Experiences

Hoppers, String Hoppers & Pittu: A Guide to Sri Lanka’s Breakfast Staples

Sri Lankan mornings begin with hoppers, string hoppers, and pittu—three deliciously distinct staples made from rice flour, coconut, and tradition. Here’s your essential travel guide to tasting them.

3 min

Mornings in Sri Lanka are a sensory experience—filled with the scent of steaming rice, the crackle of cooking coconut, and the laughter of vendors serving out hoppers and pittu to locals and tourists alike. Unlike Western breakfasts, Sri Lanka’s morning meals are hearty, savory, and deeply rooted in ancestral food traditions. This guide explores the three most beloved staples: hoppers (appa), string hoppers (idiyappam), and pittu.

1. Hoppers (Appa): The Bowl-Shaped Pancake

What Are Hoppers?

Hoppers are crispy-edged, bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. Cooked in a special small wok, the batter naturally forms a lacy, crispy edge with a soft, spongy center.

Types of Hoppers:

  • Plain Hopper: The basic version, served with sambols or curry.
  • Egg Hopper: An egg cracked into the center as it cooks—rich and filling.
  • Milk Hopper: Coconut milk added in the middle, slightly sweet and creamy.

Best With:

  • Pol sambol (coconut relish)
  • Katta sambol (spicy onion-chili paste)
  • Lunu miris (chili-onion-lime paste)
  • A side of dhal or fish curry

Where to Try:

  • Colombo's street stalls (especially around Galle Face)
  • Palmyrah Restaurant, Colombo – for high-end versions
  • Village homes in Anuradhapura – for traditional prep

Cost: ~$0.50 to $2 per hopper

2. String Hoppers (Idiyappam): Delicate Rice Noodle Cakes

What Are String Hoppers?

String hoppers are steamed rice noodle disks, made by pressing rice flour dough through a mold and then steaming it. The result is light, fluffy, and absorbent—perfect for soaking up flavorful curries.

Best With:

  • Coconut milk curry
  • Kiri hodi (mild turmeric-infused coconut gravy)
  • Potato curry or fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry)

‍How They're Made:

A dough of rice flour and hot water is kneaded and pressed through a string hopper mold (like a noodle press), laid on mats or trays, then steamed to perfection.

Where to Try:

  • Matale Spice Gardens – for live demonstrations
  • Nuwara Eliya tea estates – traditional plantation breakfasts
  • Local homestays in Ella

Cost: ~$1.50–$3 for a plate of 10–12 string hoppers

3. Pittu: Layers of Rice & Coconut

What Is Pittu?

Pittu is a cylindrical steamed cake made from coarsely ground rice flour and fresh grated coconut, layered and lightly compacted in a bamboo or metal tube and then steamed. It has a crumbly yet soft texture and is incredibly satisfying, often considered the most rustic and wholesome of the three.

Best With:

  • Lunu miris or katta sambol
  • Coconut milk curry
  • Meat or egg curry
  • Jaggery and banana (for a sweet version)

Where to Try:

  • Jaffna and Northern Sri Lanka
  • Rural breakfast buffets in Polonnaruwa
  • Traditional kitchens in Galle or Tangalle

Cost: ~$1–$2 per portion

Cultural Significance of These Staples

  • Hoppers symbolize street-side innovation—quick, hot, and affordable.
  • String hoppers are often made fresh in large quantities for family breakfasts or special events.
  • Pittu represents heritage, particularly in Tamil and Muslim households.

They’re not just food—they’re a part of daily rhythm, a symbol of hospitality, and a reason to gather.

Breakfast Tips for Travelers

Go Local: Eat where the locals eat—it’s fresher and more authentic.
Start Early: These items are best in the morning, often sold out by 10 a.m.
Pair With Tea: A cup of Ceylon tea complements the meal beautifully.
Ask About Spice Levels: Sambols can be quite hot—ask for mild if needed.

Sri Lankan breakfasts are more than meals—they’re a sensory celebration of culture, community, and time-honored tradition. Whether it’s the crisp warmth of a freshly made hopper, the delicate texture of string hoppers, or the rustic comfort of pittu, each dish offers a unique glimpse into the soul of the island. To truly experience Sri Lanka is to start your mornings like a local—flavorfully, heartily, and with coconut-laced joy.

Ready to taste Sri Lanka at sunrise? Let Hi DMC craft a culinary adventure for you—from street food walks to traditional breakfasts in village homes and hands-on cooking classes. Wake up to authentic flavors with Hi DMC.

‍

Tags