10 Traditional Sri Lankan Vegetarian Breakfast Ideas (Healthy & Flavorful!)

Did you know Sri Lanka has one of the world’s most diverse vegetarian breakfast cultures? From crispy vegan hoppers to fragrant plant-based string hoppers, the island’s morning meals are packed with bold spices, fresh coconut, and wholesome grains—all naturally dairy-free and often vegan-friendly.

Whether you're craving something light and steamed or hearty and spiced, these 10 Sri Lankan vegetarian breakfast recipes will transport your taste buds to Colombo’s bustling streets. Let’s dive in!

1. Vegan Hoppers (Appa) – Sri Lanka’s Famous Bowl Pancakes

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Crispy edges, soft center, and perfect for scooping up curries!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tsp active yeast
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup lukewarm water

Method:

1. Mix flour, coconut milk, yeast, sugar, and salt. Let ferment overnight.
2. Heat a small wok or hopper pan, swirl batter to coat sides.
3. Cover & cook until edges crisp (3-4 mins).

Serving Suggestion: Pair with dairy-free coconut sambol (recipe below).

2. Plant-Based String Hoppers (Idiyappam) – Steamed Rice Noodles

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Soft, delicate, and gluten-free!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups rice flour
• 1 cup hot water
• ½ tsp salt

Method:

1. Knead flour, water, and salt into a dough.
2. Press through a string hopper mold onto steamer plates.
3. Steam for 5-7 minutes.

Best With: Lentil curry or spicy coconut chutney.

3. Dairy-Free Coconut Sambol (Pol Sambol) – The Ultimate Condiment

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Spicy, tangy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated coconut (fresh or desiccated)
• 2 red chilies, chopped
• 1 small red onion, minced
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ tsp salt

Method:

Simply mix all ingredients—no cooking needed!

Perfect On: Hoppers, string hoppers, or toast.

4. Easy Upma Variations (Spiced Semolina Porridge)

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Quick, customizable, and protein-rich.

Base Recipe:

• 1 cup semolina (roasted)
• 2 cups water
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 green chili, sliced
• ½ tsp turmeric

Popular Variations:

🌿 Vegetable Upma – Add carrots, peas, and beans.
🥥 Coconut Upma – Stir in grated coconut at the end.
🌶 Spicy Upma – Extra chilies and curry leaves.

5. Pittu – Layered Coconut & Rice Flour Steamed Cake

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Fluffy, slightly sweet, and aromatic.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup rice flour
• ½ cup grated coconut
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup water

Method:

1. Mix flour, coconut, and salt.
2. Steam in a pittu maker or steamer for 10 mins.
3. Serve with banana or curry.

6. Kiribath (Coconut Milk Rice) – Sri Lankan Comfort Food

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Creamy, fragrant, and traditionally served on special occasions.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white rice
• 1 cup coconut milk
• ½ tsp salt

Method:

1. Cook rice with coconut milk until soft.
2. Press into a tray, slice into squares.

Best With: Spicy lunu miris (onion & chili relish).

7. Ulundu Vadai (Lentil Fritters) – Crispy & Protein-Packed

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Crunchy outside, soft inside—perfect with chutney!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup urad dal (soaked)
• 1 green chili, chopped
• ½ tsp cumin
• Oil for frying

Method:

1. Grind dal into a thick batter.
2. Shape into rings, deep-fry until golden.

8. Gotu Kola Salad – Fresh & Detoxifying

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Refreshing, nutrient-dense, and great for digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup gotu kola leaves (or sub spinach)
• ½ cup grated coconut
• 1 lime, juiced
• ½ tsp salt

Method:

Simply toss everything together!

9. Roti with Dhal Curry – Hearty & Satisfying

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Flaky flatbread + spiced lentil curry = breakfast bliss.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups wheat flour
• ½ cup coconut milk
• ½ tsp salt

Method:

1. Knead dough, roll into thin circles.
2. Pan-fry until lightly browned.

Pair With: Yellow dhal curry.

10. Wood Apple Juice – Sri Lanka’s Digestive Tonic

🍽 Why You’ll Love It: Sweet, tangy, and aids digestion.

Ingredients:

• 1 wood apple (pulp scooped)
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp jaggery (optional)

Method:

Blend, strain, and serve chilled!

Final Tips for an Authentic Sri Lankan Breakfast Experience

✔ Use Fresh Coconut – Makes all the difference in flavor.
✔ Try Fermented Foods – Like hoppers, for gut health.
✔ Balance Flavors – Sweet, spicy, and tangy in every meal.