Known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is known for its rich culture, stunning beaches and rich biodiversity. However, did you also know that Sri Lanka is a haven for its thriving street food industry?
The tantalising scents of spicy curries and sizzling appetisers are sure to entice you whether you're browsing a local market in Galle or walking through the busy streets of Pettah. These must-try street food items are sure to tempt your taste buds if you're a foodie who is keen to sample real Sri Lankan flavours.
1. The King of Sri Lankan Street Food: Kottu
A visit to Sri Lanka or a night out in Sri Lanka would not be complete without Kottu. Kottu is a well balanced mix of chopped roti (flatbread), veggies, eggs, and your preferred choice of meat that is all stir-fried together with the perfect blend of aromatic spices. In night shops & markets, you can hear the distinctive sound of metal blades banging rhythmically on the grill indicating that this popular street food dish is about to be prepared. You can choose from a variety of kottu such as cheese kottu, masala kottu or even dolphin kottu which is made by combining a variety of different roti (no dolphins are harmed in preparing this dish). So the next you visit Sri Lanka, make sure that you try out this must-have street food dish.
Tip: Before getting your Kotthu made, it's best to ask for your level of spice because it can get pretty hot!
2. A Crispy Delight: Isso Wade & Crab Wade
Galle Face Green is known for its colourful kites as well as groups of families that gather together to catch a beautiful sunset. But did you also know that Galle Face Green is known for its street food vendors and its famous isso wade? Isso wade is a deep-fried lentil fritter that is topped with fried hot prawns. If you enjoy seafood, you should also try out the crab wade, which has the same crispy goodness but with the added flavour of luscious crab meat. Both isso wade & crab wade are easily found sizzling at the roadside of street food vendors at Galle Face Green and are usually accompanied with a hot sauce that kicks in an extra punch.
Tip: Make sure you take a bottle of water along with you just in case as it could be a little extra spicy, especially with the hot sauce.
3. A Tangy Street Snack: Accharu
The Pettah Market, also called Manning Market, is an open market in the suburb of Pettah in the city of Colombo. This open market is a vibrant and bustling hub in Colombo, famous for its outdoor market that sells pretty much everything and anything from phone cases to hair clips.
Amongst all the hustle and bustle of the street, you also get some nifty street food shops. One particular street food item that Pettah is famous for is its Accharu. If you are someone who enjoys spicy and pickled food, then this might be the ideal street food treat for you. You can get your hand on different versions of Acharu with base ingredients like Jambu (rose apple), Veralu (ceylon olive), mangoes, and pineapples that are combined with sugar, salt, and chilli to create this Sri Lankan-style pickled fruit snack, which has a burst of flavours that is sweet, spicy, and sour.
4. A Delightful Street Side Snack: Vegetable Roti
Vegetable roti is a tasty and substantial snack that is frequently found at street-side stands. These triangular-shaped flaky pastries are a terrific on-the-go grub since they are filled with curried veggies and occasionally eggs and meat.
Tip: Vegetable roti is perfectly paired with a hot cup of warm Sri Lankan plain tea.
5. A Cool Sweet Delight: Faluda
After a long walk around the bustling streets of Colombo, there is nothing like a long tall glass of Faluda. This vibrant beverage is blended with rose syrup, basil seeds, and jelly and is topped with vanilla ice cream, making it the best drink to beat the heat. You can easily find a cool glass of Faluda at street sellers and tiny cafés all throughout the country.
6. The Sri Lankan Fry Substitute: Crispy Fried Manioc
Fried manioc (cassava chips) will quickly become your new favourite if you enjoy crispy nibbles. These crunchy treats are served with salt and chilli powder after being deep-fried, making them the ideal street snack to have on the go!
7. The Traditional Chickpea Snack: Kadala
Kadala, or spiced chickpeas, is a straightforward but tasty street snack that is high in protein and is good for your health. It is a popular snack that locals eat at evening tea time or while walking along the beach. It is frequently served in cute paper cones.
8. The Ideal Crunchy Munch: Samosas
A tasty take on the traditional South Asian food is Sri Lankan samosas. An appealing quick bite, these crispy, deep-fried pastries are stuffed with meat, lentils, or spicy potatoes.
Where in Sri Lanka Can I Find the Best Street Food?
Apart from Galle Face Green and the Pettah Market, you can also sink your teeth into unique takes on different styles of Sri Lankan street food at Sri Lanka’s night market “Aluth Kade” that is located in Hulftsdorp. You can find a range of street food favourites, from burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, and kottu to a locally made roller ice cream in the flavour "Kiri toffee" (milk toffee). While you are at Aluth Kade, don’t forget to try out regional specialities like "bamboo biryani" and "pani poori", including a spin-off called "fire" pani poori that is designed to be consumed with fire on top. Aluth Kade is full of street food vendors that offer a variety of local and international combinations of street food that will suit a wide range of palates.
A diverse range of flavours, spices, and cultural influences make up Sri Lanka's street food culture. These delicacies are a must-try during your next visit, regardless of your preference for spicy, crispy, or refreshing food. So, pick up a plate, explore the vibrant food markets, and savour the mouthwatering street cuisine Sri Lanka has to offer!