutritious choice for a balanced diet. At ISSO, we serve prawns that are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, supporting a healthy lifestyle.
We partner with trusted local fishing communities and seafood exporters, ensuring our prawns are sustainably caught or farmed using eco-friendly methods. Each prawn is traceable from the fisherman and his boat to your plate, guaranteeing unmatched freshness and export-quality standards.
Sri Lankan prawns are celebrated for their firm texture, naturally sweet taste, and a subtle hint of ocean brininess. Our chefs enhance these natural qualities by using a blend of traditional Sri Lankan spices, creating dishes that are both aromatic and flavor-packed.
Our culinary team focuses on methods that retain the prawns’ inherent sweetness and texture. Whether grilled, curried, or lightly sautéed, each preparation highlights the prawn’s unique flavor while incorporating local ingredients and innovative techniques to create a memorable dining experience.
Sustainability is at the core of our operations. We source prawns using eco-friendly techniques that protect marine ecosystems and support local fishing communities. Our traceability system documents each prawn’s journey—from the dedicated fisherman to our kitchen—ensuring responsible and sustainable seafood practices.
While our prawns are prepared with the highest quality standards, they are shellfish, which can trigger allergies in some individuals. If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, please consult your doctor before dining. We also offer a variety of alternative dishes, ensuring there’s something delicious for everyone.
Prawns are generally low in mercury and high in lean protein, making them a popular choice for a balanced diet during pregnancy. At ISSO, we ensure that our prawns are sustainably sourced, fresh, and handled with strict food safety protocols. However, we recommend that pregnant women consult with their healthcare provider to tailor dietary choices to their personal needs.
Yes, prawns can be a nutritious option for breastfeeding mothers, offering a good source of protein and essential nutrients. Our prawns are harvested and processed with utmost care to maintain their freshness and quality. As with any food, if you have any concerns or dietary restrictions, it’s best to discuss them with your doctor.
Prawns provide high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals that support both maternal health and the baby’s development. They are low in fat and offer beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, which can be important for brain development. Our export-quality prawns are prepared to retain their natural nutritional value, making them a healthy addition to your diet.
We source our prawns using eco-friendly methods and adhere to strict processing standards. Each prawn is traceable from the dedicated fisherman and his boat to our kitchen, ensuring minimal risk of contaminants. This rigorous traceability and commitment to sustainability helps ensure that our seafood is both safe and of exceptional quality.
Since prawns are shellfish, they can trigger allergies in some individuals. We always recommend that if you have a known shellfish allergy or sensitivity, you avoid these dishes. For those without allergies, our preparation methods follow high food safety standards, but if you have any specific concerns, please feel free to ask our staff for more detailed information.
Our culinary team uses techniques that preserve the natural flavors and nutrients of the prawns while maintaining strict hygiene and safety standards. Whether grilled, curried, or lightly sautéed, each dish is carefully prepared to minimize any health risks and maximize nutritional benefits, ensuring that both pregnant and breastfeeding customers can enjoy their meals with confidence.