Must-Try Foods In Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Anuradhapura, as one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, boasts a rich history that is intricately connected to its food culture. Dating back to the 4th century BC, the city has been a melting pot of various influences throughout the centuries, including those of early settlers, traders, and colonizers. The presence of Buddhism has played a significant role in shaping the culinary traditions of Anuradhapura, with an emphasis on vegetarian cuisine owing to the religion's dietary guidelines.

The traditional diet in Anuradhapura consisted largely of rice, which is a staple, accompanied by a vibrant array of curries made from local vegetables, fruits, and herbs. Coconut milk is extensively used to add richness and flavor to these dishes. The food here is a reflection of a self-sufficient agrarian lifestyle, where homegrown produce such as rice, jackfruit, and spices are commonly used ingredients.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes In Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

1. Kottu Roti (Non-Veg) - A quintessential Sri Lankan street food made with godhamba roti, vegetables, egg, and spices, often mixed with chicken or goat meat.
2. Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg) - A staple meal consisting of rice served with a selection of vegetable and meat curries, lentils (dhal), and sambols.
3. Hoppers (Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often accompanied by a spicy sambol or curry.
4. String Hoppers (Veg) - Steamed rice noodles served alongside curry, usually eaten for breakfast or dinner.
5. Polos Curry (Veg) - A spicy curry made from young, green jackfruit cooked in a blend of spices and coconut milk.
6. Wambatu Moju (Veg) - Eggplant/brinjals pickled and cooked with shallots, chili, mustard seeds, and a host of other spices.
7. Parippu (Veg) - Red lentil dhal curry, cooked with coconut milk and a fragrant tempering of spices and herbs.
8. Kiribath (Veg) - Milk rice, which is rice cooked in coconut milk, often served with lunu miris.
9. Lamprais (Non-Veg) - A Dutch-Burgher influenced dish consisting of rice, meat (excluding cow), and sambols wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.
10. Mallum (Veg) - A green salad of finely chopped leafy vegetables, mixed with grated coconut and seasoned with lime juice and green chilies.

Top Famous Restaurants in Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Mango Mango

Address: 622/18 Godage Mawatha, Anuradhapura

Famous for: Hoppers (Veg)

Little Paradise Anuradhapura

Address: No 947/4, Lake Road Stage II, Anuradhapura

Famous for: Home-cooked traditional rice and curry (Veg/Non-Veg)

Seedevi Family Restaurant

Address: 394/19 Harischandra Mawatha, Anuradhapura

Famous for: String Hoppers with Curry (Veg)

Ulpatha Restaurant & Bar

Address: Ulagalla by Uga Escapes, Thirappane, Anuradhapura

Famous for: Kottu Roti (Non-Veg)

Big Mama Family Restaurant

Address: 536/2 Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha, Anuradhapura

Famous for: Lamprais (Non-Veg)