When you land in Sri Lanka, your senses are in for a treat. The aroma of spices, the sound of sizzling street food, the vibrant colors of curries and sambols—all part of the country’s irresistible culinary identity. For travelers, Sri Lankan cuisine is not only a cultural experience but also an incredibly affordable one.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the essentials of Sri Lankan food, popular dishes you must try, and what you can expect to pay when eating out—from street stalls to restaurants.

An Overview of Sri Lankan Cuisine

Sri Lankan food is a beautiful blend of spices, coconut, and fresh ingredients. Influenced by Indian, Malay, Arab, and Dutch cuisines, it’s unique in flavor and style. The cuisine is known for its use of:

• Coconut: grated, milked, or as oil

• Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, cumin, and curry leaves

• Rice: the staple for most meals

• Seafood: especially in coastal areas

Meals are usually served with a variety of small side dishes—called mallung (greens), sambol (spicy condiments), and curries of different textures and flavors.

Popular Dishes You Must Try

1. Rice and Curry (Rs.400–800 / USD 1–2.50)

This is Sri Lanka’s national meal. Expect a generous portion of rice accompanied by 3–5 curries (typically vegetable, lentil, and a protein like chicken, fish, or egg). Available at almost every local eatery, this dish offers incredible variety and flavor.

2. Kottu Roti (Rs.600–1000 / USD 2–4)

Kottu is the ultimate Sri Lankan street food. Chopped roti flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, egg, and a curry of your choice—chicken, beef, or seafood. You’ll often hear it being prepared before you see it, thanks to the rhythmic clanking of metal on metal.

3. Hoppers (Appa) (Rs.30–150 each / USD 0.10–0.50)

A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. You can get plain hoppers or ones with a runny egg in the center (egg hoppers). Often eaten with lunu miris (spicy onion sambol).

4. String Hoppers (Rs.100 per portion of 10 / USD 0.30)

Delicate nests of steamed rice noodles served with coconut sambol and curry—typically for breakfast or dinner.

5. Lamprais (Rs. 600–1000 / USD 2–3)

A Dutch-influenced dish of rice, meatballs, eggplant moju, and sambols all wrapped in a banana leaf and baked. You’ll find this mostly in Colombo and cities with Dutch colonial influence.

6. Seafood Dishes (Rs.800–2500 / USD 2.50–8)

Grilled prawns, devilled cuttlefish, and crab curry are widely available, especially in coastal towns like Negombo, Unawatuna, and Trincomalee. Prices vary based on type and freshness.

7. Roti and Paratha (Rs.100–300 / USD 0.30–1)

A quick, filling snack or meal, these are often stuffed with vegetables, cheese, or meat and found at roadside food stalls.

8. Short Eats (Rs.100–350 each / USD 0.30–1.00)

These are Sri Lanka’s version of savory pastries—fish buns, vegetable rolls, and egg roti—perfect with a cup of Ceylon tea.

What About Drinks?

• Ceylon Tea (Rs. 50–150 / USD 0.15–0.50): A must-try. Visit a tea shop or estate for a tasting experience.

• Fresh King Coconut Water (Rs.200–400 / USD 0.60–1.5): Found almost everywhere. Hydrating and refreshing.

• Fruit Juices (Rs.300–1000 / USD 1–2): Mango, papaya, lime, or wood apple.

• Local Beer (Rs.400–1000 / USD 1–4): Lion Lager is the most popular.

• Arrack (Rs.300–600 a shot / USD 1–2): A local spirit distilled from coconut sap—drink responsibly!

Where to Eat and How Much It Costs

Here’s a rough guide to food prices based on where you eat:

Note on Taxes and Service Charges:

At some restaurants, especially mid-range and upscale ones, your bill may include 18% VAT, 2.5% Social Security Contribution Levy (SSCL), and a 10% service charge. These charges are not always reflected in the menu prices. The best approach is to ask the restaurant beforehand whether these additional charges apply, so you can dine with clarity and avoid unexpected costs.

Vegetarian and Vegan Options

You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how veg-friendly Sri Lankan cuisine is. Many locals eat vegetarian meals regularly, especially on Poya (full moon) days. Dhal curry, brinjal moju (eggplant), jackfruit curry, and green mallung (leaves) are all safe and flavorful choices.

• Colombo: Nuga Gama (Cinnamon Grand), Palmyrah, Curry Leaf (for safe local food)

• Kandy: Balaji Dosai (great for South Indian-style meals)

• Ella: Cafe Chill, Cafe UFO

• Galle: Lucky Fort, Indian Hut

• Jaffna: Mangos, Malayan Cafe (try unique Tamil dishes)

Final Thoughts: Food is Part of the Journey

Exploring Sri Lanka through its food is one of the most rewarding parts of your journey. Whether you’re sipping tea in the hill country, eating kottu by the beach, or enjoying a spicy curry in a bustling local restaurant, each bite tells a story of culture, community, and tradition.

And the best part? You don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy it all.

So, bring your appetite, a sense of adventure, and maybe a bottle of water (those chilies can get intense!)—Sri Lanka’s flavors are waiting for you.

Ready to taste it all? Let Hopscotch Travels be your guide to discovering the best local eats across Sri Lanka—authentic flavors, insider tips, and unforgettable experiences await!
📧 [email protected] | 📞 +94 717 87 87 87