Must-Try Foods In Gangaramaya Temple (Colombo) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Gangaramaya Temple is not just a place of worship but also a center of learning and a gathering point for local festivals and events, which invariably involve food as a significant component. Sri Lankan cuisine, which is influenced by its history of trade and colonialism, is characterized by its use of a remarkable variety of spices, grains, fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka, including the Gangaramaya Temple, have traditionally been associated with almsgiving and community meals, especially during the Poya Days (full moon day), which is a Buddhist day of observance. During these times, laypeople bring food to the temple as offerings, which are then shared among the monks and devotees. Often the food is vegetarian, following the Buddhist practice of ahimsa or non-harm.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes Near Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka

When visiting Gangaramaya Temple, be sure to explore the surrounding area and indulge in some of the local culinary delights:

1. Kottu Rotti (Non-Veg/Veg) - A Sri Lankan street food classic, it's a spicy stir-fry of shredded flatbread mixed with vegetables and optional chicken or egg.
2. Hoppers (Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with spicy sambols or curry.
3. String Hoppers (Veg) - Steamed rice noodle cakes, which are a typical breakfast dish, served with curry and sambol.
4. Pol Sambol (Veg) - A fresh coconut relish with chili peppers, lime juice, and red onions, usually paired with hoppers or rice.
5. Dhal Curry (Veg) - A staple dish made of lentils, spiced with turmeric, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
6. Vegetable Roti (Veg) - Flatbread stuffed with spicy vegetables, commonly found at street food stalls.
7. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry, usually made with tuna, seasoned with goraka and black pepper.
8. Watalappan (Veg) - A rich pudding dessert made from coconut milk, jaggery, cashews, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg.
9. Lamprais (Non-Veg/Veg) - A Dutch-Burgher influenced dish, it includes rice, meat (or vegetarian alternatives), and sambols wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.
10. Fruit Platters (Veg) - An array of tropical fruits such as papaya, pineapple, mango, and rambutan, often found in local markets.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Gangaramaya Temple, Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Curry Leaf
   Address: Hilton Colombo, 2 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo
   Famous Food: Sri Lankan Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
2. The Lagoon
   Address: Cinnamon Grand Colombo, 77 Galle Rd, Colombo
   Famous Food: Chilli Crab (Non-Veg)
3. Upali's
   Address: 65 C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo
   Famous Food: Vegetarian Kottu (Veg)
4. Ministry of Crab
   Address: Old Dutch Hospital Complex, Colombo
   Famous Food: Garlic Chilli Crab (Non-Veg)
5. Rare at Residence
   Address: Uga Residence, Park Street, Colombo
   Famous Food: Vegetarian Curry Platter (Veg)
6. Nuga Gama
   Address: Cinnamon Grand Colombo, 77 Galle Rd, Colombo
   Famous Food: Traditional Sri Lankan Buffet (Veg/Non-Veg)
7. Cloud Red
   Address: Cinnamon Red Colombo, 59 Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo
   Famous Food: Grilled Prawns (Non-Veg)
8. Kaema Sutra
   Address: Shangri-La Hotel, 1 Galle Face, Colombo
   Famous Food: Sri Lankan Crab Curry (Non-Veg)
9. The Gallery Café
   Address: 2 Alfred House Road, Colombo 3, Colombo
   Famous Food: Black Pork Curry (Non-Veg)
10. Palmyrah Restaurant
    Address: Renuka Hotel, 328 Galle Rd, Colombo
    Famous Food: Jaffna Kool (Non-Veg)

Please note that although the restaurants offer a variety of dishes, including non-vegetarian options, the types of meat used do not include beef, as cow meat is generally not consumed due to religious and cultural reasons in Sri Lanka.