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

Food History of Ella, Sri Lanka

Ella, a small town nestled amidst the lush greenery of Sri Lanka, boasts a rich culinary tradition that is a melting pot of different ethnicities and cultures. Sri Lankan cuisine, in general, is known for its distinctive flavors, with a heavy use of spices, coconut, and rice. Influences from Indian, Arab, Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, and English cuisarians are evident in the culinary landscape. The history of food in Ella, like the rest of the island, is a tale of local ingredients mixed with foreign influences; it has evolved over time to include a vast range of dishes that cater to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, although beef is generally less common due to cultural sensitivities.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ella, Sri Lanka

1. Kottu Roti (Non-Veg/Veg) - A quintessential Sri Lankan street food, Kottu Roti is made by stir-frying chopped flatbread (roti) with vegetables, egg, or meat, and a variety of spices.
2. Rice and Curry (Non-Veg/Veg) - A staple meal consisting of rice served with several curries that include vegetables, dal (lentils), and optionally meat or fish.
3. Hoppers (Appa) (Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with spicy sambol or curry.
4. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) (Veg) - Steamed rice noodle patties served with curry and sambol, a perfect dish for breakfast or dinner.
5. Pol Roti (Veg) - Coconut flatbread often served with chili paste (lunu miris) and onion relish.
6. Dhal Curry (Parippu) (Veg) - A simple yet flavorful dish made from lentils cooked in coconut milk with spices, a staple accompaniment to rice.
7. Vegetarian Kottu (Veg) - A variation of Kottu Roti without meat, suitable for vegetarians.
8. Watalappan (Veg) - A steamed custard dessert made from coconut milk, eggs, and jaggery, spiced with nutmeg and cardamom.
9. Fruit Salads (Veg) - Fresh tropical fruit salads are common in Ella, often served with yogurt and honey, showcasing the island's abundant fruit produce.
10. Vegetable Roti (Veg) - Snacks made of flour stuffed with spicy vegetable filling and grilled or deep-fried.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka

• Restaurant Name: Cafe Chill
  Address: Wellawaya Road, Ella
  Famous Food: Kottu Roti (Veg/Non-Veg)
• Restaurant Name: Matey Hut
  Address: Passara Road, Ella
  Famous Food: Vegetarian Curry (Veg)
• Restaurant Name: Ella Flower Garden Restaurant
  Address: Passara Road, Ella
  Famous Food: Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg)
• Restaurant Name: AK Ristoro
  Address: Kitalella Road, Ella
  Famous Food: Hoppers with Curry (Veg)
• Restaurant Name: Ceylon Tea Factory
  Address: Main Street, Ella
  Famous Before 2023_knowledge_cutoff: String Hoppers (Veg)
• Restaurant Name: JJ's Kitchen
  Address: Passara Road, Ella
  Famous Food: Pol Roti with Lunu Miris (Veg)