Gathering the ingredients

To make Sri Lankan Chicken Kottu Roti at home, you will need a few key ingredients. These include roti or paratha roti, cooked and shredded chicken (leftover chicken curry works great), a mix of vegetables like onions, carrots, and capsicum, curry powder, cumin, and other spices to taste.

Preparing the chicken and vegetables

Start by heating oil in a pan and sautéing the onions until they turn translucent. Then add the shredded chicken and chopped vegetables to the pan. Cook everything until the vegetables are tender and the flavors have melded together.

The secret to a delicious Kottu Roti curry sauce

A key component of Sri Lankan Chicken Kottu Roti is the rich curry sauce that ties the dish together. To make the sauce, heat oil in a separate pan and add curry powder, cumin, and other spices of your choice. Stir the spices in the oil until fragrant and then pour the sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables.

Other variations to try

Vegetable Kottu Roti

For those who prefer a vegetarian option, Vegetable Kottu Roti is a great choice. Instead of meat, this version is filled with an assortment of colorful vegetables like cabbage, carrots, and beans. The same cooking process is followed, resulting in a delicious and healthy alternative.

Seafood Kottu Roti

If you’re a seafood lover, then Seafood Kottu Roti is a must-try. This variation includes a mix of seafood such as prawns, fish, and squid. The combination of seafood with the spices and flavors of Kottu Roti creates a delectable dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Beef Kottu Roti

For those who enjoy the rich flavor of beef, Beef Kottu Roti is the perfect choice. The beef is cooked and seasoned with spices before being added to the roti and vegetable mixture. The result is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for meat lovers.

Cheese Kottu Roti

Cheese kottu enriched in a rich flavor of milk, cheese, chicken, and vegetables including finely grinded ginger and garlic adding more flavor to the dish. This dish is not spicy. Vegies and the eggs are scrambled in oil. Meanwhile, the spices are added. Finally, add in the roti, milk, finely grated cheese and roast chicken. This results in a heavenly taste dish!

Why is this dish a beloved Sri Lankan street food?

The cultural significance

Kottu Roti holds a special place in Sri Lankan culture as it represents the country’s vibrant street food scene. It is a dish that brings people together, whether it’s locals enjoying a quick meal or tourists trying out the flavors of Sri Lanka for the first time. Its popularity and cultural significance make it a beloved dish throughout the country.

The experience of eating Kottu on the streets of Sri Lanka

Part of the charm of Kottu Roti lies in the experience of eating it on the streets of Sri Lanka. The sound of the metal spatulas hitting the griddle as the roti is chopped and mixed with the other ingredients creates a unique sensory experience. The bustling atmosphere of street food stalls and the aroma of spices fill the air, adding to the overall experience of enjoying this delightful dish.

Why tourists love trying 

For tourists, trying Kottu Roti is a must-do when visiting Sri Lanka. It allows them to immerse themselves in the country’s culture and taste the authentic flavors that make Sri Lankan cuisine so special. The combination of flavors, textures, and the unique cooking process of Kottu Roti create a memorable experience that tourists often rave about long after their trip.

Q: What is Kottu Roti?

A: Kottu Roti is a popular Sri Lankan street food dish. It is made by stir-frying chopped roti with a variety of ingredients such as vegetables, meat, and spices.

Q: What makes the dish so special in Sri Lanka?

A: Kottu Roti is considered a Sri Lankan icon and is loved by locals and tourists alike. It is often enjoyed as a late-night snack and is known for its delicious flavors and unique preparation method.

Q: How is it prepared?

A: Kottu Roti is prepared by chopping the roti into small pieces and stir-frying it with a combination of vegetables, meat, spices, and sometimes eggs. The dish is cooked on a hot griddle called a “kottu stand” while the ingredients are continuously tossed and chopped using metal blades.

Q: What are some popular variations?

A: Some popular variations of Kottu Roti include chicken Kottu Roti, mutton Kottu Roti, and vegetable Kottu Roti. Each variation offers a different taste and can be customized according to individual preferences.

Q: What is the main ingredient?

A: The main ingredient in Kottu Roti is chopped roti, a type of flatbread. The roti is stir-fried along with other ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Q: How spicy is Kottu Roti?

A: The level of spiciness in Kottu Roti can vary depending on personal preference. Some recipes may include a generous amount of chili peppers, while others may be milder in heat. It is always best to ask the seller or specify your desired spice level when ordering.

Q: Can I make Kottu Roti at home?

A: Yes, you can make Kottu Roti at home. There are many recipes available online that provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare this delicious Sri Lankan street food. Popular ingredients include roti, vegetables, meat, spices, and eggs.

Q: Is Kottu Roti a traditional Sri Lankan dish?

A: Yes, Kottu Roti is considered a traditional Sri Lankan dish. It has been enjoyed by locals for many years and has now gained international recognition as a must-try street food when visiting Sri Lanka.

Q: Where can I find Kottu Roti in Sri Lanka?

A: Kottu Roti can be found in many restaurants, street food stalls, and food markets across Sri Lanka. It is especially popular in cities like Colombo, Negombo, and Kandy.

Q: What are some other names for Kottu Roti?

A: Kottu Roti is also known as “kothu roti,” “roti canai,” or “chopped roti” in different regions. However, the preparation method and flavors may vary slightly in each variation.