Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Colombo, Western, Sri Lanka
1. Kottu Roti at Kottuwa
A popular street food made from roti (flatbread) pieces mixed with various ingredients such as vegetables, eggs, and meats. Served at Kottuwa, a bustling eatery known for its energetic chefs who perform the dish-making process right in front of customers.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the lively atmosphere and skillful preparation of kottu roti.
- Variety Options: Choose from vegetarian, seafood, and meat options for your kottu roti.
- Affordable Prices: Savor delicious kottu roti at budget-friendly prices.
2. Hoppers at Ministry of Crab
A bowl-shaped pancake made from rice flour and coconut milk, with a small well in the center for rich egg custard. Try this Sri Lankan specialty at Ministry of Crab, renowned for its succulent crab dishes.
- High-quality Ingredients: Savor the flavors of fresh, sustainably sourced seafood.
- Gourmet Experience: Indulge in a refined dining experience while enjoying traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
- Exclusive Location: Visit the trendy Galle Face Hotel to try hoppers at Ministry of Crab.
3. Lamprais at The Dutch Burgher Coffee Shop
A rice dish wrapped in a banana leaf, filled with aromatic spiced rice, vegetables, meat curry, and hard-boiled egg. Experience this traditional Sri Lankan dish at The Dutch Burgher Coffee Shop, Colombo's oldest European restaurant.
- Historical Setting: Dine in a historic building dating back to the Dutch colonial era.
- Comfortable Atmosphere: Relax in a cozy, elegant setting while savoring lamprais and other Sri Lankan dishes.
- Traditional Preparation: Taste the authentic lamprais recipe passed down through generations.
4. Watalappan at Galle Face Hotel
A rich, sweet dessert made from coconut milk, spices, and jaggery (unrefined sugar), similar to a custard. Enjoy this traditional Sri Lankan pudding at the historic Galle Face Hotel.
- Iconic Location: Savor watalappan with a view of the Indian Ocean at Galle Face Hotel.
- Unique Flavors: Experience the blend of spices and sweetness in every bite of watalappan.
- Traditional Recipe: Taste a traditional Sri Lankan dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries.
5. Deviled Sardines at The Galle Face Hotel
Spicy and tangy sardine fillets, served as a popular Sri Lankan snack. Try this tasty dish at the iconic Galle Face Hotel.
- Iconic Location: Enjoy deviled sardines with a view of the Indian Ocean at Galle Face Hotel.
- Traditional Preparation: Taste a classic Sri Lankan dish prepared using traditional techniques.
- Spicy Flavor: Experience the blend of spices and tanginess in every bite of deviled sardines.
6. String Hoppers at Cafe Kumbuk
Thin, steamed rice noodles made in a net-like mould, served with curry or coconut sambol. Enjoy this traditional Sri Lankan dish at Cafe Kumbuk, which emphasizes sustainable farming practices.
- Sustainable Cuisine: Support local farmers and enjoy organic, sustainably sourced ingredients.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the taste of traditional Sri Lankan string hoppers.
- Variety Options: Choose from vegetarian, seafood, and meat options for your string hopper meal.
7. Kiribath at Independence Square
A Sri Lankan rice dish made by cooking milk-soaked rice and shaping it into a square or round block. Celebrate this traditional dish on Sri Lanka's Independence Day (February 4th) at Independence Square.
- Historical Significance: Celebrate Sri Lanka's independence and try kiribath, a national dish.
- Authentic Experience: Taste a traditional Sri Lankan dish that is deeply rooted in the country's history and culture.
- Unique Shape: Admire the square or round shape of this iconic Sri Lankan rice dish.
8. Pol Sambol at Ministry of Crab
A spicy side dish made from grated coconut, red onion, chili, and lime juice. Pair this tangy condiment with your Sri Lankan seafood meal at Ministry of Crab.
- Gourmet Experience: Indulge in a refined dining experience while enjoying traditional Sri Lankan flavors.
- Unique Flavor: Experience the blend of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors in every bite of pol sambol.
- Complements Seafood: Enhance the flavor of your Sri Lankan seafood dishes with this tangy condiment.
9. Mas Curry at Hoppers
A flavorful curry made from tender chicken or beef, cooked in a rich gravy with spices such as turmeric, cumin, and cardamom. Try this tasty dish at Hoppers, a stylish restaurant known for its hoppers and modern Sri Lankan cuisine.
- Gourmet Experience: Indulge in a refined dining experience while enjoying traditional Sri Lankan flavors.
- Authentic Preparation: Taste a traditional Sri Lankan curry prepared using authentic recipes and techniques.
- Variety Options: Choose from vegetarian, seafood, and meat options for your mas curry.
10. Pittu at Pittuwala Kitchen
A rice-based cylindrical dish made from ground rice and coconut, steamed in tubular molds. Enjoy this traditional Sri Lankan dish at Pittuwala Kitchen.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the taste of traditional Sri Lankan pitthu.
- Variety Options: Choose from vegetarian, seafood, and meat options for your pitthu meal.
- Affordable Prices: Savor delicious pitthu at budget-friendly prices.
11. Mulligatawny Soup at The Verandah
A creamy, spicy soup made from chicken, coconut milk, and various spices. Try this tasty dish at The Verandah, a charming colonial-style restaurant in Colombo.
- Historical Setting: Dine in a historic building dating back to the Dutch colonial era.
- Gourmet Experience: Indulge in a refined dining experience while enjoying traditional Sri Lankan flavors.
- Unique Flavor: Experience the blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in every sip of mulligatawny soup.
12. Kolambi Roti at Street Food Stalls
A popular Sri Lankan street food made from roti (flatbread) wrapped around a filling of spicy fish curry. Try this tasty dish from street food vendors throughout Colombo.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the lively atmosphere and taste of traditional Sri Lankan street food.
- Affordable Prices: Savor delicious kolambi roti at budget-friendly prices.
- Variety Options: Choose from vegetarian, seafood, and meat options for your kolambi roti.
13. Watalappan Ice Cream at The Galle Face Hotel
A sweet, creamy ice cream made from the traditional Sri Lankan dessert, watalappan. Enjoy this unique dessert at The Galle Face Hotel.
- Iconic Location: Savor watalappan ice cream with a view of the Indian Ocean at Galle Face Hotel.
- Unique Flavor: Experience the blend of spices and sweetness in every bite of watalappan ice cream.
- Traditional Recipe: Taste a traditional Sri Lankan dessert reinvented as an ice cream.
14. Kokis at Galle Face Green
Crunchy, flaky pastries filled with coconut or onions, sold by street vendors along Galle Face Green. Grab a bite of these popular Sri Lankan snacks during your visit to the park.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the lively atmosphere and taste of traditional Sri Lankan street food.
- Affordable Prices: Savor delicious kokis at budget-friendly prices.
- Variety Options: Choose from coconut or onion fillings for your kokis.
15. Dal Hoppers at The Dish Cafe
A rice dish made from fermented rice flour, served with lentil curry and coconut sambol. Enjoy this traditional Sri Lankan dish at The Dish Cafe, a cozy restaurant known for its hoppers and Sri Lankan cuisine.
- Comfortable Atmosphere: Relax in a cozy, inviting setting while savoring dal hoppers and other Sri Lankan dishes.
- Authentic Experience: Experience the taste of traditional Sri Lankan dal hoppers.
- Variety Options: Choose from vegetarian and meat options for your dal hopper meal.