Must-Try Foods In Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue (Kandy) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy, Food History

The Bahirawakanda Vihara Buddha Statue is a significant landmark in Kandy, Sri Lanka, standing tall with its majestic presence over the city. Although the site itself is a religious monument and not directly associated with a specific food history, Kandy offers a rich culinary tapestry that reflects the diverse culture and religious influences of the hill capital of Sri Lanka.

Food in Kantry has been shaped over centuries by a myriad of factors including local agricultural practices, historical events such as colonialism, and the exchange of goods and ideas along ancient trade routes. Kandy being the last kingdom of the Sinhalese, was a protective enclave for the Sinhalese culture and its traditions, including its unique cuisine which has been preserved and passed down through generations. The cuisine is highlighted by the use of local fruits, vegetables, grains, and spices, giving visitors a taste of the island's rich biodiversity and spice heritage.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kandy

1. Kottu Roti (Non-Veg/Veg) - This is a popular street food made from godhamba roti (a type of flatbread), vegetables, egg or meat, and spices, all chopped and mixed together on a hot griddle.
2. String Hoppers (Veg) - These are steamed rice noodles served with coconut sambal and a curry, typically enjoyed for breakfast.
3. Hoppers (Veg/Non-Veg) - A bowl-shaped pancake made with fermented rice flour, often served with spicy sambal or curry.
4. Dhal Curry (Veg) - A staple dish made of lentils and seasoned with spices and coconut milk.
5. Polos Curry (Veg) - Green jackfruit curry which is a delicious vegetarian dish cooked with spices and coconut milk.
6. Lamprais (Non-Veg/Veg) - A Burgher community specialty consisting of rice, meat (or vegetables), and sambals wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.
7. Watalappan (Veg) - A rich pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery, and spices, often served as a dessert.
8. Wood Apple Juice (Veg) - Made from the pulp of the wood apple fruit, this drink is often sweetened with jaggery or sugar.
9. Curried Eggplant (Veg) - Deep-fried eggplant curry, also known as "Brinjal Pahi," cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce.
10. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry, where the fish is cut into cubes, sautéed with a blend of spices including dried goraka.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kandy

1. The Empire Cafe

Address: 21 Temple Street, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Famous food: Lamprais (Non-Veg/Veg)

2. Balaji Dosai

Address: NO. 09, D. S. Senanayake Veediya, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Famous food: Dosai (Veg)

3. The Kandy House

Address: Amunugama, Gunnepana, Kandy, Sri Lanka
Famous food: Traditional Sri Lankan Rice and Curry (Non-Veg/Veg)

4. Helga's Folly

Address: 70 Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Famous food: Curried Eggplant and Homemade Chutneys (Veg)

5. Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar (Bamboo Garden)

Address: 29a Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
Famous food: Chinese and Continental Cuisine (Non-Veg/Veg)