How to make 2 cents look like 2000 dollars.

When it comes to networking, first impressions are everything!
From the way you dress, act and speak in the world of business in the city, you’re going to get scrutinized on all of this.

How to make 2 cents look like 2000 dollars is a lifestyle blog series which will show you how to navigate through the streets of Colombo with even the tightest of budgets while looking, speaking and acting your best.
It isn’t just the “Do you know who my father is?” kids who deserve to have fun.💅🏻

Good food in this economy has now become a privilege. Hundreds of small businesses are being forced to close down due to the constant power cuts, lack of fuel and absolutely no support from the government means the days of having a full meal under Rs.1000 no longer exist.

We walked the streets of Colombo on our quest to find restaurants and cafes that are budget friendly. We were able to find certain stores pushing despite the ongoing crisis and still charging fair rates.
I’d like to give a massive shout out for the small saivar kadés in the streets of Kollupitiya, still offering Kottu for Rs. 300 and a hot milk tea for Rs. 180. We were also able to get hot Uludu wades for Rs. 80 with the curry. A little further down the road in Bambalapitiya, we see food trucks from Crepe Runner, Kitchen 3576 and Gulabi Run which offers a wide array of meals which warms your soul – if you’re willing to spend a bit more than Rs. 1000.

Not to forget that the Breakfast truck on Marine Drive which offers string hoppers, hoppers, buns and several other options at a very good rate all lower than Rs. 1000.
While I could recommend different cafés, our blog is about good food from small places and honestly a lot of Colombo tends to simply overlook these small trucks and shops despite them having hearty meals which can genuinely fill you up. The Keema Dosa from Road 2 Kade at only Rs. 450 is well worth the price leaving you full and satisfied.

Making 2 cents look like 2 thousand dollars means giving small businesses a chance because these are actually worth the money even without the fancy exterior. It’s realizing it isn’t always high priced tags which give you the best deals. So next time readers, you wander along the road searching for a warm meal, look into these little stores and trucks along the road. Breathe into the warm Colombo street food and take a big bite of the small proof tags.

Available via Uber – 

Mongolian Street – Get a large portion of rice enough for 2 people for just 790rs and can even get their vegetable fried rice for just 640rs.

Rice and Curry Sri Lankan Colombo 07 – Their special Nelum Kole rice pack runs for 350rs, the chicken fried rice for 350rs and their chicken koththu for just 300rs.

If you are in the mood for burgers or wraps I would recommend Fatty Patty where you can get a 10” submarine for 790rs. They also have special fries starting at 600rs onwards. In addition to this you can get 2 wraps for just 1199rs. (They’re cute big!)

Elite Family Restaurant –  You can get a LARGE portion of rice for 814rs onwards. And they have a large variety of drinks as well!

The Viking Ragagiriya – If you have a little bit of extra cash on you, I recommend that you try this place out!

Trust me you will not regret it.

By Zulki.

Zuleika Buhar is a one of a kind 19 year old! She’s an intern for both Projects and Marketing. She loves to play around with makeup (she comes up with the craziest eye makeup ideas) and also loves to make really cute figurines with clay. Always being a bright ray of sunshine in the office, our newest addition is the sweetest person that we’ve had the fortune of meeting. Always ready to lend a helping hand, she does everything with an air of sass about her! Zuleika wants to become an architect in the future and is currently waiting for her results. Follow her on Instagram @zuleika.buhar