Must-Try Foods In Dhowa Rock Temple (Ella) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Historical & Cultural Site

Food History of Dhowa Rock Temple, Ella, Sri Lanka

The Dhowa Rock Temple, which is a protected heritage site in Sri Lanka, has a history that spans over 2,000 years. While the temple itself is more renowned for its religious significance and the impressive rock carvings, particularly the large unfinished Buddha statue, Sri Lankan cuisine in the region has its own storied past. Historically, Sri Lankan food is a rich blend influenced by its geography, cultural diversity, and the various settlers and colonizers who inhabited the island, including the Dutch, Portuguese, and British.

In the areas surrounding the Dhowa Rock Temple, such as Ella, traditional cuisine often incorporates locally sourced spices, grains, vegetables, and fruits. Influences from Buddhist and Hindu culinary traditions are evident, with a strong focus on vegetarian dishes that make use of the abundant produce found in the region's fertile lands. Rice and curry is a staple, along with a variety of other dishes that reflect the complex flavors and spices characteristic of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Dhowa Rock Temple, Ella, Sri Lanka for Tourists

Kottu (Non-Veg) - This is a popular Sri Lankan street food, which is a spicy stir-fry of shredded flatbread mixed with vegetables and optional meats like chicken or fish.
Dhal Curry (Veg) - A staple at any Sri Lankan meal, this curry is made with lentils and is both flavorful and nutritious.
Hoppers (Veg/Non-Veg) - Also known as 'Appa', hoppers are a type of pancake made with fermented rice flour, often served with a fried egg in the center or with sweet or savory sambols.
Eggplant Moju (Veg) - A sweet and sour dish featuring eggplant, this is a must-try vegetarian option, which is part of the traditional Sri Lankan ‘rice and curry’.
Pol Roti (Veg) - Coconut roti is a flatbread with grated coconut, often served with a spicy sambol or curry.
String Hoppers (Veg) - These are made from rice flour dough pressed into noodle form and then steamed, commonly eaten with curry.
Wambatu Curry (Veg) - This eggplant or aubergine curry is cooked with spices and often includes a touch of coconut milk.
Polos (Veg) - A savory curry made from young jackfruit with spices.
Sambols (Veg) - Side dishes like coconut sambol or seeni sambol (sweet onion relish) complement main dishes.
Fruit Smoothies (Veg) - With the rich diversity of tropical fruits available, freshly blended smoothies are very common and refreshing, particularly after exploring the temple.

Top Famous Restaurants in Dhowa Rock Temple, Ella, Sri Lanka with Address and Famous Food

AK Ristoro: Address: Wellawaya-Ella-Kumbalwela Highway, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Kottu (Non-Veg), along with a mix of Italian and Japanese cuisine.
Café Chill: Address: Main Street, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Western and Sri Lankan fusion dishes, also serves both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Curry Pot: Address: Passara Rd, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry (Veg/Non-Veg).
Matey Hut: Address: Ella - Passara Rd, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Hoppers with a variety of curries (Veg/Non-Veg).
The Remo's Restaurant: Address: Ella - Wellawaya Rd, Ella 90090, Sri Lanka; Famous Food: Sri Lankan cuisine, particularly known for its hoppers and string hoppers (Veg/Non-Veg).