Is it safe to eat street food from Pettah market vendors.
3 Answers from travellers
Eating street food in the chaotic Pettah market is generally very safe and an incredible culinary experience, provided you follow one strict rule: only buy from stalls that are extremely busy with local customers. High turnover guarantees the food is fresh and hot.
Stick entirely to deeply fried snacks like samosas, vadai, and hot cassava chips that are cooked in boiling oil right in front of you. The extreme heat kills any potential bacteria instantly.
You must absolutely avoid any pre cut fruit sitting out in the open air or any drinks mixed with ice cubes, as the ice is almost always made from unfiltered tap water which will definitely upset a foreign stomach.
Scam Watch: colombo
Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes an inflated flat rate. Common on arrival at airport or railway stations when tourists are tired and disoriented.
Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.
Women with babies approach asking you to buy milk powder at a nearby shop (not cash). The shop is run by accomplices and charges 5-10x normal price.
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