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Sri Lankan Kottu Roti

Chopped roti stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and spices - Sri Lanka's iconic street food

View Recipe
30 mins Prep & Cook Time
2-3 servings Servings
Medium Difficulty
4.8 Rating

Ingredients

  • 4-5 godhamba roti or paratha, chopped into small pieces
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3-4 green chilies, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, grated
  • 1 carrot, julienned or grated
  • 1/2 cabbage, finely shredded
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 200g chicken, beef, or mutton (cooked and shredded) - optional
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp turmeric powder
  • 1 tsp curry powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 sprig curry leaves
  • 2 tbsp chopped spring onions for garnish

Instructions

  1. If using godhamba roti or paratha, heat them according to package instructions and chop into small pieces using a kottu knife or food processor.
  2. Heat oil in a large wok or pan over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and curry leaves. Sauté until onions are translucent.
  4. Add minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  5. Push the onion mixture to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs into the other side. Scramble the eggs until cooked.
  6. Add julienned carrots and shredded cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables are slightly softened.
  7. If using meat, add the cooked and shredded chicken, beef, or mutton at this stage.
  8. Add chili powder, turmeric powder, curry powder, and salt. Mix well to coat all ingredients.
  9. Add the chopped roti pieces to the pan. Use two spatulas or kottu blades to chop and mix everything together.
  10. Add soy sauce and continue to chop and mix for 5-7 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  12. Garnish with chopped spring onions and serve hot with a side of spicy curry sauce or seeni sambol.

Popular Variations

Chicken Kottu

Classic version with shredded chicken. The most popular variation found in Sri Lankan restaurants.

Cheese Kottu

Add grated cheese during the final mixing stage for a rich, creamy texture.

Vegetable Kottu

Completely vegetarian version with extra vegetables like bell peppers, leeks, and beans.

Seafood Kottu

Made with prawns, fish, or crab meat for a coastal twist on this street food favorite.

Chef's Tips

Roti Preparation

Use day-old roti or paratha as they hold their shape better when chopped and mixed.

The "Kottu" Sound

The signature sound comes from using two metal blades to chop and mix. You can use two spatulas as a substitute.

Customize Heat Level

Adjust the number of green chilies and chili powder according to your preferred spice level.

Quick Meat Option

Use leftover roast chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful kottu.

Reviews

4.8
Based on 124 reviews
5 stars
80%
4 stars
15%
3 stars
4%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%

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Recent Reviews

Sanjay Perera
2 days ago
This recipe is spot on! The flavors are exactly like the kottu I used to eat in Colombo. The tip about using two spatulas to chop really makes a difference.
Emma Thompson
1 week ago
First time trying Sri Lankan food and this was amazing! I made the vegetable version and it was so flavorful. Will definitely make again!
Rohan Silva
2 weeks ago
As a Sri Lankan living abroad, this recipe brings back memories of street food back home. The combination of spices is perfect. Thank you!

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