5 Most Famous Street Foods in Sri Lanka - A Delicious Introduction

Kottu Roti is a popular street food in Sri Lanka, made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, egg, and your choice of meat or seafood, all stir-fried together on a hot griddle. The clanging of the knives on the griddle as the ingredients are chopped and mixed together is a familiar sound on the streets of Sri Lanka. This dish can be enjoyed anywhere in Sri Lanka, at a street food stall in Galle or at one of the best restaurants in Kandy offered by the likes of Hotel Topaz.

Hoppers, also known as aappa, is a Sri Lankan dish that is popularly consumed as a breakfast food, although it can be eaten at any time of the day. Hoppers are made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. The batter is poured into a special round pan (which is slightly concave in shape) and is then cooked over a low flame. As the batter cooks, the edges of the hopper become crispy and lacy, while the centre remains soft and spongy. The end result is a delicate and delicious crepe-like dish that is perfect for dipping in a variety of spicy curries and sambols. There are many variations of hoppers that you can try in Sri Lanka, depending on the region and the cook. For instance, egg hoppers are a popular variation where an egg is cracked into the centre of the hopper while it cooks, giving it an added richness and flavour.

Lamprais is a Dutch-influenced dish that is popular in Sri Lanka, made with rice cooked in a rich broth with spices, meat or vegetables, and wrapped in a banana leaf. It's a complete meal that is perfect for on-the-go eating.

Samosas are a popular snack food in Sri Lanka, made with a crispy pastry shell filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and peas. They are often served with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney.

Kothu Parotta is a variation of Kottu Roti, made with flaky parotta bread, vegetables, egg, and your choice of meat or seafood, all chopped and stir-fried together on a hot griddle. It's a popular street food that is usually served with a spicy curry sauce. Sri Lanka's street food scene is a must-try for any foodie visiting the country. With their bold flavours and unique combinations, these street foods are sure to satisfy your taste buds and give you a taste of the local culture. Just be sure to bring your appetite and an open mind!

String hoppers are made from steamed rice flour that is pressed into thin noodles and then coiled into a circular shape. These delicate noodles are then eaten with spicy curries and sambols, and are a favourite among Sri Lankans.