7 Foodie Adventures: Exploring Sri Lanka’s Culinary Street Food Experiences 

Koththu roti is made of chopped pieces of flatbread mixed with stir-fried vegetables and any type of meat, seafood or egg. It also includes a variety of spices and is frequently served with a variety of spicy or sweet sauces. These ingredients are beaten on a hot grill using two metal blades. Not only is this a delicious meal but it is also a joy to watch the dish being prepared as many of these cooks make the dish to a certain beat. This filling meal is a favourite among locals and foreigners alike. 

Hoppers are known as Sri Lanka’s answer to pancakes. They make a popular breakfast meal. They comprise a soft middle surrounded by crunchy edges. In Sri Lanka, cuisine is incomplete without a dose of spicy flavours. This is why chilli relish often accompanies popular dishes like milk rice, pol roti and hoppers.   

There are many popular varieties of vadai: ulundu vadai, isso vadai, dhal vadai and keerai vadai. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these deep-fried lentil or whole urad dal fritters are frequently served with chutney, sambar or chopped onions. They make a delicious snack which you can grab on the go, during tea time or as a side dish. 

Popularly termed as ‘achcharu’ this famous street food can be found being sold along the sidewalks of many crowded streets on the island. This mouthwatering delicacy is made using different vegetables or fruits. Some popular pickle varieties include olives, amberella, raw mango, pineapple, lime and ripe jackfruit. 

Made using flour combined with shredded coconut, pol roti is a hit with almost any food lover. This round flatbread variety is often eaten with chilli relish or spicy coconut sambol. You can also have this with sweet onion relish. 

Dosas can be found in any restaurant or street stall which serves Indian food. This is a popular Indian meal which has become a favourite among Sri Lankans. Made of ulundu flour, this Indian pancake is usually served with sambar, coconut chutney and sautéed potato filling.  You also get different kinds of dosas like paper, ghee, masala, onion etc. 

Anyone who has a penchant for sweetness will enjoy watalappam. This tantalizing dessert is made using jaggery, coconut milk, eggs, spices and nuts. It is said to have originated from the Malay and Moor settlers. Watalappam is a dish which is often prepared at celebratory occasions. It is specially made during the Muslim communities’ Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
If you are running out of time during your stay but would like to sample as many local flavours as you can under one roof, walk into any of the 8 hotels and resorts belonging to Aitken Spence Hotels. These are scattered in several parts across the island. There you will be able to sink your teeth into a variety of local delicacies as well as some popular international dishes.