Authentic Sri Lankan Kottu Roti Recipe
Sri Lankan · Lunch

Authentic Sri Lankan Kottu Roti Recipe

Sri Lankan Kottu Roti is a popular and flavorful street food made by stir-frying chopped roti with vegetables, eggs, and meat, combined with aromatic spices. This authentic recipe delivers a rich, spicy, and satisfying meal loved across Sri Lanka.

Prep
20 min
Cook
20 min
Serves
3
Difficulty
Hard

Method

1

Prep Speed

Start by preparing all the ingredients, ensuring that the godamba roti is chopped into small bite-sized pieces and the vegetables are sliced and ready for quick cooking, as kottu requires fast stir-frying.
2

Aromatic Sizzle

Heat vegetable oil on a large flat griddle or a wide pan over medium-high heat, then add minced garlic, sliced onions, green chilies, and curry leaves, sautéing them until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

A professional Sri Lankan chef preparing kottu roti at a busy night market
3

Veggie Crunch

Add the shredded cabbage and carrots into the pan, then stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still retain some crunch for texture.
4

Scramble Space

Push the vegetables to one side of the pan, crack the eggs into the empty space, and scramble them quickly until just cooked before mixing them with the vegetables.
5

Chicken Mix

Add the cooked shredded chicken into the mixture, stirring well to combine and heat through evenly with the vegetables and eggs.
6

Roti & Spice

Now add the chopped roti pieces into the pan, followed by soy sauce, chili paste, curry powder, salt, and black pepper, then begin mixing everything together thoroughly.
7

The Kottu Chop

Using two flat spatulas or wooden spoons, continuously chop and toss the mixture on the griddle, ensuring that all ingredients are evenly distributed and infused with the spices.

Dynamic action shot of kottu roti being chopped and stir-fried on a hot griddle with sparks
8

Flavor Infusion

Continue cooking and tossing for several minutes until the roti absorbs the flavors, becomes slightly crispy in places, and everything is well combined.
9

Serving Hot

Remove from heat and serve hot, enjoying this authentic Sri Lankan kottu roti with its bold flavors and satisfying texture.

A massive serving of hot and spicy chicken kottu roti on a traditional metal plate

Cook’s tips

  • For the most authentic sound and texture, use heavy metal spatulas to "chop" the roti on the griddle.
  • If you don't have godamba roti, you can substitute it with plain flour tortillas or paratha.
  • Serve with a side of spicy chicken gravy or "gravy" for the ultimate Sri Lankan experience.

Recipe notes

Sri Lankan Kottu Roti is a popular and flavorful street food made by stir-frying chopped roti with vegetables, eggs, and meat, combined with aromatic spices. This authentic recipe delivers a rich, spicy, and satisfying meal loved across Sri Lanka.

Looking for more street food wonders? Master the art of the Authentic Chicken Shawarma Wrap or recreate the magic of a Traditional Thai Street Food Feast at home!

Frequently asked questions

Is Kottu Roti very spicy?

It can be! You can adjust the amount of chili paste and green chilies to suit your heat preference.

Where did Kottu Roti originate?

It is a quintessential Sri Lankan street food that originated from the eastern and northern parts of the island.