In Sri Lanka, street food culture has existed for a very long time. It was developed as a necessity in Colombo as in some locations the population density was so thick houses weren’t equipped with cooking facilities. So, they took to setting up stalls outside on the street for everyone to go get their food from.
String Hoppers on Galle Road
The Galle Road is famous for street food and one famous dish that can be found here is string hoppers, a staple for both breakfast and dinner that is served with coconut sambol and curry. Try Green Cabin, for rumour, has it they are the best. Such hotspots can be found within a 4-10 minute drive from Cinnamon Red Colombo if you’re a foodie looking for where to stay in Colombo.
Samosa at the Pettah Train Station
At Pettah’s central station, samosas aren’t the only “short eats” (the equivalent of pastries to Sri Lankans.) On a walk through the station area you will find the best vegetable or chicken samosas in the country. There’s also beef if you need more bite in this fried triangle-shaped snack.
Pani-Pol in Dehiwala – Mount Lavinia
On the Galle Road beach stretch from Wellawatte to Dehiwala – Mount Lavinia a ‘must try’ is the pani pol – pancakes made from coconut topped in palm treacle and stuffed with coconut and sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, this one’s for you.
Kottu at Hotel de New Pilawoos
If you’ve wondered what the metallic beats that follow you through the streets of Colombo at night are, that’s a street vendor making your next order of kottu rotti. Kottu is made of rotti julienned and mixed together with eggs, meats, spices, curry, cheese and assorted vegetables. You can eat it anywhere, but branches of Hotel de New Pilawoos are particularly popular.
| Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+ |