Sri Lankan kottu roti

By Thiyananthan Thibakar October 25, 2025

Sri Lankan kottu roti

🥢 Sri Lankan Kottu Roti – The Ultimate Street Food Experience

Introduction: The Heartbeat of Sri Lankan Street Food
What is Kottu Roti?
The History and Origin of Kottu Roti
Ingredients You’ll Need
Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Authentic Sri Lankan Kottu Roti
Variations of Kottu Roti
Why Kottu Roti is Loved by Locals and Tourists
Best Places to Try Kottu Roti in Sri Lanka
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits
Final Thoughts

1. Introduction: The Heartbeat of Sri Lankan Street Food

When you think of Sri Lankan cuisine, the first sound that comes to mind might not be a sizzle or aroma—but a rhythm. The clanging of metal blades hitting the hot iron plate late at night is the unmistakable music of Kottu Roti, the king of Sri Lankan street food.

From bustling Colombo streets to quiet village corners, Kottu Roti is a dish that unites people of all walks of life. It’s not just food—it’s an experience, a culture, and a story of Sri Lanka told through spices, sound, and taste.

2. What is Kottu Roti?

Kottu Roti, also called Koththu Roti, is a Sri Lankan street food delicacy made by chopping up pieces of godamba roti (a type of flatbread) and stir-frying it with vegetables, eggs, meat, and an explosion of aromatic spices.

The word “Kottu” literally means “chopped,” referring to the way the roti is sliced into small pieces using sharp metal blades—a signature sound you can hear echoing from local food stalls every evening.

3. The History and Origin of Kottu Roti

Kottu Roti was born on the streets of Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka in the 1960s. Initially created as a clever way to use leftover roti, local cooks began mixing it with curry, eggs, and vegetables. What started as a humble leftover meal soon became the most popular fast food in Sri Lanka.

Today, every Sri Lankan city and town has a “Kottu spot” where locals gather for a late-night bite after work or a fun evening out.

4. Ingredients You’ll Need

To make authentic Sri Lankan Kottu Roti, you’ll need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Godamba Roti (or paratha)	4–5 pieces	Cut into small strips
Chicken / Beef / Egg / Paneer	200g	Choose your protein
Onion	1 large	Finely sliced
Green chilies	2–3	Adjust to spice level
Garlic	2 cloves	Minced
Carrot	1	Julienne
Leeks or spring onions	½ cup	Sliced
Curry powder	1 tbsp	Sri Lankan style preferred
Soy sauce	1 tbsp	Optional
Salt & pepper	To taste
Oil	2 tbsp	For frying
Eggs	2	Optional for extra flavor

5. Step-by-Step Recipe: How to Make Authentic Sri Lankan Kottu Roti

Step 1: Prepare the Roti

Cut godamba roti into small, bite-sized pieces. You can use fresh or leftover roti.

Step 2: Cook the Base

Heat oil on a large flat griddle or wok.
Add chopped onions, garlic, and green chilies. Stir-fry until golden.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables and Protein

Toss in carrots, leeks, and your choice of meat or egg.
Add curry powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients are well coated.

Step 4: Add the Roti

Add chopped roti pieces and mix well.
Pour a bit of soy sauce and continue stir-frying until everything is evenly combined.

Step 5: Chop and Mix (The Signature Move!)

Using two metal spatulas, chop and mix the mixture rapidly—this creates the famous Kottu beat.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Garnish with lime wedges and serve with spicy curry or gravy on the side.

6. Variations of Kottu Roti

There are many delicious variations depending on region and taste:

🐔 Chicken Kottu Roti – the most popular version, rich in spices.
🍳 Egg Kottu Roti – simple and satisfying.
🧀 Cheese Kottu Roti – a modern twist with melted cheese.
🥩 Beef or Mutton Kottu Roti – hearty and flavorful.
🥕 Vegetable Kottu Roti – a vegan-friendly alternative packed with vegetables.

7. Why Kottu Roti is Loved by Locals and Tourists

Kottu Roti is more than just a dish—it’s an experience.

It’s affordable, filling, and flavorful.
It’s made fresh to order, often in open-air stalls where you can watch the performance.
It perfectly captures the vibrant spirit of Sri Lanka—colorful, spicy, and alive.

8. Best Places to Try Kottu Roti in Sri Lanka

If you ever visit Sri Lanka, don’t miss these popular spots:

Hotel De Pilawoos (Colombo) – famous for its Chicken Cheese Kottu.
Marine Drive Kottu Spots (Colombo) – open late into the night.
Kandy City Center Street Food Stalls – perfect for a local vibe.
Galle Fort Cafés – for a tourist-friendly yet authentic experience.

9. Nutritional Value and Health Benefits

While Kottu Roti is considered street food, it can be a balanced meal:

Carbs from roti
Protein from meat or eggs
Fiber and vitamins from vegetables
You can make it healthier by using whole wheat roti and less oil.

10. Final Thoughts

Sri Lankan Kottu Roti is not just food—it’s the soul of Sri Lankan street culture. Whether you enjoy it on a busy Colombo street corner or make it at home, Kottu brings joy, flavor, and rhythm to your plate.

So the next time you hear the clanging metal beat of a Kottu vendor, follow your ears and treat yourself to a plate of this iconic Sri Lankan delight.

Search This Blog

Sha Sha Kitchen