Must-Try Foods In Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple Of Dambulla) (Dambulla) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Cultural/Religious Site

Food History of Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dumbulla)

The Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is more renowned for its rich historical and artistic significance than its culinary history. However, as a part of Sri Lanka, the temple has been influenced by the diverse flavors of the island's culinary traditions. Sri Lankan cuisine is a melting pot of flavors influenced by various historical settlers, including the Dutch, Portuguese, English, Arabs, Malays, and Indians. The region around Dambulla being largely agricultural, traditionally included an array of vegetarian dishes using local produce, rice and spices, which were mostly shared by the Buddhist monks who resided at the temple and the locals during religious festivities.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Dambullah

Vegetable Kottu (Veg) - Kottu is a beloved Sri Lankan street food made with godhamba roti, vegetables and a range of spices.
String Hoppers with Coconut Sambol and Dhal Curry (Veg) - A traditional Sri Lankan breakfast dish consisting of rice noodle patties served with spicy coconut sambol and a creamy dhal curry.
Egg Hoppers (Non-Veg) - A variation of the traditional hoppers which includes an egg in the center, often enjoyed with lunu miris, a type of sambol.
Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry that is a hallmark of Sri Lankan cuisine, pieces of fish are sautéed in a blend of spices including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, and curry leaves.
Chicken Curry (Non-Veg) - Sri Lankan chicken curry is rich in spices and has a distinctive taste with a creamy texture.
Pol Roti (Veg) - Coconut rotis are flatbreads made with flour, grated coconut, and seasoned with green chilies and onions.
Kiribath with Lunu Miris (Veg) - Kiribath is a ceremonial dish in Sri Lanka, a special type of rice cooked with coconut milk, typically served with Lunu Miris, a spicy onion relish.
Watalappan (Veg) - A famous Sri Lankan dessert, similar to flan, made from coconut milk, eggs, jaggery, and a variety of spices, including cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg.
Woodapple Juice (Veg) - A refreshing drink made from the pulp of the woodapple fruit, often sweetened with jaggery or sugar.

Top Famous Restaurants in Dambulla

Athur's Seat Restaurant: Address: Kandy Rd, Dambulla, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: String Hoppers with Curry (Veg/Non-Veg)
Rangiri Dambulla Restaurant: Address: Dambulla, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Traditional Sri Lankan Buffet (Veg/Non-Veg)
Mango Mango: Address: 98 Kandy Road, Dambulla, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Chicken Curry (Non-Veg)
Chooti Restaurant: Address: Anuradhapura Rd, Dambulla, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Vegetable Kottu (Veg)
Sakura Restaurant: Address: 744/1 Kandy Road, Dambulla, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg)