Underrated Sri Lankan Snacks That Deserve a Comeback
Every generation has its food memories. For many Sri Lankans, childhood wasn’t just defined by cricket matches in the street or school trips—it was also marked by the snacks that filled our pockets, school bags, and tuck shops. From colorful sugar drops to chewy toffees that lasted forever, these little bites of joy were more than food. They were symbols of growing up, of community, and of simple pleasures.
Fast forward to today, and many of those beloved snacks have quietly disappeared from shelves, replaced by glossy packaged imports and global brands. But ask anyone who grew up in Sri Lanka in the ‘80s, ‘90s, or early 2000s, and you’ll see their face light up when you mention Bulto, Saravita, or Nice Wafers.
This blog takes you on a nostalgic journey through some of the underrated Sri Lankan snacks that deserve a revival—not just for their taste, but for the cultural memories they carry.
1. Bulto Toffee
Few sweets were as iconic in Sri Lankan school tuck shops as Bulto. This chewy toffee, wrapped in simple paper, was a masterclass in simplicity.
Why it stood out:
- Bulto was chewy, long-lasting, and affordable, making it the ultimate value-for-money treat for school kids.
- It carried a unique caramelized sweetness that managed to be comforting without being overwhelming.
- For many, it became a ritual—buying one on the way to school, or sharing a few with friends during recess.
Why it deserves a comeback:
In today’s fast-paced, over-processed snack world, Bulto would be the perfect throwback. A locally made sweet with nostalgic branding could easily win over both older audiences who miss it and younger ones who’ve never tried it.
2. Hoonu Biththara
If you ever found yourself with colorful sugar seeds rattling in your school pocket, you know Hoonu Biththara. Nicknamed “gecko droppings,” this candy was quirky in both name and appearance.
Why it stood out:
- Tiny, multi-colored sugar beads with a crunchy bite.
- They were sold in small paper packets, making them pocket-friendly in every sense.
- Kids loved the playful nickname, which only added to their charm.
Why it deserves a comeback:
While the snack itself was simple, its fun identity made it unforgettable. In an era where playful branding is everything, a modern revival of Hoonu Biththara could easily stand out on shelves.
3. Nice Wafers
Paper-thin, rainbow-colored, and fragile enough to break with a whisper—Nice Wafers weren’t just food, they were a play experience.
Why it stood out:
- Kids folded them, cracked them, and let them melt away on their tongues.
- The wafer’s vibrant colors made it a visual treat as much as a snack.
- They were cheap and easily found in local shops, making them accessible to everyone.
Why it deserves a comeback:
Today’s snack market is saturated with chocolate bars and chips. Nice Wafers, with their delicate texture and rainbow appeal, could return as a retro-nostalgia product—the kind you’d buy just to relive your childhood.
4. Saravita
If you’ve been to a Sri Lankan festival or temple fair, you’ve likely come across Saravita. This traditional snack is made of grated coconut mixed with sugar, food coloring, and spices, all wrapped in a fresh betel leaf.
Why it stood out:
- The brightly colored coconut filling made it visually striking.
- It was tied to cultural rituals, temple events, and festive celebrations.
- The mix of coconut, sugar, and betel leaf created a unique flavor profile found nowhere else.
Why it deserves a comeback:
Saravita represents more than just food—it’s a cultural artifact. Its return could reconnect younger generations with traditions while also being marketed as a natural, plant-based snack option in today’s health-conscious market.
5. Narang Bic
Few candies had as much tangy punch as Narang Bic. This orange-flavored candy came in tiny, wrapped pieces that were often sold in bulk at school canteens.
Why it stood out:
- A sharp, citrusy taste that lingered long after the candy was gone.
- Affordable and available almost everywhere.
- Perfect for kids who loved bold flavors over plain sweetness.
Why it deserves a comeback:
With sour and tangy candies trending worldwide, Narang Bic could easily slot back in as Sri Lanka’s own answer to the sour candy craze.
7. Mal Biscuits
Flower-shaped and slightly sweet, Mal Biscuits weren’t fancy, but they didn’t need to be. They were a tea-time staple that doubled as a playful snack for children.
Why it stood out:
- The floral shape made them instantly recognizable and fun for kids.
- They were light, crunchy, and perfect for dunking in tea or milk.
- Often shared at gatherings, they carried a sense of warmth and togetherness.
Why it deserves a comeback:
With the rise of artisanal biscuits and retro branding, Mal Biscuits could easily return as a heritage tea-time snack—perfect for local cafés and households alike.
Why These Snacks Matter
Food is memory. These snacks weren’t just sweets or biscuits; they were tiny cultural anchors. They remind us of:
- Walking to school with a pocketful of Hoonu Biththara.
- Saving a few rupees to buy Bulto from the canteen.
- Sharing Mal Biscuits with friends during tea time.
- Buying Saravita at the fair with a mix of excitement and curiosity.
In today’s globalized food market, where international brands dominate, reviving these local snacks isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about preserving identity, tradition, and shared experiences.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka’s snack culture is as rich and colorful as its festivals, music, and landscapes. While some of these treats have disappeared from shelves, the memories they left behind are still fresh for many.
Reviving them would not only delight older generations but also introduce younger ones to flavors and traditions they’ve never experienced. From the chewy resilience of Bulto to the festival charm of Saravita, these snacks deserve their place in the spotlight again.
So here’s the question: Which one would you bring back first?
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