The SriLankan Omelette is a very popular dish in Sri Lanka.
It is characterized by the use of local spices (turmeric, curry leaves, chili), onion, garlic, and often tomato or vegetables, in addition to eggs.
A more “curry” version involves serving the omelette in a coconut milk and spice gravy: it’s a less simple but very common variant.
Although there isn’t a precise “documented origin” of the first SriLankan omelette, it is described as everyday comfort food, often served in restaurants and accompanied by french fries like this one tasted during my stay in Bentota, in October 2025, at the restaurant of Amal Villa.
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 1 Person
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sinhalese
- Seasonality: All seasons
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 onion
- 1 tomato
- 2 green chilies
- 2 cloves garlic
- 10 leaves curry
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- to taste black pepper
- to taste salt
Tools
- 1 Frying pan 8-10 inches
Steps
In a bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and turmeric; set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick frying pan (~8-10 inches in diameter) over medium heat. Add the onion, sliced garlic, sliced chilies, and curry leaves; let them sauté for about 4-5 minutes until the onion is soft.
Add the diced tomato and cook for 1-2 minutes until the cubes soften.
Pour the remaining oil and spread it quickly, then pour the beaten egg mixture. Tilt the pan and spread the eggs to cover the bottom well. As the eggs begin to set at the edges, gently lift the edges with a spatula and tilt the pan to promote even cooking (~2-3 minutes).
When the omelette is almost cooked but still slightly soft in the center, fold it in half.
Serve immediately, accompanied by crispy french fries as a side — an accompaniment often found in local restaurants.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
Why is “It’s a Small World” always playing in Sri Lanka?
Some mobile bread vendors (“choon paan” vendors) use a musical jingle to announce their arrival on the streets of the country, and among these jingles are electronic versions of the melody of “It’s a Small World (After All)” and others.
That song does not have a specific traditional meaning in Sri Lanka (i.e., it is not an original local cultural song)
It is used in a commercial/pop-urban context — for street vendors, tuk-tuks, bread vans — as a ringtone-announcement
It has become a “recognizable” element in the urban soundscape of Sri Lanka due to this widespread use.
This is the one from Hikkaduwa with “Für Elise”.
