Eating free street food during Colombo Vesak festival culture

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,295 travellers33 found this helpful
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Sophie T.9075 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

We are in Colombo for Vesak There are free food stalls everywhere Is it culturally acceptable for tourists to eat at the Dansal stalls

33
asked about 2 months ago
S
Sophie T.9075 rep2

7 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

It is highly encouraged! Dansals are an act of Buddhist almsgiving and community sharing. Locals genuinely love it when foreigners join the queue; it shows immense respect for the culture. The food is heavily monitored by Health Inspectors and is very fresh. Eat the rice and curry, try the fried manioc, and enjoy the beautiful street culture.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Suresh D.24780 rep1

Wear white if you are walking around during Vesak, it is very respectful.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Nimali D.26100 rep1

We had the fried manioc with sambol. Best street food ever.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Sophie T.9075 rep2

Do not try to pay them! Giving money is highly offensive as it defeats the purpose of the offering.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Jack W.6875 rep2

Avoid the iced colored drinks if you have a sensitive stomach, just to be safe with the tap water.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Nimali D.26100 rep1

The queues for the ice cream dansals are massive, be prepared to wait.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Jack W.6875 rep2

Just smile, say "Sthuthi" (thank you), and eat with your right hand.

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answered about 2 months ago
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Suresh D.24780 rep1

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