Pettah Market is a vibrant and bustling hub in Colombo, Sri Lanka, renowned for its eclectic mix of goods, rich cultural diversity, and lively atmosphere. This article delves into the various roads and popular spots within Pettah Market, providing a comprehensive guide for travellers looking to explore this unique shopping district.
Overview of Pettah Market
Located just outside the Colombo Fort, Pettah Market is a bustling bazaar that reflects the multicultural essence of Sri Lanka. The name “Pettah” is derived from the Tamil word “pettai,” meaning “town outside the fort,” highlighting its historical significance as a trading post. The market is known for its chaotic charm, where locals and tourists alike come to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life in Colombo.
Key Roads and Attractions in Pettah Market
Main Street (Pettah Main Street)
Main Street is the primary artery of Pettah Market, where most visitors begin their journey.
What can you find :
- Clothing shops
- Imported Clothes
- Famous and picturesque” Red Mosque“
- Khan Clock Tower
1st Cross Street
What can you find :
- Backpacks
- Watches
- Stationery Items
- Painting Items
Here, visitors can find sunglasses, bags, and jackets at low prices.
2nd Cross Street
Moving on to 2nd Cross Street, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Colombo’s electronics market. From mobile phones and accessories to household appliances, this street is a haven for tech enthusiasts. The shops here offer both brand-new and second-hand items, often at competitive prices.
What can you find :
- Electronic Items
- Poplin, Muslin, Cotton, Silk and traditional Sri Lankan attires
- Stationery Items
- Painting Items
3rd Cross Street
This street is the epicentre of fresh produce in Pettah Market. It offers a colourful array of fruits and vegetables, including exotic local varieties
What can you find :
- Traditional Indian dresses and clothes
- Weight scales
- Repair and Maintainance Items
4th Cross Street
This street is the epicentre of fresh produce in Pettah Market. It offers a colourful array of fruits and vegetables, including exotic local varieties
What can you find :
- Wholesale Food Items
- Fresh Fruits, Vegetables and dry rations
Maliban Street
Maliban Street in Pettah, Colombo, is a bustling thoroughfare known for its specialized shops that cater to a variety of needs, particularly when it comes to wedding preparations and timepieces. In addition to wedding invitations, Maliban Street is also known for its wide selection of watches.
What can you find :
- Wedding Invitations to all invitation cards
- Watches
Malwaththa Road
Malwaththa Road, nestled in the heart of Pettah, Colombo, is a bustling street known for its extensive selection of bags and men’s shoes. This road has earned a reputation as the go-to destination for those seeking high-quality, affordable bags and footwear
What can you find :
- Bags of any kind
- Men’s Shoes
Bangasala Street(Bankshall Street)
Bankshall Street is a lesser-known but fascinating street located within the bustling Pettah Market in Colombo, Sri Lanka. While it might not be as touristy as other parts of Pettah, it offers a unique shopping experience, particularly for those interested in food flavours and artificial flowers.
What can you find :
- Food flavourings
- Artificial flowers and plants
Perera Street
Perera Street, tucked away in the bustling market area of Pettah, Colombo, is a speciality lane that has carved out a niche for itself as the premier spot for purchasing dried fish. This street is renowned among locals and visitors alike for its wide variety of dried seafood, an essential ingredient in many Sri Lankan households.
What can you find :
- Dried Fish
Olcott Street
Olcott Road is a visual spectacle, with stalls overflowing with vibrant fruits and vegetables. You’ll find a wide range of options, including exotic local varieties, seasonal produce and imported fruits and vegetables. In addition to fresh produce, Olcott Road also offers a variety of wholesale food items
What can you find :
- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Hetti Street
This street is packed with jewellery shops, each offering intricate designs and a variety of gold ornaments. It’s a popular spot for both locals and tourists looking to purchase gold jewellery, often at competitive prices
What can you find :
- Gold Jewellery
China Street
China Street in Pettah Market is a vibrant and bustling area known for its unique offerings, particularly catering to party supplies and home decor. In addition to party supplies, China Street also features shops that sell chinaware and glassware.
What can you find :
- Home Decor and Ornaments
- Glassware
- Party Supplies
Kumara Street
Kumara Street, located in the lively Pettah market area of Colombo, is a bustling thoroughfare known for its diverse offerings of electrical equipment and high-quality leather products. This street has become a go-to destination for both locals and visitors who are on the hunt for reliable electrical supplies and stylish leather goods
What can you find :
- Electrical equipment
- Leather related products
Gabo Street
Gabo Street, situated in the vibrant Pettah Market area of Colombo, is a unique blend of health and culinary speciality shops. This street is known for its wide array of medicines, including traditional Ayurvedic remedies, as well as an impressive selection of baking instruments. Whether you’re looking for natural health solutions or tools to perfect your baking skills, Gabo Street offers a diverse shopping experience that caters to both wellness enthusiasts and aspiring bakers.
What can you find :
- Medicine and Ayurvedic Medicine
- Baking Instruments
Culinary Delights in Pettah Market
Pettah Market is not just about shopping; it is also a culinary paradise. Street food vendors offer a variety of local delicacies, such as:
- Vade: These savoury lentil fritters are a common street food snack, often enjoyed with coconut chutney.
- Achcharu: Achcharu is a beloved Sri Lankan street food snack, consisting of pickled fruits and vegetables. It’s a mix of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors that make it a refreshing snack, especially in the humid Colombo climate.
- Kottu Roti: One of the most popular street foods in Sri Lanka, Kottu Roti is a delicious stir-fry of chopped roti bread, vegetables, eggs, and your choice of meat or seafood.
- Faluda: To cool down after a spicy meal, many people opt for a glass of Faluda, a popular Sri Lankan drink made with rose syrup, basil seeds, vermicelli, and milk. It’s a refreshing treat, especially on a warm evening.
- Hoppers: A classic Sri Lankan dish, hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. They come in different varieties, with egg hoppers (with a soft-cooked egg in the center) and plain hoppers being the most popular.
- Samosas and Patties: Influenced by Indian cuisine, these deep-fried snacks are a common sight. Samosas are triangular pastries filled with spiced potatoes, meat, or lentils, while patties are similar but with a flakier pastry crust.
- Biryani: A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat (usually chicken or mutton), and sometimes boiled eggs, biryani is known for its rich flavour and generous portions. Served with a side of raita (yogurt-based condiment) and a boiled egg, it’s a hearty meal.
- Pol Roti: This sweet pancake made with coconut milk and grated coconut is a delicious dessert option.
The Experience of Shopping on Pettah Market
Shopping at Pettah Market is an experience in itself. The vibrant atmosphere, the friendly banter between vendors and buyers, and the sheer variety of produce on display make it a must-visit for anyone exploring Pettah Market.
Tips for Navigating the Market:
- Arrive Early: The best produce is often available in the early morning, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to get the pick of the crop.
- Bargain Wisely: While prices are generally competitive, haggling is a common practice here. Don’t be afraid to negotiate for a better deal, especially if you’re buying in bulk.
- Bring Cash: Most vendors prefer cash transactions, so it’s wise to bring enough money to cover your purchases.
- Be Prepared for Crowds: The street can get quite crowded, especially during peak hours, so be prepared to navigate through the bustling market.
Conclusion
Pettah Market is an essential stop for anyone visiting Colombo. Its vibrant streets, diverse offerings, and rich cultural experiences make it a microcosm of Sri Lankan life. Whether you’re looking to shop for local goods, indulge in delicious street food, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Pettah Market promises an unforgettable experience. Exploring each road and its unique offerings will provide a deeper understanding of Colombo’s heritage and the daily lives of its residents.
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