Colombo Sri Lanka Video

Culinary Journeys: Street Foods of Colombo Sri Lanka to Try

Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka, is a food lover’s paradise. The bustling streets are filled with the aroma of delicious street food, enticing locals and tourists alike. From savory snacks to sweet treats, Colombo offers a diverse range of culinary delights that are not to be missed. In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey through the streets of Colombo, highlighting some of the must-try street foods in the city.

1. Kottu Roti: A popular street food in Sri Lanka, Kottu Roti is a flavorful dish made with chopped roti bread, vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood. The ingredients are stir-fried on a hot griddle with aromatic spices, creating a mouthwatering medley of flavors. Don’t forget to try the cheese kottu, a variation of the dish topped with melted cheese.

2. Hoppers: Hoppers, also known as appam, are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They are crispy on the edges and soft in the center, making them a perfect vessel for various toppings. You can enjoy plain hoppers with a side of spicy sambal or try egg hoppers, where an egg is cracked into the center of the hopper while it cooks.

3. String Hoppers: String hoppers, or idiyappam, are delicate strands of steamed rice noodles. They are often served for breakfast or dinner with a variety of curries and sambols. The noodles have a subtle flavor that pairs well with the rich and spicy curries found in Sri Lankan cuisine.

4. Kothu Parotta: Similar to Kottu Roti, Kothu Parotta is a popular street food that originated in South India but has become a staple in Sri Lanka. It is made by tearing parotta bread into small pieces and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood. The dish is packed with flavor and has a unique texture that is both crispy and soft.

5. Isso Wade: Isso Wade, or prawn fritters, are a favorite snack among locals. They are made by deep-frying a batter of lentils and prawns, resulting in crispy fritters with a hint of seafood flavor. Isso Wade is often enjoyed with a spicy chutney or sauce.

6. Achcharu: Achcharu is a tangy and spicy fruit salad that is commonly sold by street vendors in Colombo. It is made with a combination of tropical fruits such as mangoes, pineapple, and papaya, marinated in a mixture of vinegar, chili powder, and sugar. The result is a refreshing and flavorful snack that perfectly balances sweet, sour, and spicy flavors.

7. Lamprais: Lamprais is a unique dish that showcases the Dutch influence on Sri Lankan cuisine. It consists of rice cooked in a rich meat or vegetable curry, accompanied by various side dishes such as fried eggplant, blachan (shrimp paste), and seeni sambol (caramelized onion relish). The ingredients are wrapped in a banana leaf and baked, allowing the flavors to meld together.

8. Watalappan: For those with a sweet tooth, Watalappan is a must-try dessert. It is a creamy coconut custard made with jaggery (palm sugar), cardamom, and nutmeg. The dessert is steamed to perfection and has a rich, caramel-like flavor that will leave you wanting more.

9. Faluda: Faluda is a popular dessert beverage that originated in Persia but has become a beloved treat in Sri Lanka. It is made with layers of vermicelli noodles, basil seeds, rose syrup, and ice cream, creating a refreshing and indulgent drink. Faluda is often enjoyed on hot summer days to beat the heat.

10. Kavum: Kavum is a traditional Sri Lankan sweet made with rice flour, jaggery, and coconut. The dough is shaped into small discs or oil lamps and deep-fried until golden brown. Kavum has a crispy exterior and a sweet, sticky interior, making it a delightful treat for special occasions and festivals.

Conclusion: Exploring the street foods of Colombo is a sensory adventure that allows you to experience the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of Sri Lanka. From savory delights like Kottu Roti and Isso Wade to sweet treats like Watalappan and Kavum, the street food scene in Colombo is sure to satisfy every palate. So, the next time you find yourself in Colombo, be sure to embark on a culinary journey through its vibrant streets and indulge in the delicious street foods it has to offer.

References:

• lonelyplanet.com
• srilanka.travel
• food.ndtv.com