Eating free street food during Colombo Vesak festival culture

Asked about 6 hours agoViewed 686 times
N
Noah D.3155 rep2
asked about 6 hours 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.

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asked about 6 hours ago
N
Noah D.3155 rep2

7 Answers

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 6 hours ago
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Emma L.3645 rep2

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

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answered about 6 hours ago
E
Emma L.3645 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 6 hours ago
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Bhante S.2935 rep2

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

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answered about 5 hours ago
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Bhante S.2935 rep2

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

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answered about 6 hours ago
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Noah D.3155 rep2

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

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answered about 6 hours ago
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Dr. Nimal.2220 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 6 hours ago
D
Dr. Nimal.2220 rep2

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