Must-Try Foods In Horton Plains National Park (Nuwara Eliya) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

While Horton Plains National Park is primarily known for its stunning natural landscapes and rich biodiversity, the surrounding region of Nuwara Eliya has a vibrant food culture that reflects a mix of indigenous, colonial, and South Asian influences. Given the area's cool climate and high altitude, the cuisine often incorporates fresh produce grown locally, including a variety of vegetables, strawberries, and tea – the last of which is a cornerstone of the region’s colonial heritage. Nuwara Eliya is known as "Little England" due to its colonial British-style bungalows and traditions like high tea, which are a direct result of the British colonial presence in the 19th century.

Moreover, the indigenous people of this region, known as the Vedda, have a distinctive culinary tradition that primarily revolves around hunting and gathering. However, with Horton Plains being a protected area and the Vedda lifestyle changing over time, this aspect of Horton Plains’ culinary history is less prominent nowadays.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

1. Kottu Roti (Non-Veg) - A spicy stir-fry featuring pieces of roti bread, vegetables, and optionally, meat or fish.
2. Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg options) - A staple Sri Lankan meal usually consisting of rice served with an array of curries and accompaniments.
3. Hoppers (Veg) - A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour, often eaten for breakfast or dinner.
4. Vegetable Roti (Veg) - A flatbread stuffed with spiced vegetables and grilled.
5. Dhal Curry (Veg) - A flavorful lentil curry that is a common part of the Sri Lankan diet.
6. Watalappan (Veg) - A rich dessert pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery, and spices.
7. Sambol (Veg) - A side dish made from grated coconut, chili peppers, and other spices, typically served with rice and curry.
8. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry that's a well-known specialty in the southern regions of Sri Lanka but can also be found in Nuwara Eliya.
9. String Hoppers (Veg) - Rice flour noodles pressed into a circular shape and steamed, often served with curry.
10. Polos Curry (Veg) - A curry made from young jackfruit, simmered with spices until tender.

Top Famous Restaurants in Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

• Grand Indian - Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya
  Famous for: Vegetable Korma (Veg)
• Salmiya - 23 P.B.A Weerakoon Mawatha, Nuwara Eliya
  Famous for: Wood-fired Pizzas (Veg/Non-Veg options)
• Grand Thai - Grand Hotel Road, Nuwara Eliya
  Famous for: Thai Green Curry (Veg/Non-Veg options)
• Barnes Hall - Jetwing St. Andrew's, 10 St. Andrew's Drive, Nuwara Eliya
  Famous for: High Tea (Veg) - With a selection of sweets and savories
• Araliya Green City Food Court - No. 01, Glenfall Road, Nuwara Eliya
  Famous for: Traditional Sri Lankan Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg options)

As Horton Plains National Park is a protected area, there are no restaurants inside the park itself. Visitors will find that the nearby town of Nuwara Eliya offers a range of dining options, from local Sri Lankan cuisine to international foods. When touring the park, it is recommended to carry snacks and water, and to always remember to take back any trash to keep the park clean.