Samosa Taste-Off (Ramazan Edition).

Ramazan is almost here and yes, it’s a month that’s about fasting, charity and being an overall nice person – but it’s also about breaking fast with samosas. So, for Ramazaners and otherwise (because everybody loves a good samosa), we came up with our own Top 4 list of places that sell the best samosas — feel free to suggest your own favourites, folks.

Origin

The samosa originated in Uttar Pradesh and is thought to be almost 8 centuries old. It is now a popular snack in most Asian countries and some African ones. It is generally known that the big samosa-chains in Sri Lanka are largely sourced by Bohras, a local Shia sect of Muslims with their origin in Gujarat, India. The local Memon community, a Sunni sect of Muslims whose ancestors are from Sindh, Pakistan, are also behind a lot of the country’s samosa-making. Sri Lankan Aunties, a local sect of Old Nosey People, are also responsible for concocting mouth-watering samosas at home for a lot of us.

It is rumoured that the Royal Sweet Smart in Pettah are the ‘ancients’ of Sri Lankan samosa-making. My dad says they’re about 70 years old and pioneered the local samosa market, and have therefore earned a spot on our list.

Branding Rights

There are none in this country. There’s loads of Bombay Sweet Marts from Wellawatte to Kollupitiya – and none of them are owned by the same person. The top samosa joints and crap samosa joints alike often start with ‘Bombay Sweet’, despite the fact that their sweets usually originate from more Northern or Southern parts of India than Bombay – the beginnings of the ‘Bombay Sweet’ trend-setting is a mystery.

Background

Creating a samosa is pretty simple – you get long doughy strips and fill them with stuffing before dropping them in the pan. The end product, however, comes in a variety of flavours because of difference in the amount of oil used, the size and texture, and the mix that fills it.

A lot of samosas tend to be just average and forgettable. Our samosa experts claim that the punch of the superior samosa lies in the spiciness and fineness of the filling and the crispyness of the covering. But even a soggy samosa can be saved from ignominy if its insides are skillfully prepared. Beef samosas are generally the most popular option as opposed to chicken, while some people opt for vegetarian.


The List

We’ve judged our samosas based on Crispyness, Filling and Size. We left price out of it, because samosas are generally about Rs. 50 per piece.

#4 Royal Sweet Mart, Pettah

At Second Cross Street/ Prince Street Junction

The samosas here are of average size and are pretty solid in terms of taste. They are, after all, old-school. They’re also bathed in oil, and will lose their freshness fast so eat hot-hot. The location makes parking impossible so go by foot, and perhaps wander around for faluda and plastic buckets at the market while you wait for your order.

#3 Bombay Sweet Mahal, Dehiwela

Galle Road, on the sea-side at the Dehiwela junction.

Neat and crispy triangles, although relatively smaller in size. The filling is very finely minced and tasty.

#2 Chanas, Wellawatte

No. 50, W. A. Silva Mawatha

Chana’s is an Indian food joint, and the samosas here are different from the average Bombay Sweet Mart. They’re huge and the vegetarian filling is mostly made of chunky pieces of potato – Punjabi-style. It usually comes with a generous bowl of tamarind dip. I personally prefer the slimmer ones but these North Indian samosas are nevertheless tasty and the size means one or two will be enough to appease.

#1 Bombay Sweet Center, Wellawatte

Galle Road, opposite Wellawatte HNB

Our winner is this place that has samosas that don’t look neat or average – they’re quite small in comparison, and the wrapping isn’t perfectly equilateral. But it’s not dripping in oil so it’s fresh and crisp, will stay fresh longer – and the spicy filling is far superior to the rest on the list. The quality makes up for its small size.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide