What are Sri Lankan short eats?

“Short eats” is the Sri Lankan term for a pretty diverse collection of savoury, small bite-sized baked or fried pastries, stuffed with spiced meats, fish, or vegetables. You see them everywhere on the island, used as quick breakfasts, teatime add-ons, or just taken along when you are moving.

• Fish Rolls: these are like cylindrical pancakes, filled with spiced mackerel and potato, then breaded and deep-fried.
• Vegetable Patties: flaky, half-moon baked pastries, tucked around curried leeks, carrots, and potatoes.
• Mutton Cutlets: breaded, spherical croquettes stuffed with minced meat and sharp green chillies.

In bakeries all over the country, these intensely flavourful items are served hot and commonly paired with sweet chilli sauce or with a cup of strong Ceylon tea.