Top Street Food Spots in Colombo, Sri Lanka

Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka, is a melting pot of flavors and cultures. Here are some must-visit locations to indulge in authentic Sri Lankan street food:

1. Galle Face Green (Galle Road)

Galle Face Green, a popular seafront promenade, is a hub for local street food vendors offering a wide variety of dishes. Some of the must-try items include Wadowwa (fish cutlets), Kottu Roti (stir-fried bread scraps with vegetables and meat), and Hoppers (thin crisp pancakes made from fermented rice batter).

2. Pettah Market (Dharmapala Mawatha)

Pettah Market, one of the oldest and busiest markets in Colombo, is a sensory overload with its colorful stalls selling everything from textiles to electronics. Hidden among these stores are street food vendors offering mouthwatering snacks such as Isso Vadei (puffy fried dough balls filled with prawns), Lamprais (a Dutch-influenced Sri Lankan dish made of rice, vegetables, and curry wrapped in a banana leaf), and Kokis (deep-fried coconut flour snacks).

3. Slave Island (Chandrasekaram Row)

Originally a residence for Dutch slaves, Slave Island is now home to some of the city’s best street food joints. Must-try dishes include Mutton Rolls (spicy mutton wrapped in a thin crepe), Kotthu Kari (spicy stir-fried bread and meat curry), and Lamprais (found at Mohammed’s Lane, near the Anglican Cathedral).

4. The Arcade Independence Square (Horton Place)

Located within the prestigious Independence Square, The Arcade is a hidden gem where you can find delicious Sri Lankan street food. Some popular choices include Kiribath (milk rice), Wood-Roasted Corn on Cob (Makka Mallung), and Seafood Kathiri Kokis (deep-fried spiral dough sticks filled with seafood).

5. Modera Lake (Modera Road)

A picturesque lake in the heart of Colombo, Modera Lake is surrounded by street food stalls serving delectable treats such as Kottu Roti, Samosas (spicy pastries filled with potatoes and peas), and Pittu Kokis (steamed rice flour cakes served with coconut milk gravy).