What is the approximate price of common snacks and drinks in Sri Lanka?

Hey, heading to Sri Lanka? You're in for a treat! The local snacks and drinks are both cheap and delicious, definitely a highlight of your trip. I'll give you a rough idea of the prices so you know what to expect. They use Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), and currently, 1 Chinese Yuan (RMB) can be exchanged for about 40-45 LKR. You can estimate the prices below based on this rate.

Common Snacks (Short Eats & Snacks)

Sri Lanka's streets are filled with stalls and small shops selling snacks, and the prices are very budget-friendly.

1. Various "Short Eats" (Pastries/Fried Snacks)

   • What they are: This is a general term that includes Samosas, fried fish/meat rolls (Cutlets), vegetable rolls (Chinese Rolls), Vada (a savory fried doughnut), and more. They are commonly eaten by locals for breakfast or afternoon tea.
   • Approximate Price: Around 50 - 100 LKR each (approx. 1-2.5 RMB). Super cheap, two or three can fill you up.

2. Roti (Flatbread)

   • What it is: This is a national delicacy! There's the simplest plain roti, egg roti, and also versions filled with vegetables, chicken, or cheese.
   • Approximate Price: A plain roti is about 100 LKR, while filled ones range from 200 - 450 LKR (approx. 4.5 - 10 RMB).

3. Kottu Roti (Chopped Flatbread Stir-fry)

   • What it is: Highly recommended! Chefs chop roti bread, vegetables, eggs, and meat (chicken, beef, etc., optional) on a large hot plate with two metal spatulas, making a distinctive "clang-clang-clang" sound as they rapidly chop and stir-fry. It's a feast for both your ears and your taste buds.
   • Approximate Price: A portion is about 400 - 800 LKR (approx. 9 - 18 RMB), very generous and can easily be a full meal.

4. Hoppers (Bowl-shaped Pancakes)

   • What they are: A bowl-shaped thin pancake made from rice batter, crispy at the edges and soft in the middle. There are plain hoppers, or you can have an egg cracked into the center (Egg Hopper). Locals enjoy eating them with curry sauce.
   • Approximate Price: A plain hopper is about 50 - 80 LKR, and an egg hopper is 100 - 150 LKR (approx. 1-3.5 RMB).

Common Drinks (Drinks)

In a tropical country, staying hydrated is important, and luckily, there are many cheap options.

1. King Coconut

   • What it is: Sri Lanka's "national drink," found everywhere on the roadside. The yellow variety is sweet and refreshing.
   • Approximate Price: 100 - 200 LKR each (approx. 2 - 4.5 RMB). Prices might be slightly higher near tourist attractions. After drinking the coconut water, remember to ask the vendor to split the coconut open for you to eat the flesh inside.

2. Ceylon Tea

   • What it is: How can you visit the land of tea without trying some? The milk tea (called Kirī tē) served in roadside stalls, often with plenty of sugar and milk, is very authentic.
   • Approximate Price: A cup of milk tea in a small shop is about 50 - 100 LKR (approx. 1-2.5 RMB). If you're having a refined pot of tea in a tea plantation or a nicer cafe, the price will be much higher, possibly 500 LKR or more.

3. Fresh Juice

   • What it is: Freshly squeezed juices from various tropical fruits, such as mango, passion fruit, papaya, and especially avocado juice, which is often served with condensed milk for an amazing taste.
   • Approximate Price: A large glass is about 300 - 500 LKR (approx. 7 - 11 RMB).

4. Local Sodas (e.g., EGB)

   • What it is: You can try local "Elephant House" sodas. Their Ginger Beer (EGB - non-alcoholic) has a unique and iconic flavor.
   • Approximate Price: A bottle is about 100 - 150 LKR (approx. 2 - 3.5 RMB).

5. Lion Beer

   • What it is: The most famous local beer brand, available in Lager (refreshing) and Stout (dark beer) varieties.
   • Approximate Price: A large bottle (625ml) bought from a convenience store or supermarket is about 400 - 500 LKR (approx. 9 - 11 RMB). If consumed in a restaurant or bar, the price will be higher, possibly 600 - 800 LKR.

A Few Reminders:

• Location-based Pricing: The prices mentioned above are for local street stalls or ordinary small eateries. If you visit restaurants specifically catering to tourists, those with a nice ambiance, or establishments in prime tourist areas like Galle Fort, Ella, or Mirissa, prices could double or even more.
• Cash is King: For these small purchases, cash is almost always required. Having plenty of small change in LKR will be very convenient.
• Hygiene Concerns: While street food is delicious, those with sensitive stomachs should try to choose stalls that appear clean and have high customer traffic.

Overall, in Sri Lanka, as long as you avoid purely tourist-oriented restaurants, the cost of food and drinks is very low, allowing you to indulge freely!