This blog post is all about the best Sri Lankan food to try.
Sri Lanka is a foodie dream waiting to happen. Seriously, if you haven’t booked your ticket yet, this might just be the final push you needed.
The food here is packed with flavour, full of spice (but don’t worry, you can ask them to tone it down), and completely unique.
You’re not just eating when you’re in Sri Lanka. You’re diving headfirst into a culture that loves its curries, sambols, and also coconut everything.
Whether you’re a curry fanatic or just here to snack your way through paradise, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s a list of the 15 best Sri Lankan food you absolutely have to try, where they come from, and also the best places to grab them. So let’s get you eating like a local!
This blog post is all about the best Sri Lankan food to try.
The Best Sri Lankan Food to Try When Visiting Sri Lanka
1. Best Sri Lankan Food: Rice and Curry (Everywhere)
So you can’t come to Sri Lanka without trying the national dish. Rice and curry is more than just food; it’s an experience. You’ll get fluffy rice surrounded by little bowls of curries—fish, chicken, lentils (parippu), and also some pumpkin or jackfruit.
Rice and curry was my favourite of the best Sri Lankan food during my travels around the country. A must-try!
Best spots to try:
- Upali’s by Nawaloka, Colombo – A polished intro to rice and curry with all the classic trimmings. We also dined here on our first night in Sri Lanka and would highly recommend! One of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in Colombo!
- Matey Hut, Ella – A cozy backpacker favourite with authentic flavours. Another top spot we dined at during our travels through Sri Lanka.
RELATED blog post to read: Morven Hotel: The Best Hotel in Colombo Sri Lanka
A Quick Introduction to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s Capital City
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s bustling capital city, where modern skyscrapers meet colonial architecture and lively markets. It’s a food lover’s paradise, with everything from authentic street eats to upscale restaurants. Whether you’re exploring Pettah Market or relaxing by Galle Face Green, there’s always something delicious nearby.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Colombo in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed and of course, where we ate (including Upali’s mentioned above).
2. Best Sri Lankan Food: Hoppers (Mostly from the South)
These bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk are a breakfast staple. They come plain or with an egg in the middle. So pair them with lunu miris (a spicy onion sambal) for an explosion of flavours.
Best spots to try:
- The Lagoon, Colombo – Famous for its egg hoppers.
- Mama’s Restaurant, Galle Fort – A casual spot to enjoy them fresh.
A Quick Introduction to Galle Fort
This historic fort town on the southern coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobblestone streets are lined with boutique shops, quirky cafes, and also incredible restaurants serving up traditional Sri Lankan dishes. So don’t miss a sunset walk along the fort’s walls after a delicious meal.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Galle Fort in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed and of course, where we ate.
3. Best Sri Lankan Food: Kottu Roti (Street Food Nationwide)
Kottu is the ultimate Sri Lankan street food. Picture shredded roti bread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and also your choice of chicken, beef, or cheese. It’s loud, messy, and delicious but watching it made is half the fun!
I ate so much kottu at the start of our travels around Sri Lanka that I had to stop myself from ordering any more, before I made myself hate it. But still one of the best Sri Lankan food to try.
Best spots to try:
- Pilawoos, Colombo – A legendary late-night spot.
- The Hideout, Kandy – Great for a casual kottu dinner.
RELATED blog post to read: Kandy to Ella Train: 15 Essential Things To Know
A Quick Introduction to Kandy
As the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and serene lakeside vibes. The local food scene reflects the area’s rich heritage, with plenty of spots to enjoy authentic rice and curry, string hoppers, and also other best Sri Lankan food staples.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Kandy in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed, the famous train ride to Ella and of course, where we ate.
4. Best Sri Lankan Food: Lamprais (Dutch Burgher Communities)
Lamprais is a colonial-era delicacy: rice, curry, sambol, and also meat wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. It’s a Sunday treat among locals.
Best spots to try:
- The Dutch Burgher Union, Colombo – The OG of lamprais.
- Cafe C, Negombo – A homely version near the beach.
A Quick Introduction to Negombo
Just north of Colombo, Negombo is a coastal town with a rich fishing history. It’s a great spot to try fresh seafood dishes and traditional meals like lamprais, all while enjoying views of the picturesque lagoon or bustling fish markets.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Negombo in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed, and of course, where we ate. This was one of our favourite spots while in Sri Lanka, and we came back again at the end of our trip!
5. Best Sri Lankan Food: Pol Sambol (Island-Wide)
This coconut-based side dish is spicy but zesty, and goes with literally everything. Made with grated coconut, chili, lime, and onions, it’s a must-have with rice, hoppers, or also just plain bread.
Best spots to try:
- Ministry of Crab, Colombo – Add it to your crab feast.
- Ella Village Restaurant, Ella – A homely spot serving sambol-packed meals.
A Quick Introduction to Ella
A charming hill town surrounded by lush tea plantations and misty mountains, Ella is perfect for backpackers and nature lovers. After hiking Little Adam’s Peak or taking in the views from Nine Arches Bridge, settle in at one of the cozy cafes or local eateries serving some of the best Sri Lankan food.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Ella in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed, and of course, where we ate.
6. Best Sri Lankan Food: Fish Ambul Thiyal (South Coast)
This is Sri Lanka’s sour fish curry, and it’s divine. The fish is cooked with goraka (a sour fruit) and loads of spices, making it tangy, rich, and also very memorable.
Best spots to try:
- Sea View Restaurant, Mirissa – Fresh coastal flavours.
- Nuga Gama, Colombo – Known for authentic fish dishes.
RELATED blog post to read: The Best Travel Route & Itinerary For Sri Lanka
A Quick Introduction to Mirissa
This laid-back beach town on the southern coast is famous for whale watching, stunning sunsets, and also some of the freshest seafood in Sri Lanka. Grab a plate of fish ambul thiyal or buffalo curd with treacle while soaking up the chill coastal vibes.
You can see everything we got up to during our day-trip to Mirissa in my YouTube vlog below.
7. Best Sri Lankan Food: Gotu Kola Sambol (Island-Wide)
If you need something fresh and green, try this herbal salad. Gotu kola (a leafy herb) is mixed with coconut, lime, and spices for a tangy side dish that’s healthy while also tasty.
Best spots to try:
- Theva Residency, Kandy – Gourmet presentation of local classics.
- Lucky Fort Restaurant, Galle – Known for its delicious sambols.
8. Best Sri Lankan Food: Watalappan (Muslim Communities)
This dessert is a spiced coconut custard made with jaggery, cardamom, and nutmeg. It’s creamy, rich, and also perfect after a spicy meal.
Best spots to try:
- Nihonbashi, Colombo – A fusion take on watalappan.
- Zaza Bar, Galle Face Hotel, Colombo – A sweet treat with a view.
RELATED blog post to read: Public Transport in Sri Lanka: Essential Advice You Must Know
9. Best Sri Lankan Food: Kiribath (New Year Special, but Found Everywhere)
Kiribath, or milk rice, is a celebratory dish made with rice cooked in coconut milk. It’s served in diamond-shaped pieces with lunu miris or jaggery on the side.
Best spots to try:
- Saraswathi Lodge, Jaffna – For a northern twist.
- Gami Gedara, Sigiriya – Rustic vibes and fresh milk rice.
RELATED blog post to read: The Most Convenient Guest House In Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
A Quick Introduction to Sigiriya
Sigiriya is home to the iconic Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers jaw-dropping views. The area’s rural charm extends to its food scene, where local eateries serve up some of the best Sri Lankan food like kiribath (milk rice) in a relaxed, but natural setting.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Sigiriya in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed, where we ate and also climbing Pidurangala Rock.
10. Best Sri Lankan Food: Jaffna Crab Curry (Northern Sri Lanka)
Crab curry from Jaffna is a fiery, flavourful dish cooked with unique northern spices. It’s messy to eat but worth every bite.
Best spots to try:
- Crab Factory, Colombo – A refined Jaffna crab experience.
- Green Grass Hotel, Jaffna – A local favourite.
A Quick Introduction to Jaffna
Located in the northern part of Sri Lanka, Jaffna is known for its distinct Tamil culture, spicy cuisine, and vibrant festivals. The city offers a unique food experience, from fiery crab curry to crispy vadai, also often served with a side of history and tradition.
11. Best Sri Lankan Food: Buffalo Curd with Treacle (Southern Sri Lanka)
End your meal with a bowl of buffalo curd topped with sweet kithul treacle (palm syrup). It’s cooling, creamy, and slightly tangy, so the perfect dessert in the tropical heat.
Best spots to try:
- Hangout Restaurant, Tangalle – Locally made curd at its best.
- Mirissa Eye, Mirissa – A beachy vibe for this dessert.
RELATED blog post to read: Incredible Sri Lanka Hotels: Everywhere You Need to Stay
A Quick Introduction to Tangalle
Another gem on the southern coast, Tangalle is quieter than its neighbours but just as beautiful. Known for its pristine beaches and peaceful atmosphere, it’s also a great spot to enjoy simple yet flavourful dishes like buffalo curd or a fresh seafood curry.
You can see everything we got up to during our time in Tangalle in my YouTube vlog below. Including where we stayed, where we ate and also the other beaches we explored along the South of Sri Lanka.
Ready to Try the Best Sri Lankan Food?
Sri Lankan food is all about spice, freshness, and heart.
Whether you’re hopping between bustling cities or chilling by the coast, these dishes will give you a true taste of this incredible island.
So don’t be shy to experiment—you’ll discover some personal favourites along the way.
What’s the first thing you’re planning to try while in Sri Lanka? Let me know in the comments below!
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- Incredible Sri Lanka Hotels: Everywhere You Need to Stay
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- Ella, Sri Lanka: Where to Stay With the Best View
- The Best Travel Route & Itinerary For Sri Lanka
- The Most Convenient Guest House In Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
- Public Transport in Sri Lanka: Essential Advice You Must Know
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