The chaotic Pettah Bazaar is a Tamil and Muslim dominated neighbourhood, where the main fish market, fruits & vegetables vendors, and Sri Lankan spice-warehouses – all are nestled together in the shadow of the grand colonial-era Old Town Hall. Galle Face Green is an absolute must for amazing sunsets and deliciously varied local street food (any day preferred over Pettah Bazaar). A little walk along the waterfront, you would be surrounded by food carts dispensing curry puffs (that’s what Samosas are called in Colombo), maas-pan (meat curry baked inside a bun – kind of a meat-pie), glasses of kanji (a hot, sweet, sago & milk drink) and of course, the wonderfully refreshing thambili, the water of the giant orange king coconut. But Colombo street food’s USP has to be the isso wade, a scrumptiously addictive dal vada topped with crunchy whole shrimp or a small crab, quickly fried in front of you, and served topped with green chilli, onion and a dash of vinegar. While at Galle Face Green, do check out the Gall Face Hotel – it is a landmark of the city.
