Set the Tone for Worldly Tastes in Every Kitchen
Kottu Roti
Sri Lanka’s Loudest, Tastiest Street Food
Table of Contents
Loud, smoky, spicy, and deeply comforting, Kottu Roti is one of the most recognizable street foods from Sri Lanka. Traditionally cooked on large flat griddles with the rhythmic sound of metal spatulas chopping through roti, vegetables, egg, and meat, kottu is both a meal and an experience.
This version combines shredded chicken, scrambled eggs, vegetables, curry spices, and strips of godamba roti tossed together in a hot wok until slightly crispy and packed with flavor. The result is rich, savory, warming, and incredibly satisfying.
Kottu is one of those dishes that turns simple leftovers into something addictive. It is fast, flexible, and full of texture.
What Is It?
Kottu Roti, often simply called kottu, is a Sri Lankan stir-fried dish made from chopped flatbread mixed with vegetables, spices, eggs, and usually chicken, beef, or seafood.
The name comes from the Tamil word koththu, meaning “to chop,” referring to the way the roti is repeatedly chopped and mixed during cooking using two metal spatulas.
The dish is known for its layered texture. The roti absorbs curry spices and juices while staying chewy and slightly crisp around the edges. Eggs add richness, vegetables bring freshness, and the meat provides depth and protein.
While chicken kottu is one of the most popular versions, vegetarian and seafood variations are equally common across Sri Lanka.
A Little History
Kottu Roti originated in Sri Lanka during the 1970s as an affordable and filling street food. Vendors would use leftover godamba roti — a soft, thin flatbread similar to paratha — and stir-fry it with whatever ingredients were available.
Over time, the dish became one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic late-night foods. Street stalls across the country are famous for the sound of spatulas rapidly chopping and tossing the ingredients on large steel griddles, creating a rhythm that has become part of Sri Lankan food culture itself.
The beauty of kottu lies in its adaptability. Every region, restaurant, and household has its own variation, from cheesy kottu to fiery extra-spicy versions and luxurious seafood combinations.
Today, kottu is enjoyed globally and remains one of the defining dishes of Sri Lankan cuisine.
What You Need
Godamba roti, leftover roti, or paratha
Cooked chicken, shredded
Eggs
Mixed vegetables, thinly sliced
Green chili
Garlic
Curry powder
Turmeric
Chili flakes
Coconut oil
Salt and black pepper
Soy sauce or lime juice
The Process
The key to good kottu is high heat and constant movement. Everything cooks quickly, allowing the roti to absorb flavor while still maintaining texture.
The vegetables are stir-fried first to soften slightly while keeping some bite. Eggs are scrambled directly into the wok, coating the mixture and adding richness throughout the dish.
Once the chicken is added, the roti strips go in last. This prevents them from becoming soggy too early. Traditionally, two metal spatulas are used to chop, lift, and toss the mixture continuously, helping everything combine evenly while creating crispy edges and smoky flavor.
The final seasoning can vary depending on preference. Soy sauce adds umami depth, while lime juice gives brightness and balance.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the coconut oil in a large wok or flat griddle over medium-high heat.
- Add the garlic and onion. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the mixed vegetables, curry powder, turmeric, green chili, and chili flakes if using. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until slightly wilted.
- Push everything to one side of the pan. Crack in the eggs and scramble until just cooked.
- Mix the eggs through the vegetables.
- Add the shredded chicken and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Add the roti strips and toss thoroughly, using two spatulas or spoons to chop and combine everything evenly.
- Season with salt, black pepper, and optional soy sauce or lime juice.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Serving
Kottu Roti is best served fresh straight from the wok while still hot and slightly crispy. It pairs perfectly with Sri Lankan curries, coconut sambol, chili sauce, or a fried egg on top.
For extra heat, serve with sliced green chili or spicy sambol on the side.
Storing
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot pan rather than a microwave to bring back some texture and crispness.
Because kottu absorbs flavor over time, it often tastes even richer the next day.
Sri Lankan Kottu Roti
a stir-fried mix of chopped flatbread, chicken, egg, vegetables, and spices.
Share Recipe
Pin
RateServings: 4 servings
Calories: 353kcal
Ingredients
- 300 g godamba roti (or leftover roti/paratha) cut into strips
- 200 g chicken cooked and shredded
- 2 large eggs
- 150 g mixed vegetables thinly sliced
- 1 green chilli chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp curry powder
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp chilli flakes optional
- 15 g coconut oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce or lime optional
Instructions
- Heat coconut oil in a large wok or flat griddle. Add garlic and onion. Sauté until soft.
- Add vegetables, curry powder, turmeric, and chili. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes until wilted.
- Push to one side. Crack in the eggs and scramble. Mix through.
- Add the cooked chicken and stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
- Add the roti pieces and mix thoroughly, chopping and tossing with two spatulas to combine everything evenly.
- Season with salt, pepper, and optional soy sauce or lime juice. Serve hot!
Notes
💡 Notes:
🧊 Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
- You can substitute chicken with tofu, paneer, or beef.
- Traditionally made on a hot griddle with metal spatulas — the clatter is part of the charm!
- Leftover roti works perfectly and gives better texture.
🧊 Storage:
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet for best texture.
Nutrition
Calories: 353kcal | Carbohydrates: 41.1g | Protein: 23.6g | Fat: 11.1g
Product We Use
to make our cooking experience better
