Safe and authentic street food to eat in the chaos of Pettah
5 Answers from travellers
Deep-fried foods are your safest bet. Look for carts frying Isso Vade (lentil and prawn fritters) right in front of you—the boiling oil kills bacteria. Also, freshly chopped King Coconut is perfect for hydration. Avoid pre-cut fruit sitting on ice blocks, and do not drink the water used to wash the Achcharu (pickled fruit) bowls. For a heavy meal, go to a crowded Muslim "Hotel" for Biryani.
The Bombay Sweet shops on 2nd Cross Street are very clean and have incredible Samosas and Falooda.
Always look for the stalls where the local workers are queuing up. High turnover means the food has not been sitting in the sun.
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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