Safety of drinking iced cordials from free Vesak Dansal stalls

Asked about 2 months agoSeen by 1,071 travellers17 found this helpful
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Ethan J.6525 rep2
asked about 2 months ago

Walking around Colombo tonight looking at lanterns. People keep offering us bright red iced drinks from massive barrels. Is the water and ice safe for tourists.

17
asked about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.6525 rep2

4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

As a Public Health Inspector, I advise tourists to be cautious. While the host families boil the water and use commercial tube ice, the massive barrels and the sheer volume of serving means cross-contamination can happen. Locals have strong stomachs for it. If you are a tourist with a sensitive stomach, stick to the hot food (rice, noodles, fried manioc) and politely decline the iced cordials.

24
answered about 2 months ago
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Ruwan D.5990 rep1

I drank a bunch of the pink milk drinks last year and got food poisoning for two days. Stick to bottled water.

29
answered about 2 months ago
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Sophia V.4540 rep2

If you want to accept it out of politeness, just take a tiny sip and hold the cup. It is the gesture of sharing that matters.

22
answered about 2 months ago
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Amali W.5470 rep1

Thanks. We ate the hot fried chickpea snacks and they were incredible and safe.

22
answered about 2 months ago
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Ethan J.6525 rep2

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