Best Food in Kandy - practical advice with names and honest picks.
5 dishes to look for in Kandy: Kottu Roti, Rice and Curry, Hoppers, String Hoppers and Watalappam. This guide names 6 restaurants across 4 areas, with what each one is known for. There are also bookable food tours and cooking classes, listed below.
5 dishes to look for in Kandy: Kottu Roti, Rice and Curry, Hoppers, String Hoppers and Watalappam. This guide names 6 restaurants across 4 areas, with what each one is known for. There are also bookable food tours and cooking classes, listed below.
What to eat
| Dish | What it is | Where to try it |
|---|---|---|
| Kottu Roti | Chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg and meat | Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar |
| Rice and Curry | Traditional meal with rice, dhal curry, vegetable curries and papadam | White House Restaurant |
| Hoppers | Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter | Devon Restaurant |
| String Hoppers | Steamed rice noodle nests served with curry | - |
| Watalappam | Coconut custard pudding with jaggery and spices | - |
Where to eat
Peradeniya Road
Small family-run restaurants serve excellent local breakfast and home-style curries at budget prices.
- Devon Restaurant (Sri Lankan): Fresh hoppers and string hoppers for breakfast.
- Cafe Secret Alley (International): Western breakfast and coffee.
More on the area: Peradeniya Road.
Anniewatta
Boutique hotels serve refined Sri Lankan cuisine with international influences, focusing on fresh local ingredients.
- The Empire Cafe (International): Continental breakfast and afternoon tea.
More on the area: Anniewatta.
Katugastota
Authentic street food and family restaurants serving traditional meals at local prices without tourist markup.
- New Flower Song Restaurant (Chinese-Sri Lankan): Fried rice and noodles popular with locals.
More on the area: Katugastota.
Mahaiyawa
Family-run cafes and small restaurants serve home-style cooking with personal service and local regulars.
- Mahaiyawa Rest (Sri Lankan): Traditional rice and curry with fresh vegetables.
- Family Garden Restaurant (Sri Lankan): Home-style cooking in a garden setting.
More on the area: Mahaiyawa.
Food tours and classes
Best Food Tours in Kandy compares these 4.
| Option | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Kandy Street Food Safari | 2.5 hours | adventurous eaters and budget travellers |
| Traditional Kandyan Cuisine Walk | 3 hours | culture seekers and cooking enthusiasts |
| Tea Country Food Experience | 4 hours | tea lovers and scenic food experiences |
| Kandy Night Food Tour | 2 hours | night owls and social travellers |
Best Cooking Classes in Kandy compares these 4.
| Option | Length | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Kandyan Cooking Experience | 4 hours | comprehensive cultural cooking experience seekers |
| Home Cooking with Local Family | 3 hours | intimate cultural exchange and authentic recipes |
| Street Food Cooking Workshop | 2.5 hours | street food lovers and quick skill learners |
| Tea Country Cuisine Class | 5 hours | tea enthusiasts and slow food learners |
Water, tipping and costs
- Water: Bottled water recommended for drinking. Tap water is treated but may cause stomach upset for visitors.
- Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. Round up restaurant bills or add 10% for good service.
More on Kandy
The Kandy overview has costs, areas and transport in one place. The Kandy travel guide is the longer read.
We plan trips to Kandy and the rest of Sri Lanka. Tell us your dates and we will put a route together. Our routes are on the tours page.