Beyond Dal: 10 Surprising Vegan Street Foods You'll Try in Sri Lanka

Few cuisines in the world are as naturally vegan-friendly as Sri Lankan food. In this tropical paradise, coconut milk—not dairy—reigns supreme, and an abundance of fresh vegetables, legumes, and exotic fruits forms the backbone of daily cooking. While neighboring countries often rely heavily on fish sauce or ghee, Sri Lankan Buddhist culinary traditions have perfected plant-based cooking over centuries.

Sure, everyone knows about dal curry and coconut sambol. But let me take you beyond the basics to discover the surprisingly diverse world of Sri Lankan vegan street food. Here are some must try street foods on your next trip to Sri Lanka!

Want to explore Sri Lanka cuisine and culture with a group? Come join our Sri Lanka vegan group tour.

1. Isso Vadai's Vegan Cousin: Parippu Vadai

Delicious, crispy golden brown fritters: Parippu Vadai

At first glance, you might mistake these golden-brown fritters for the famous prawn vadai. But these crispy delights are completely plant-based, made from ground yellow lentils, curry leaves, and green chilies. In Kandy's central market, you'll find generations-old family stalls where vendors use well-seasoned cast iron pans that have been passed down through families, each with their own secret spice blend that makes their vadai unique.

2. Kottu Roti: The Vegan Remix

This iconic late-night dish is street theater at its finest—watch as skilled vendors use two metal blades to orchestrate a symphony of chopping and mixing on a flat iron griddle. Traditional godamba roti (a type of flatbread) is shredded into ribbons and stir-fried with an array of ingredients. While the classic version often includes egg and meat, a growing number of vendors around Galle Fort, Colombo's busy Galle Face Green, and virtually every night market on the island now offer mouthwatering vegan versions.

Picture this: strips of flaky roti dancing on a sizzling griddle with curry-spiced vegetables, crispy cabbage, tender leeks, and caramelized onions, all brought together with a rich curry sauce that's been simmering all day. The best vendors will customize your spice level and add extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, and my personal favorite—meaty oyster mushrooms that soak up all the incredible flavors. The result is a satisfying mixture of textures—crispy, chewy, and soft—in every bite. Pro tip: Look for the busiest stalls just as dusk settles in, when locals line up for their kottu fix. The longer the queue, the better the kottu!

3. Pol Pani Pancakes

Imagine the lightest, fluffiest pancake you've ever had, drizzled with coconut treacle and stuffed with fresh coconut. These naturally vegan treats are a breakfast staple in the coastal markets, particularly in Matara. The secret? The batter is fermented overnight with coconut water, creating an almost sourdough-like tang.

4. Breadfruit Chips: Not Your Average Potato

Move over, potato chips! These crispy slices of breadfruit, seasoned with chili and curry leaves, are my go-to snack while exploring. Throughout the southern coastal region, you'll find small family operations where breadfruit is harvested from local trees and fried fresh throughout the day. The smell alone will stop you in your tracks.

5. Jackfruit "Crab" Cutlets

Yes, you read that right! Young jackfruit is seasoned with seaweed and shaped into little croquettes that taste surprisingly seafood-like. At the Colombo Good Market, several vendors have perfected these innovative snacks, transforming this local fruit into addictive treats.

6. Manioc Curry Buns

These pillowy steamed buns filled with spiced manioc (cassava) are a perfect breakfast on the go. In Negombo's market district, you'll find multi-generational family stalls where the art of making these buns has been preserved, with preparation starting as early as 4 AM.

7. Wood Apple Ice Cream

This dairy-free frozen treat is made from fermented wood apple fruit, coconut milk, and palm sugar. It's an acquired taste that I've grown to crave. The weekend markets of Nuwara Eliya are particularly known for this specialty, where local vendors make small batches using traditional methods.

8. Goraka Pickle

This intense, tangy pickle made from garcinia fruit traditionally accompanies fish curry but stands brilliantly on its own. In Colombo's Manning Market, you'll find pickle makers who follow a three-month fermentation process, creating small batches of this powerful condiment.

9. Green Gram "Moon" Cookies

These delicate, naturally vegan cookies shaped like half-moons are made from ground mung beans and coconut. They're traditionally served during Avurudu (New Year), but in Galle's old town, several family-run shops maintain the tradition year-round, using recipes passed down through generations.

10. Kanda: The Ultimate Comfort Drink

While not strictly a street food, this warm, savory rice porridge deserves a mention. Made with red rice, coconut milk, and local herbs, it's the ultimate comfort food. In market districts across the island, you'll find "kanda ladies" making early morning rounds with huge pots balanced on their heads, serving this nourishing breakfast to vendors and early shoppers alike.

Join us on our next vegan food adventure in Sri Lanka, where we'll explore these amazing street foods and many more. Beyond just tasting these creations, we'll learn about the techniques, traditions, and rich cultural heritage behind each dish. Trust me—your taste buds (and Instagram feed) will thank you!

Want to explore Sri Lanka? Come join our small group trips that combines food adventures with cultural immersion. Learn more!