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Navigating a rental Tuk Tuk into Pettah Market to buy raw spices

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L
Liam P.•9890 rep•2

Is it absolute chaos trying to drive a rental tuk-tuk into the Pettah market in Colombo to buy whole raw spices for making roasted curry powder. Where is the best place to park safely.

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colombotransportation

6 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Do not drive a rental tuk-tuk deep into the narrow streets of Pettah! It is a complete nightmare of hand-pulled carts, massive lorries, and thousands of pedestrians. The best strategy is to park your vehicle at the designated paid parking lot near the Fort Railway Station. From there, you can safely walk to 4th Cross Street and Keyzer Street, which is where all the major wholesale spice merchants are located.

47
R
Ravi T.•4360 rep•1

Always negotiate the prices if you are buying in bulk. And make sure to ask specifically for Alba grade cinnamon if you want the thinnest, sweetest bark for high-end cooking.

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Chef Roshan.•8150 rep•1

Keep a very close eye on your pockets and backpack in those crowded streets while you are busy smelling the cardamom and cloves!

43
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Sophie L.•10060 rep•2

Once you are walking the spice streets, buy whole roasted coriander, cumin, and fennel seeds in bulk. That forms the holy trinity of Sri Lankan roasted curry powder.

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M
Mateo D.•12240 rep•2

I scratched my rental tuk-tuk trying to squeeze past a hand tractor in Pettah on my first trip. Seriously, just walk or take a local Uber tuk-tuk to drop you off.

36
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Suresh D.•11900 rep•1

Also pick up some fresh Ceylon cinnamon quills. The smell on those streets is absolutely intoxicating, nothing like the stale powder in supermarkets.

14
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Elena V.•5080 rep•2

Scam Watch: colombo

Broken Meter ScamVerified

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.

👍 67•by virajperera
Government TukTuk ScamVerified

Drivers wearing official-looking uniforms claim to be "government-approved" and charge 3-5x normal rates. They may have fake badges or ID cards.

👍 52•by virajperera
Milk Powder Beggar ScamVerified

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.

👍 25•by virajperera
Report a scam →

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