Have you tried everything in Colombo?

Buy shrimp fritters from a Galle Face Green vendor cart while the sunset crowd fills in around you.

Grab fish buns and patties from a bakery's glass counter the way commuters do before work.

Eat cold diamond-cut milk rice against raw lunu miris heat, a combo that baffles first-timers.

Stand at a corner kade for a quick plain tea and eavesdrop on the driver-and-neighbor gossip.

Notice how younger Sri Lankans touch the feet of grandparents or monks on special occasions.

Follow Sea Street for gold or 5th Cross Street for spices and watch a single trade take over a block.

Near Slave Island, catch a mosque call to prayer, temple drums, and church bells within the same blocks.

Notice how a soft 'it's a bit difficult' from a local usually means a flat no.

Say 'Ayubowan' (aa-yoo-BOH-wan) with a slight bow instead of a handshake.

Catch Sri Lanka's biggest wholesale produce market mid-hustle, overnight into early morning, restaurant buyers only.

Try the funky-smelling, tangy-sweet wood apple juice locals swear helps digestion.

Sample the modern stall twist that smothers classic kottu in melted cheese and ketchup.