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What are some popular street food dishes associated with Colombo, Kandy, or Galle in Sri Lanka?

Close up of one tipical dish from Sri Lanka - a plate with rice, jack fruit, beens and lentil and other vegetables. Some other dishes blurred in background.

Popular Street Food Dishes in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a food paradise, and street food is an essential part of the country’s culinary culture. From savory snacks to sweet treats, the streets of Colombo, Kandy, and Galle are packed with vendors offering a variety of mouth-watering dishes at affordable prices. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the popular street food dishes associated with these cities.

1. Top Street Food Picks in Colombo

As the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a melting pot of cultures and cuisines. The city is home to some of the best street food vendors in the country, offering a wide range of local and international flavors. Some of the top street food picks in Colombo include kottu roti, hoppers, and wade. Kottu roti is a popular dish made with chopped up roti, vegetables, and meat, all fried together on a hot griddle. Hoppers are small, bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, and are typically served with spicy sambol and curry. Wade is a deep-fried snack made from a variety of ingredients, such as lentils, chickpeas, or potatoes, and is perfect for a quick bite on the go.

2. Kandy’s Street Food Delicacies: Must-Try List

Kandy, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, is a popular tourist destination renowned for its scenic beauty and cultural heritage. The city also boasts a vibrant street food scene, with a variety of local delicacies that are not to be missed. Among the must-try dishes in Kandy are samosas, kimbula banis, and achcharu. Samosas are triangular-shaped pastries filled with spiced potatoes, onions, and peas, and are a favorite snack among locals. Kimbula banis are fish-shaped pastries stuffed with sweet coconut filling, and are a popular souvenir item for tourists. Achcharu is a spicy fruit salad made with a combination of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, and is an excellent way to cool down on a hot day.

3. Galle’s Street Food Scene: Local Favorites and Specialties

Galle, located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a historic city famous for its Dutch colonial architecture and pristine beaches. The city’s street food scene is equally impressive, with a variety of local favorites and specialties to choose from. Some of the most popular street food dishes in Galle include seafood, roti, and kimbula roti. Being a coastal city, Galle is renowned for its fresh seafood, which is cooked to perfection by street vendors using a variety of methods such as grilling, frying, and steaming. Roti is a popular flatbread that is filled with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and cheese, and is a popular snack among locals. Kimbula roti is a unique twist on the traditional roti, as it is shaped like a fish and stuffed with a variety of sweet or savory fillings.

In conclusion, Colombo, Kandy, and Galle offer a diverse range of street food dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. Whether you are in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, the streets of these cities have something to offer everyone. So next time you are in Sri Lanka, be sure to explore the local street food scene and discover the culinary treasures of this beautiful island nation.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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