Safe street food to eat in Pettah Market to avoid stomach issues
3 Answers from travellers
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Stick to foods that are deep-fried right in front of you. Isso Vade (prawn fritters) or Ulundu Vade are great because the boiling oil kills bacteria. Avoid pre-cut fruits sitting on ice blocks, and do not drink the water used to wash the achcharu bowls. Also, fresh King Coconut (Thambili) is always 100% safe as long as they chop it open in front of you.
Look for the carts where the locals are queuing up. High turnover means the food has not been sitting in the sun.
The Bombay Sweets shops are also very clean and safe if you want something sugary.
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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