If you visit Sri Lanka and leave without trying Kottu Roti, you’ve missed one of the most iconic local food experiences. Kottu is more than street food it’s flavor, noise, culture, and comfort packed into a plate. With its sizzling rhythm of chopped roti, vegetables, eggs, or meat, Kottu is a must-try for every traveler.
This guide covers the best Kottu spots across Colombo, Ella, Kandy, and Galle, with pricing, what to order, and what to expect.
What Is Kottu Roti?
Kottu is made by chopping Godamba roti (flatbread) on a hot iron plate using metal blades, mixed with musics:
- Vegetables
- Eggs
- Chicken, beef, seafood, or cheese
- Spices and gravy
The famous clack-clack music of the chopping is part of Sri Lankan nightlife. It’s affordable, filling, and available almost anywhere.
- Average price: $2 to $5
- Spice level: Can be customized
- Vegetarian options: Usually available
- Varities: Chicken, Beef, Pork, Seafood, Vegetarian, Cheese, Kochchi, Dolphin Kottu
Best Kottu in Colombo
- Hotel de Plaza – Wellawatte: One of the most popular late night Kottu spots. Tourists love the Chicken and Cheese Kottu.
- Price: $2.5–$4
- Must-try: Chicken Cheese Kottu
- Pilawoos (Also called New Banana Leaf) – Kollupitiya: Open till late night. Famous among locals and foreigners.
- Price: $2–$5
- Try: Dolphin Kottu and Beef Kottu
- Ricorn – Bambalapitiya / Wellawatte: Strong contender. Known among locals and foodies for its Cheese / Roast Chicken Kottu. Quality may vary by branch, so try their popular varieties first.
- Price: $2-$5
- Must Try: Roasted Chicken Cheese Kottu, Dolphin Kottu
Best Kottu in Ella
- Cafe Chill: A tourist favorite with good vibes.
- Price: $4–$6
- Try: Vegetable Kottu and Cheese Kottu
- Matey Hut: Authentic homemade style Kottu with lots of flavor.
- Price: $3–$5
- Tip: Ask for mild spice if you’re not used to heat
Best Kottu in Kandy
- The Pub – Kandy Town: Great ambience and popular among backpackers.
- Price: $3–$6
- Try: Chicken Kottu with curry
- Devon Restaurant: Center of the town easy to access, family-friendly, and consistent taste.
- Price: $2–$4
- Try: Egg, Chicken Kottu and Cheese Kottu
Best Kottu in Galle
- Elita Restaurant – Galle Fort area: Tourist-friendly and known for seafood dishes.
- Try: Prawn Kottu
- Price: $4–$7
- Bombay Brassiere (Galle City): Clean, nice ambiance, and good portions.
- Try: Beef and Chicken Kottu
- Price: $3–$5
Bonus Pick for Vegetarians
- Kottu at Saravanaa Bhavan (Multiple Locations: Perfect for vegetarians, with mild flavors and clean kitchens.
- Try: Veg Kottu and Paneer Kottu
- Price: $2-$4
Tips for First Timers
- Spice levels: Ask for “less spicy” if you’re not used to local heat
- Hygiene: Choose busy restaurants with high customer turnover
- Vegetarian/Vegan: Ask for vegetable or paneer Kottu
- Late-night availability: Most places are open till midnight or later
- Ask for gravy: Kottu can be sometime too dry depending on the place, adding some chicken gravy can make it better
- Lactose Intolerance: Fresh milk is being use when preparing some variety of kottu’s such cheese kottu and dolphin kottu.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re traveling through Colombo, hiking in Ella, exploring Galle Fort, or visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy you’ll always find a plate of hot Kottu waiting nearby.
This dish is not just food it’s part of the Sri Lankan identity.
