Hoppers
Sri Lanka's crisp, bowl-shaped fermented rice-and-coconut pancakes, often served with an egg and fiery sambol. · Sri Lanka
Also known as Appa
Sri Lanka's crisp, bowl-shaped fermented rice-and-coconut pancakes, often served with an egg and fiery sambol.
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AI-generated illustrative footage · Whatwherevacay.com
About Hoppers
Hoppers, known locally as appa, are bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. Swirled in a small rounded wok, the batter sets into a soft, spongy centre with delicate, crisp, lacy edges. The egg hopper has an egg cracked into the middle as it cooks.
They are eaten at breakfast or dinner, torn by hand and dipped into accompaniments — most famously lunu miris, a fiery relish of chilli, onion and lime.
🏛️ History & Culture
Hoppers are a staple across Sri Lanka and parts of southern India, where similar fermented rice-and-coconut cookery runs deep. The fermentation gives the batter its characteristic tang and airy texture.
Street stalls and home kitchens turn them out in stacks, and “hopper and egg” is a comforting national shorthand for a good, simple meal. Sweet milk hoppers and string hoppers are close cousins in the same family.
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Hoppers — frequently asked questions
What is Hoppers?
Hoppers, known locally as appa, are bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented batter of rice flour and coconut milk. Swirled in a small rounded wok, the batter sets into a soft, spongy centre with delicate, crisp, lacy edges.
What is Hoppers made of?
Hoppers is made with rice flour, coconut milk, yeast and egg.
Where does Hoppers come from?
Hoppers comes from Sri Lanka, and is especially associated with Nationwide. Hoppers are a staple across Sri Lanka and parts of southern India, where similar fermented rice-and-coconut cookery runs deep.
Where can I eat Hoppers?
A Sri Lankan breakfast spot, with sambol and curry.
What else is Hoppers called?
Hoppers is also known as Appa.
Taste Hoppers in Colombo
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✅ Before you go to Sri Lanka
Round out your trip — most travellers book these alongside their trip.
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- 🇱🇰 Kottu Roti · Sri Lanka
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- 🇮🇹 Pandoro · Italy
- 🇲🇾 Heong Peng · Malaysia
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Travel guides for Sri Lanka
All travel guides →Planning a trip where Hoppers is on the menu? These guides cover Sri Lanka and beyond.
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