We sent our in-house influencer, Zeeba Shaikh, to Sri Lanka on a travel research mission. Her firsthand experience brings you the most authentic tips and recommendations straight from the field.

Here’s the thing: Sri Lankans don’t just eat

You’ve got flavors that could make a chili pepper sweat, and spices that’ll leave your taste buds doing a happy dance. You could find yourself having fiery Kottu on a bustling Colombo street corner or chilling by the coast with a plate of grilled prawns fresh off the boat—this island’s food scene has something to keep you coming back for seconds (and thirds).

So grab that fork (or use your hands), and get ready to dive into the tastiest spots that Sri Lanka has to offer.

1. Get Seafood at The Ministry of Crab, Colombo—It’s Worth The Hype

Ministry of Crab has earned its reputation for a reason. Set in a historical colonial Dutch Hospital building, it boasts an atmosphere that’s upscale and welcoming. The crab dishes are nothing short of perfection. It’s a little on the pricier side, but the food experience and ambiance justify the splurge.

Known for its impressive sizes of mud crabs, ranging from small to the epic “Crabzilla,” you’ll find dishes bursting with flavor. Expect a lively crowd, and an English-speaking staff ready to guide you through the menu if you’re new to crab.

Try The Signature Pepper Crab

The Pepper Crab is the restaurant’s highlight, featuring freshly caught crab, seared with black pepper and aromatic Sri Lankan spices. This dish is famed for its complexity and rich flavor profile, setting it apart from other pepper crab dishes you might find in Singapore or Malaysia.

Pair it with Garlic Rice or Kade Bread. Complement your main with side dishes such as King Prawn Curry and Coconut Sambal.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: A trip from central Colombo will take about 15 minutes, costing around LKR 300-500.

• By Car: You can book a ride through the PickMe app. From the Colombo Fort area, it’s about a 5-minute ride and costs around LKR 500-800.

• By Bus: Buses are frequent and cost about LKR 20-50. Stop at the Colombo Fort bus station, and take a short walk to the Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct. 

What to Watch Out For

• Make reservations well in advance, as this spot is extremely popular.

• Be prepared for hands-on eating – you’ll be given bibs and tools, but it’s a hands-on feast, so don’t wear your favorite white shirt!

Pro Tip: Order the smaller crabs if you’re in a group so you can try a variety of dishes without being too full too quickly.

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2. Try Galle Face Green’s Street Food Stalls in Colombo

This spot is a hub for street food vendors, offering an array of Sri Lankan snacks with a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean. The atmosphere is lively, with locals and tourists alike taking in the sunset and the vibrant street food. You’ll hear Tamil and Sinhala spoken among the locals, but the vendors often speak English as well, making it easy to order and learn about the food.

Try The Isso Wade (Shrimp Fritters)

The Isso Wade is a crowd favorite at Galle Face Green. These spicy shrimp fritters are deep-fried to perfection and packed with red chilies and curry leaves, giving them a powerful kick. They’re served with a squeeze of lime, adding a tangy twist to the already flavor-packed fritter.

Unlike the seafood you’ll find at upscale restaurants, the Isso Wade has a rustic, street food charm that captures the essence of Sri Lankan flavors in a single bite. It’s best paired with a cool drink like a King Coconut, a Faluda, or even a crispy samosa for a complete experience.

How to Get There

• By Foot: If you’re staying in central Colombo, Galle Face Green is accessible by a scenic walk along the coast. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from many hotels in the area.

• By Tuk-Tuk: From central Colombo, take a tuk-tuk to Galle Face Green for around LKR 200-400, depending on your exact location and negotiation skills.

• By Bus: Take any bus heading towards Galle Road and ask to stop near Galle Face Green. It’s very close to major bus stops and will cost about LKR 20-40.

What to Watch Out For

• Street food safety can vary – look for busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness.

• Prices can be a bit higher for tourists, so don’t be shy to ask for the price upfront.

Pro Tip: Arrive just before sunset to enjoy your snacks with a stunning ocean view. This is also the best time to take photos!

3. Dine in an Art Gallery at Helga’s Folly, Kandy

Helga’s Folly is worth visiting for its eclectic and eerie ambiance rather than just for the meal. The quirky decor, surreal art, and haunted vibe make it more of an experience than just a dining spot. The food may not be spectacular, but the setting alone makes it worth a visit if you’re up for something different.

The menu includes a range of Sri Lankan and Western dishes, with a unique twist that aligns with the eclectic vibe of the setting.

Try Sri Lankan Rice and Curry

Their Sri Lankan Rice and Curry is a home-cooked hug on a plate, with all the good stuff—spicy sambols, coconut-creamy lentils, and your choice of fish or chicken. Fortunately (or not?...), this place keeps the spice levels chill. But if you think you have what it takes, feel free to request them to up the spice.

The vibe is cool—you’ll be kicking back with some killer cocktails that are as funky as the decor, so your meal here essentially becomes a full-on sensory overload. 

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: From the Kandy city center, a tuk-tuk ride takes about 10-15 minutes and costs around LKR 200-300.

• By Car: A quick 10-minute drive from the Kandy Railway Station. Ride-sharing services like PickMe are available, costing around LKR 300-500.

• By Foot: If you’re up for a walk, it’s about a 20-minute walk from Kandy’s central area, with beautiful sights along the way.

What to Watch Out For

• The atmosphere might feel eerie, with dim lighting and eclectic decor. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, so go with an open mind.

• Service can be slow – be prepared for a relaxed pace.

Pro Tip: Take your time to explore the various rooms and artworks. Every corner holds a new surprise, making it a visual feast as much as a culinary one.

4. Get a Taste of Sri Lankan Home-Cooked Meals at Matey Hut, Ella

This tiny, no-frills spot is where backpackers and locals alike go to fill up on some of the most authentic Sri Lankan grub around. It’s a cozy, rustic shack surrounded by greenery, perfect for chilling out after a day of trekking and waterfall-hopping.

The food is bold, hearty, and packed with flavor. Popular dishes include veggie curry platters loaded with local produce and homemade roti

If you’re looking for a spot that delivers big on taste without the pretentious extras, this is it.

Try The Veggie Curry Feast

If you’re a fan of curries, the veggie platter here is going to blow your mind – think creamy dhal, earthy pumpkin, and vibrant beetroot, all served up with fluffy rice. Fortunately, the heat level’s dialed back compared to the spicy fare in Colombo, so you actually get to taste the veggies without setting your tongue on fire.

The roti is soft, fresh, and the perfect sponge for all that curry goodness. Make sure to try the coconut sambal and homemade pickles on the side.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: From Ella town, you’re looking at a quick 5-minute tuk-tuk ride for around LKR 150-200.

• By Train: Once you get to Ella’s train station, Matey Hut is just a short walk away.

What to Watch Out For

• This place is teeny, so if you want a seat, get there early or be prepared to wait it out.

• It’s a no-fuss, budget joint, so don’t expect fancy service – just sit back and enjoy the chill vibe.

Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a fresh coconut – the perfect refreshment to balance those curry spices.

5. The Hideout, Unawatuna

Smack-dab in the heart of the laid-back town of Unawatune, you’ll find The Hideout, a cozy little café that’s about as close to vacation mode as it gets. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, fresh smoothie bowls, and seafood platters, this spot has a kind of island-boho decor that really gets you in the tropical-island-vacation mood.

Grab a seat on one of their colorful cushions, order something fruity, and soak it all in. The smoothie bowls here are legendary—tropical fruits like mango, passionfruit, banana, coconut—they’ve got it all. And if you’re here for dinner, the sunset views don’t disappoint.

Get a Taste of Their Wood-Fired Pizza

Thin, crispy crust, and fresh toppings—the pizza you’ve been dreaming of. They’ve got classics like Margherita and a few island twists (like prawn and curry leaf!).

These pizzas are light enough to be a starter, leaving plenty of room for a seafood platter. Pair it with a coconut smoothie for the ultimate tropical meal.

How to Get There

• By Tuk-Tuk: From Unawatuna Beach, it’s a quick five-minute ride, costing you about LKR 100-150.

• By Bus: Hop on any bus headed towards Galle, hop off at Unawatuna Beach, and stroll over. The Hideout is just a short walk away.

What to Watch Out For

• It’s all open-air, which is great until you realize you’re melting. Expect it to get warm, especially in the afternoon. Hydrate accordingly!

Pro Tip: Swing by in the evening – they’ve got live music that pairs perfectly with those coconut smoothies and sunset views. It’s a vibe you don’t want to miss.

6. Set Out Looking For The Best Kottu Roti in town

Kottu Roti is basically Sri Lanka’s version of stir-fried noodles, but with chopped-up roti, meat, veggies, and spices. No two people can agree on the “one” best place in town, so we recommend you go Roti-hopping to find out the answer for yourself.

Your first pick is likely to be The Down Town Roti Hut in Ella. Here, you’ll find a lineup of locals (and savvy travelers) waiting to get their hands on piping hot roti stuffed with all kinds of goodies, from spicy chicken to creamy cheese.

Pilawoos in Colombo is another popular spot that specializes in Kottu. The atmosphere is lively even well into the night, and you’ll find locals and visitors savoring the dish amidst the clatter of the chefs’ metal spatulas. Not the most amazing spot for it, but still a solid choice, especially for late-night cravings.

Try The Chicken Cheese Kottu

What to Watch Out For

• Sri Lankans love their Kottu Roti so it can be a bit crowded, even after midnight.

Pro Tip

7. Café Chill, Arugam Bay

Chill by name, chill by nature – Café Chill (or ‘Chill House’) is a beachside favorite in Arugam Bay, known for its laid-back vibe, surfer crowd, and an array of international and local dishes. After your day in the sun, this is the perfect spot to kick back with a cocktail or smoothie bowl. 

The wooden decor, swing seats, and beachy ambiance give it tropical-paradise vibes. And the menu ranges from traditional Sri Lankan curries to wood-fired pizzas and fresh seafood.

While it’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a beachy, boho vibe, it’s also one of the most touristy places in Arugam Bay. So you might find it packed and slightly overpriced for what it offers. 

Order The Smoothie Bowl

This one’s a crowd-pleaser. It’s bright, colorful, and bursting with fresh fruits. With ingredients like papaya, banana, mango, and coconut, these bowls are quite a feast (for the eyes too). They’re topped with crunchy granola, chia seeds, and a drizzle of honey, making for a refreshing treat on a hot day. Pair with a fresh coconut to top it off.

How to Get There

• By Foot/Tuk-Tuk: Arugam Bay is small, so most places are within walking or tuk-tuk distance. Expect to pay around LKR 100 for a quick ride.

• By Bike: Many visitors rent bikes to explore. It’s a breezy 5-minute ride from the beach.

Pro Tip: Try the seafood platter for dinner – it’s a generous spread of the day’s freshest catch. Prices are higher than typical street food, but the quality and portions make it worthwhile.

8. Get Breakfast from Upali’s by Nawaloka, Colombo

Upali’s by Nawaloka is where you go when you want to get serious about Sri Lankan flavors without any fuss. This beloved spot dishes up homestyle classics like hoppers, string hoppers, and pol sambol. The vibe’s casual and cozy, with generous portions and friendly service that make it feel like you’re dining in someone’s home. 

Ask For The Egg Hoppers

Egg Hoppers are where it’s at for breakfast. It’s a crispy, bowl-shaped pancake with a perfectly soft, sunny-side-up egg in the middle. They come with an all-star lineup of sides: coconut sambol, lunu miris (aka spicy onion relish), and dhal curry. 

It’s a perfect mix of textures, flavors, and a little bit of heat, all eaten with your hands, Sri Lankan-style. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, add a side of fish curry for a savory punch that’ll knock your socks off.

How to Get There

• By Car: Parking is plentiful, so if you’re driving, just swing by. It’s super close (likely 10-15 minutes) to Colombo’s major landmarks.

• By Bus: Buses stop close by, at the Town Hall bus stop, LKR 20-50 at most.

What to Watch Out For

• Portions are HUGE, so either bring your appetite or a friend to help you out.

Pro Tip: Don’t leave without trying a traditional Sri Lankan tea – it’s the perfect end to your meal, plus you’ll look extra cultured sipping it like a local.

Fiery Curries, Crispy Hoppers, & Kottu Rotis

You’ll likely leave with maybe even a few recipe tips from a helpful tuk-tuk driver or the chef at a local beachside café.

When it’s time to pack your bags, don’t forget to scoop up a few souvenirs to remember this flavorful trip. Grab some locally sourced tea (Ceylon tea is world-famous for a reason), maybe a bottle of pure coconut oil, and a bag of spices to bring a taste of Sri Lanka back home.