Street Food

Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of street food, commonly found at roadside stalls, small eateries, and mobile vendors. These foods can be categorized into meals, short eats, sweet buns, and snacks.

Types of Sri Lankan Street Food

Meals

Meals in Sri Lankan street food culture are hearty and filling, typically served as breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Some of the most popular options include kottu, a stir-fried mix of chopped roti, vegetables, eggs, and meat, and string hoppers, steamed rice flour noodles usually served with dhal or coconut sambol. While rice and curry or fried rice are available at many street-side eateries, they are generally preferred from more established restaurants rather than roadside vendors.

Short Eats

Short eats are small, savory pastries and snacks commonly enjoyed as a quick bite throughout the day. These can be baked or deep-fried and are often filled with spiced vegetables, meat, fish, or egg. Popular varieties include patties (crispy turnovers with savory fillings), Chinese rolls (breadcrumb-coated and deep-fried rolls with a flavorful stuffing), and fish buns (soft baked buns filled with a spiced fish mixture). Short eats are widely available at local bakeries, street stalls, and tea shops.

Sweet Buns

Sweet buns are a staple in Sri Lanka’s street food scene, often enjoyed as a snack with tea. These soft, lightly sweetened breads come with various fillings, including seeni sambol buns (filled with caramelized onions and spices), maalu paan (a mildly sweet bun with a fish filling), and coconut buns (soft bread filled with grated coconut and sugar). These treats are commonly sold at bakeries, roadside vendors, and mobile "choon paan" tuk-tuks that deliver fresh bread throughout neighborhoods.

Snacks

Sri Lankan street snacks include a wide variety of quick and flavorful options that do not fall into the meal or bakery categories. Some of the most popular snacks include isso wade, crispy lentil fritters topped with prawns, achcharu, pickled fruits or vegetables mixed with chili and vinegar, and roast paan, a crusty, oven-baked bread often served with butter or spicy sambol. These snacks are typically sold at roadside vendors, markets, and beachside stalls, offering an authentic taste of Sri Lankan street food culture.

KOTTU

Kottu is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic street foods, known for its distinctive rhythmic chopping sound as it is prepared. It consists of godamba roti (a type of flatbread) finely chopped and stir-fried on a hot griddle with vegetables, eggs, and a choice of meat such as chicken, beef, or seafood. A flavorful curry or gravy is often added to enhance the taste. Vegetarian variations with cheese or paneer are also popular. Kottu is widely available at street-side eateries and food stalls across Sri Lanka, making it a must-try dish for visitors looking to experience authentic local flavors.

HOPPERS (Appa)

Hoppers, locally known as Appa, are a popular Sri Lankan street food made from a fermented rice flour and coconut milk batter. These bowl-shaped pancakes have a crispy, golden-brown edge with a soft, slightly spongy center. The plain hopper is often enjoyed with lunu miris (a spicy onion and chili sambol) or curry. A variation known as egg hopper includes a whole egg cracked into the center while cooking, adding richness to the dish. Hoppers are commonly found at street stalls and roadside eateries, especially in the evenings, and are a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine.

STRING HOPPERS (Indi Appa)

String Hoppers, or Indi Appa, are a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from rice flour dough, which is pressed through a special mold to form thin noodle-like strands. These strands are then steamed and served as a light yet filling meal, often accompanied by dhal curry, coconut sambol, or a variety of meat and fish curries. Unlike regular hoppers, string hoppers have a soft, delicate texture and are typically eaten for breakfast or dinner. They are widely available at street food stalls and small eateries across Sri Lanka.

COCONUT ROTI (Pol Roti)

Coconut Roti, or Pol Roti, is a simple yet flavorful Sri Lankan flatbread made with wheat flour, grated coconut, salt, and water. Some variations include onions, green chilies, or curry leaves for added taste. It is typically cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown and served with accompaniments like lunu miris (spicy onion sambol), dhal curry, or even a fried egg. Pol Roti is a popular breakfast or tea-time snack and is commonly found at roadside stalls and small eateries across Sri Lanka.

ROAST PAAN

Roast Paan is a type of crusty Sri Lankan bread that is baked in traditional wood-fired ovens, giving it a distinct smoky flavor and crispy texture. The bread has a thick, golden-brown crust with a soft, airy interior, making it a popular choice for breakfast or dinner. It is often served with butter, pol sambol (coconut sambol), or spicy curries. Roast Paan is widely available at local bakeries, roadside food stalls, and from mobile choon paan vendors who sell freshly baked bread from tuk-tuks.

CHICKPEAS (Kadala)

Kadala refers to chickpeas, a popular street food in Sri Lanka, often served as a snack or side dish. The most common preparation is Kadala Curry, where chickpeas are simmered in a fragrant coconut milk-based gravy with spices such as turmeric, curry leaves, and cinnamon. Another popular variation is Kadala Wada, a deep-fried fritter made from ground chickpeas, onions, and spices, offering a crunchy and flavorful bite. Kadala is commonly found at roadside stalls and small eateries, providing a filling and satisfying option for street food enthusiasts.

GREEN PORRIDGE (Kola Kenda)

Kola Kenda is a traditional Sri Lankan herbal porridge made from a blend of rice, green leaves, and herbs, creating a nutritious and flavorful dish. The green leaves commonly used in this dish include gotu kola (centella), moringa, and other local herbs known for their health benefits. The rice is cooked with the herbs to form a thick, savory porridge, often flavored with coconut milk and spices. Kola Kenda is considered a healthy breakfast option, especially for its digestive and detoxifying properties. It is typically enjoyed with a side of sambol or fried fish, and can be found at local eateries and street food stalls.

FISH BUN (Maalu Paan)

Maalu Paan, or Fish Bun, is a popular Sri Lankan street snack made from soft, fluffy bread filled with a spiced fish mixture. The fish filling typically includes tuna or other local fish, cooked with a blend of Sri Lankan spices such as curry leaves, chili, and onion. The bun is then baked until golden brown, offering a delicious balance of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Maalu Paan is often enjoyed as a quick snack during tea time or as a light meal and can be found in bakeries, food stalls, and mobile vendors across Sri Lanka.

SEENI SAMBOL BUN

Seeni Sambol Bun is a sweet and savory Sri Lankan pastry filled with seeni sambol, a caramelized onion relish made with brown sugar, vinegar, and spices like cinnamon and chili. The bun itself is soft and slightly sweet, complementing the rich and spicy filling. Seeni Sambol Bun is often enjoyed as a snack or a light breakfast, typically paired with a cup of tea. It is widely available at local bakeries and street food stalls throughout Sri Lanka, offering a delightful combination of flavors in every bite.

EGG BUN

The Egg Bun is a savory Sri Lankan pastry filled with a spiced scrambled egg mixture, often combined with onions, chili, and a blend of aromatic spices. The soft, fluffy bun is slightly sweet, providing a perfect contrast to the flavorful egg filling. This popular snack is commonly enjoyed during breakfast or as a tea-time treat, and can be found in bakeries, roadside stalls, and food vendors across Sri Lanka. The Egg Bun is a quick, satisfying option for those seeking a light yet flavorful bite on the go.

SAUSAGE BUN/ SAUSAGE ROLL

The Sausage Bun or Sausage Roll is a beloved street snack in Sri Lanka, consisting of a savory filling of spiced sausage wrapped in soft, buttery pastry. The sausage is usually made from minced meat, flavored with a mix of local spices, herbs, and sometimes a touch of chili for heat. The pastry is golden and flaky, making it a perfect on-the-go snack. These rolls are popular at bakeries, food stalls, and as a part of the local street food scene, offering a delicious and satisfying bite that pairs well with a cup of tea.

CHINESE ROLL

The Chinese Roll is a popular Sri Lankan street food made from a thin, soft wrap filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced meat (often chicken or beef), vegetables, and sometimes egg. The filling is seasoned with a combination of soy sauce, chili, and local spices, giving it a unique fusion flavor. The roll is then tightly wrapped, breadcrumb-coated, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Chinese Rolls are commonly sold at bakeries, snack shops, and food stalls, making them a tasty and convenient snack for those looking to enjoy a savory, crunchy bite on the go.

SAMOSA

The Samosa is a widely loved street snack in Sri Lanka, characterized by its crispy, golden exterior and spiced filling. Typically made with a triangle-shaped pastry shell, the samosa is filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and onions, though meat versions with chicken or beef are also popular. The filling is flavored with a blend of curry powder, cumin, and chili, giving it a rich, aromatic taste. Samosas are deep-fried until crispy and are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer, commonly found at street vendors, bakeries, and food stalls across Sri Lanka.

VEGETABLE ROTI

Vegetable Roti is a savory flatbread filled with a mixture of spiced vegetables, typically including potatoes, carrots, onions, and peas. The vegetables are cooked with a blend of Sri Lankan spices, such as curry powder, turmeric, and chili, and then wrapped in a thin layer of roti dough. The filled roti is then griddled until golden and crispy, offering a delicious balance of soft interior and crunchy exterior. This street food favorite is often served as a quick, satisfying snack or meal, and can be found at roadside stalls and small eateries throughout Sri Lanka.

EGG ROTI

Egg Roti is a simple yet flavorful street food consisting of a flatbread filled with a spiced scrambled egg mixture. The eggs are cooked with onions, green chilies, and a blend of local spices, then wrapped in a soft, thin layer of roti dough. The roti is then griddled until it is golden and slightly crispy on the outside, while the egg filling remains soft and flavorful inside. Egg Roti is often enjoyed as a quick breakfast, snack, or light meal and can be found at street food stalls and small eateries across Sri Lanka.

KIMBULA BUNNIES

Kimbula Bunnies are a popular Sri Lankan street food, consisting of soft, slightly sweet bread rolls filled with a savory, spiced meat or vegetable filling. The name "Kimbula" means "crocodile" in Sinhala, referring to the shape of the bread, which is often long and curved, resembling a crocodile. The filling can range from spiced beef, chicken, or fish to a vegetarian option with curried vegetables. Kimbula Bunnies are often served with a side of spicy sambol or chutney and are enjoyed as a hearty snack or light meal, commonly found in roadside stalls and small eateries throughout Sri Lanka.

JAM BUNNIES

Jam Bunnies are a sweet variation of the popular Sri Lankan street snack, consisting of soft, slightly sweet bread rolls filled with a flavorful fruit jam, typically pineapple or strawberry. The bread is fluffy and golden, often toasted or served fresh. Jam Bunnies are a favorite breakfast or tea-time treat and are commonly found in bakeries and street food stalls across Sri Lanka. They are often paired with a cup of tea for a deliciously sweet and comforting snack.

TEA BUNNIES

Tea Bunnies are another variant of the classic Sri Lankan bread roll, typically served alongside a cup of tea. These soft, fluffy rolls are often lightly buttered and can be filled with various ingredients like coconut sambol, or even a simple egg or cheese filling. Tea Bunnies are an easy, delicious snack or light meal, commonly available at bakeries, tea shops, and food stalls. They are a popular choice for breakfast or an afternoon snack, offering a satisfying combination of bread and flavorful fillings.

PARIPPU WADE (Dhal Wade)

Parippu Wade, or Dhal Wade, is a deep-fried lentil fritter made from ground yellow split peas mixed with spices such as cumin, chili, and curry leaves. The mixture is shaped into small round patties and fried until golden and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and flavorful on the inside. Parippu Wade is commonly served as a snack or side dish, often paired with coconut sambol or a tangy chutney. It is widely available at street food stalls, bakeries, and tea shops across Sri Lanka.

PRAWN WADE (Isso Wade)

Prawn Wade, also known as Isso Wade, is a savory Sri Lankan fritter made from a mixture of ground lentils, spices, and small prawns. The prawns are blended with the lentil mixture, which is then seasoned with curry leaves, onions, and chilies, creating a rich, flavorful snack. These fritters are deep-fried until golden and crispy on the outside, offering a crunchy bite with a savory seafood filling. Prawn Wade is a popular street food, often served with sambol or chutney, and is commonly found at roadside stalls and small eateries throughout Sri Lanka.

CRAB WADE

Crab Wade is a delectable variation of the traditional wade, where the fritter mixture is filled with seasoned crab meat. The crab is mixed with lentils, onions, and a variety of Sri Lankan spices, then shaped into small patties and deep-fried until crispy. The combination of tender crab meat and the crispy, golden crust makes this a flavorful and savory street snack. Crab Wade can be found at food stalls and seafood vendors, offering a delicious seafood twist on the popular wade.

ULUNDU WADE

Ulundu Wade is a popular Sri Lankan street food made from ground urad dal (black lentils), mixed with spices like cumin, curry leaves, onions, and chili. The lentil mixture is shaped into small circular patties and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The inside remains soft and flavorful, while the outside provides a satisfying crunch. Ulundu Wade is typically served with coconut sambol or a tangy chutney and is widely available at tea shops, bakeries, and food stalls across Sri Lanka.

ACHCHARU

Achcharu is a traditional Sri Lankan pickled fruit or vegetable dish that is tangy, spicy, and full of flavor. The fruits or vegetables—often mango, pineapple, or even papaya—are sliced and marinated in a mix of vinegar, chili, mustard, and sugar. This creates a balance of sour, sweet, and spicy flavors. Achcharu is commonly served as a side dish or snack, offering a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of main meals. It is popular as a street food and can be found at food stalls, especially during festivals and celebrations.

MANIOC CHIPS

Manioc Chips, also known as Cassava Chips, are a crunchy, savory snack made from thinly sliced manioc (cassava) root, which is deep-fried until crispy. The chips are often seasoned with salt and sometimes chili for an extra kick. Manioc Chips are a popular snack throughout Sri Lanka and are often sold in small bags at street-side vendors or at roadside stalls. They are a satisfying, light snack with a delicious crunch, making them a go-to choice for many street food lovers.