Deliciously yum street food in Sri Lanka to try on your travels

Sri Lanka’s culinary history dates back to ancient times. Vast stretches of paddy fields unfolded across the landscape for as far as the eye could see. This meant that the average diet consisted mainly of rice. Sri Lankans during this time were experts in preserving food through processes of smoking, salting, and using honey and they were also highly versed in the medicinal properties of certain foods. Sri Lanka’s indigenous population, the Veddas, ate and continue to eat a diet rich in meat with popular choices for venison, rabbits, turtles, and brown monkeys. The country was one of the key hubs of the oceanic silk route and the arrival of the British, Portuguese and Dutch influenced the island’s gastronomy and introduced a new variety of food items such as carrots, beets, mangoes, cabbages and grapes, to name a few.

Today, there are a few ingredients that are often associated with Sri Lanka. Locals widely consume Sri Lankan red rice and some varieties are even considered to be heirloom varieties. Tea is another major Sri Lankan product and it is even possible to tour the plantations while on your travels. Cinnamon is another iconic Sri Lankan product that is grown on the island and used to spice many traditional dishes.

Aside from the finger-licking good street food in Sri Lanka, there are some Sri Lankan delicacies that you must be aware of before you travel. Sri Lanka is known as the ‘Pear of the Indian Ocean’ yet it could easily be renamed as the land of rice and curry thanks to this nation’s love of this spicy dish. It may come as no surprise that the most popular food in Sri Lanka is fish ambul thiyal, also known as sour fish curry. Naturally seafood has a big role to play in Sri Lankan cuisine and this curry is a beloved dish that blends spices, cinnamon, curry leaves and the sour fruit goraka to create a dry sauce that coats a meaty fish like tuna.

Of course, we cannot discuss curry and not mention the famous parippu dahl curry made with split red lentils soaked in a spicy, coconut milk sauce. This is a household favourite among islanders and a ubiquitous sighting on many Sri Lankan restaurant menus. Yet, if it is street food you are looking for, here is how to go from breakfast to dinner savouring the delicious flavours of these quick eats.

Start the day on the right foot by diving into a plate of lovingly prepared, yummy breakfast treats, fresh from the market. There are many food products in Sri Lanka that can be used to create a breakfast menu and these are some of our favourite options for a hearty breakfast.

You can notice the Dutch gastronomic influence on Sri Lanka when strolling through the busy local markets, especially when it comes to hoppers. These are Sri Lanka’s answer to the pancake and are a firm favourite among breakfast diners. The batter is a fermented concoction of exotic ingredients such as rice flour, coconut milk and a secret selection of spices decided by the vendor. Hoppers come in sweet and savoury varieties but the most common are savoury egg hoppers with a runny egg cracked into the bowl shaped pancake and dressed with onions, chillies, lemon juice and salt. Another variety which is also a top breakfast option is string hoppers-  where a thicker batter is pressed through a string hopper maker to create thin strands that form little nests when steamed.

It is important to note that in addition to the street food in Sri Lanka, there is a subculture that offers ‘short eats’ or traditional snacks. These food items in Sri Lanka are commonly bought by the dozen and eaten in between meals. Typically short eats can be anything from pastries, patties and Chinese rolls. Locals tend to eat these in the morning or they are served to guests at parties. 

When exploring the must-see landmarks in Sri Lanka you will be sure to build up an appetite. Yet, instead of spending time in a restaurant, the tasty street food in Sri Lanka allows you to grab a bite to eat on the go. Spoilt for choice? Here are our go-to street food dishes from Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lankan Tamil food seamlessly blends Indian flavours with Sri Lankan ingredients to create delectable morsels that delight the taste buds. Pani Puri or water bowls as they are known in English is a traditional Indian street food that has found a way into the hearts of Sri Lankans. Made using a semolina and white flour dough, these crispy and crunchy balls are stuffed with a warm and fluffy spiced potato and lentil mixture. If you spot these on your travels, don’t keep walking. They are a delicious mid-day treat.

Rice is a Sri Lanka staple food and is served with almost every meal. Yet, a go-to dish for locals wanting street food in Sri Lanka is a wholesome plate of spicy rice, lentils and fish. If you are staying in one of Sri Lanka’s luxury hotels you will also see this dish served on the menu- it is a national icon.

It combines fresh, locally sourced ingredients for an authentic flavour that is bursting with health benefits. Combine it with a mug of masala chai and you have a winning combination.

Refuel after a day of exploring by heading out to one of the island’s many markets buzzing with life and alluring aromas. You don’t need to brush up on your gastronomic terms to enjoy a delicious bite to eat. Simply follow your nose to the best street food in Sri Lanka and prepare to enjoy a feast of tropical and spicy flavours to awaken the senses.

If you are looking for a delicious quick bite to refuel on the go, you cannot miss isso vadei. These spicy lentil cakes topped with prawns are pure perfection. Commonly served from 6 pm onwards, you will need a willpower of iron to resist their delicious aroma. Fried, crunchy and oh-so-delectable, prawn vadei is a must-try when out exploring.

This Sri Lankan Tamil dish dates back to the 1960s. Yet despite being a relatively new street food in Sri Lanka, it has wasted no time to win the hearts of travellers and locals alike. This is Sri Lanka’s version of a hamburger. It may look like it is made from fried rice, but upon closer inspection, you will see that it is a roti, a crispy flatbread. This bread is cut up, fried and mixed in with masalas of onions and tomatoes and mixed with meat and egg. This salty, spicy and overall delicious combination is viewed as a midnight snack and it is not uncommon for kottu chefs to sing their own songs while rustling up this sought-after snack.

If you plan on visiting Sri Lanka, you will be pleased to know that street food can be enjoyed across the entire island. Each region offers a unique take on traditional dishes with some being more popular for seafood while others may use a specific combination of spices. If you plan to stay in Dambulla, refuel after visiting the Dambulla Cave Temple with a street food feast from the Dambulla Market, just 1km from the Golden Temple. Kandy’s bustling market area makes it easy to find an array of street food dishes to tempt even the pickiest of eaters. If you are staying in Beruwala, you will discover that it is famous for its seafood. A gentle stroll along the coast is enough to bring you to stalls selling the freshest fish street food dishes, ideal for re-energising after practising watersports.