A deep-fried lentil patty (parippu vadai) topped with whole prawns, served with onion sambol and a curry dip -- almost synonymous with Sri Lanka itself. It must be fried fresh; a common shortcut to watch for is stalls that pre-fry and reheat, which noticeably changes the texture. Galle Face Green promenade vendors are among the most popular spots; Pettah Market stalls near Keyzer Street pair fresh kottu roti and isso vadai together.
Spiced, pickled fruit -- mango, pineapple, veralu (Ceylon olive), ambarella, guava -- sold from carts with the goods divided into colorful sections. Spicy, briny, and zesty; pineapple with chili flakes is the classic starter order if you've never tried it. Achcharu Man on Main Street, Pettah, is a specifically recommended vendor; Galle Face Green vendors also carry the full pickled-fruit spread.
Bright orange king coconut water, served straight from the shell -- one of nature's best electrolyte drinks, and the natural follow-up after spicy achcharu or a hot day walking the city. Street vendors line Galle Face Green's promenade and Pettah Market's lanes.
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