Kottu
Also known as Kottu Roti is essentially a curry laden mish mash of cut up rotis, sauteed with vegetables, eggs and a meat of your choice. Once this mix reaches a level of cohesive perfection, it would then be liberally doused with just enough gravy for the roti pieces to soak up.

Over the years, the simple Kottu has evolved to include more decadent additions, giving way for the ‘Cheese Kottu’, the same product as above, now smothered in a cheese sauce. Pilawoos Hotel in Kollupitiya takes credit for the original invention of the Cheese Kottu which was instantly replicated by every other kottu joint. You can find more inventive versions available at the nearby Hotel de Plaza and more sophisticated takes even at 5 Star Hotels.

Isso Vadei
This ever-popular fritter-like snack comes to Sri Lanka with some South-Indian influence but over a period of time has gotten Sri Lankanized enough to make it right to the top of the Sri Lankan snacks list. Made with ground lentils, mixed with spices, curry leaves and lots of green chillies, the final flourish on Isso Vadei is a topping of a whole prawn (or multiple prawns) which gets deep fried along with the Vadei batter. Resulting in a crispy spiced prawn crowning a delicious deep-fried lentil fritter. Possibly the most common street-side snack in Sri Lanka, and you are likely to find a few vendors within any given area. While there are varied additions to this snack, the most popular accompaniment is the ‘sambal’, a fiery onion relish that goes on top of the prawn just before disappearing into your mouth. The Galle Face Green in Colombo is a hotspot for Isso Vadei served at little ocean-side stalls.

Hoppers
From the street of Sri Lanka to the fine dining restaurants of the world, the humble hopper is an irresistible snack for all. This crispy bowl shaped crepe is made in a special bowl-shaped pan and requires considerable skill to perfect. The two most popular types of hoppers are plain hoppers and egg hoppers. In the latter, an egg is cracked into the half-cooked hopper and allowed to firm up slightly. The egg hopper then serves as a dipping bowl, where plain hoppers can be dunked in the well-seasoned runny yolk. In recent times the hopper has been jazzed up to include toppings that include anything from cheese to meats and even chocolate sprinkled dessert hoppers. Hopper stalls can be found along any busy street or the best restaurants in Sri Lanka. Try the Cafe on the 5th or the Palmyrah Restaurant in Colombo 3 for some of the best hoppers you could find while you are here.

The post Best Sri Lankan Street Food & Where to Find Them appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

Some of the nicest bars and pubs include Cheers Pub, Inn on the Green, King of the Mambo and Colombar among many others.

Nightlife in Sri Lanka is not restricted to Colombo but most of it is in fact centered around the capital city. You can try your luck at a game of poker, roulette, baccarat or blackjack at one of the famous Casinos, better known as clubs. Some of the most frequented are Bally’s, Bellagio and Star Dust. Gaming however is only for foreign-passport holders.

Meet interesting people and dance the night away at many places, depending on the ambience and the music you are in the mood for. Rhythm and Blues, Silk and Chiller room are ideal party venues Colombo, but you could also discover beach parties brimming with vibrance and vitality along the coastal line in Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Arugam bay.

If all the partying makes you hungry for a quick bite, the night-owl menu at Cinnamon Lakeside complete with traditional milk rice and soft, fresh, over roasted bread is a treat. Or stopover for spicy masala cheese kottu rotti with an iced lime juice from Hotel De Pilawoos.

When you are in Sri Lanka, nightlife tips to remember are to dress smart casual for instant access to the clubs. No one under the age of 18 will be permitted and please note that alcohol will not be sold on any poya day in Sri Lanka.

The post Night Life in Sri Lanka appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.