7 tips for travelling Sri Lanka as a vegan or vegetarian

How to enjoy street food in Sri Lanka as a vegetarian or vegan

Sri Lanka is known for its diverse and delicious street food scene. Vegetarians and vegans can also enjoy local street food dishes that offer a rich palette of flavours.

Popular vegetarian and vegan street food dishes in Sri Lanka

Here’s a list of the most popular vegetarian and vegan street food dishes in Sri Lanka:

1. Kottu Roti – crispy wheat flour pancakes with vegetables and spices.
2. Vegetable Biryani – a mixture of spiced rice with various vegetables.
3. Dosa – thin crispy pancakes made from rice dough, served with various sauces and side dishes.
4. Samosa – a stuffed bag with various vegetables or potatoes.
5. Hoppers – crispy bowl-shaped pancakes, served with various sauces.
6. String Hoppers – soft rice noodles served with various sauces.
7. Vada – fried lentil or rice pancakes.
8. Aloo Tikki – fried potato pancakes with spices and vegetables.

These street food dishes can be found in various alleyways and markets across Sri Lanka and offer an authentic taste of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Vegan and vegetarian accommodation options in Sri Lanka

Vegan and vegetarian hotels and accommodation in Sri Lanka

If you are looking for accommodation in Sri Lanka as a vegan or vegetarian, you can look for hotels and accommodation that offer vegetarian and vegan meals. Some hotels have their own vegan or vegetarian restaurants where you can order food according to your preferences.

Another option is to search for accommodation that is close to vegetarian or vegan restaurants. Some hotels and accommodations also offer in-room kitchen facilities so you can prepare your own meals. When looking for accommodation, it is important to check in advance whether the accommodation can meet your specific dietary requirements.

When choosing your accommodation, you can choose from a variety of hotels and accommodations to suit your needs and preferences. Make sure you have a comfortable stay in Sri Lanka with vegan and vegetarian food options that will allow you to fully enjoy Sri Lankan culture and the beauty of the country.

Basic phrases for vegetarians and vegans in Sri Lanka

If you are travelling to Sri Lanka as a vegetarian or vegan, it is definitely a good idea to have a knowledge of basic phrases in Sinhala and Tamil to help you order food and communicate in restaurants and shops. For example, phrases such as “mama vegetarian” or “mama vegan” (I am vegan) can be useful.

Do not be afraid to express your needs and wishes during your stay in Sri Lanka. It is always good to have a basic vocabulary to use when interacting with locals, whether in cities or rural areas.

Further Tips

• If you are worried that you won’t understand the service, you can prepare a card in advance with the phrases you need.
• If you are unsure whether a dish is vegetarian or vegan, ask the staff.
• Be sure to mention that you are vegetarian or vegan when ordering your food.

If you follow these basic tips, you can enjoy local cuisine in Sri Lanka even if you are vegetarian or vegan.

How to arrange food when travelling in Sri Lanka as a vegetarian or vegan

Travelling to Sri Lanka as a vegan or vegetarian can bring some challenges, but there are a few tips to help you arrange suitable food during your travels. Being prepared and informed is key to a smooth and enjoyable trip.

1. Be informed before you travel: Check out the local food and cuisine before you go to Sri Lanka. Find out what the common ingredients are and what restaurants or meals are suitable for vegans and vegetarians. This will help you prepare better and know what to look forward to.
2. Search for vegan and vegetarian restaurants: Use internet search engines and reviews to find vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Sri Lanka. This makes it easy to find places that offer meals tailored to your needs. Keep in mind that local people can also be a great source of information on places to find good vegan and vegetarian food.
3. Talk about your requirements: Sri Lankan restaurants and dishes may feature fish sauce or meat broth. When ordering, take care to tell the staff your requirements. If you’re vegan or vegetarian, ask for food without meat, fish products or dairy ingredients.
4. Try other types of dining: If you can’t find a vegan or vegetarian restaurant, try eating at buffets where you can choose from a variety of ingredients and build your meal around your needs. Also, try the local markets where you can buy fresh fruits, vegetables and other foods and prepare your own meals at the hotel.
5. Be open and interact: Be open to new experiences and try traditional Sri Lankan food. If a dish doesn’t look vegan or vegetarian, feel free to ask for ingredients or ask for a modification. The locals are usually friendly and willing to help.
6. Have healthy alternatives: When travelling, it can be helpful to have healthy alternatives such as nuts, seeds or dried fruit with you. These foods will provide energy and nutritional value when you are unable to find suitable vegan food.
7. Use apps and websites: There are apps and websites that can help you find vegan and vegetarian food in Sri Lanka. Download these apps and use them to easily search for restaurants and meals tailored to your preferences.

How to enjoy travelling in Sri Lanka as a vegetarian or vegan

Tips for vegetarians and vegans when travelling in Sri Lanka

If you are a vegetarian or vegan and you are going to travel in Sri Lanka, you can enjoy the unique culture, sights and nature of this country. There are a few tips to enjoy traveling around Sri Lanka as a vegetarian or vegan:

1. Find vegetarian and vegan restaurants: When planning your trip, it is important to find information about vegetarian and vegan restaurants in the area. Internet search engines, travel sites, and local guides can provide helpful tips and reviews.
2. Require meal modifications: If you visit a restaurant that doesn’t have any special menus for vegetarians or vegans, you can ask about the possibility of adapting your meal to your eating habits. Most chefs are willing to make adjustments upon request.
3. Explore local markets: You can find a wide variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and other vegetarian ingredients at Sri Lankan markets. It’s a great opportunity to sample traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and also explore the local markets and culture.
4. Make Your Own Food: If you are on a longer trip and can’t find suitable vegetarian or vegan food options, you can prepare your own food. You just need to ensure you have access to the necessary utensils and ingredients.
5. Explore traditional Sri Lankan recipes: Sri Lankan cuisine offers a range of traditional vegetarian and vegan recipes for you to discover and try for yourself. It’s a great way to combine travel with your personal interest in culinary arts.
6. Communicate with locals: Locals are often the best source of information about vegetarian and vegan food options in an area. You can contact locals, ask for recommendations, and ask about vegetarian and vegan dishes that are popular in the area.

Sri Lanka offers a wealth of options for vegetarians and vegans, whether it be restaurants, street food, or preparing your own meals. With a little planning and an openness to new experiences, you can travel Sri Lanka as a vegetarian or vegan and really enjoy it.