Must-Try Foods In Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs (Dambulla) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

The Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs near Dambulla, in Sri Lanka, offer a glimpse into the prehistoric civilization that existed in Sri Lanka. While the exact food habits of those who built the tombs are not thoroughly known, it is believed that the diet in ancient Sri Lanka was largely based on agriculture with rice being a staple food, along with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and spices. Moreover, fishing and hunting would have also contributed to the diet, with a predilection for vegetarianism influenced by Buddhism and Hinduism over the centuries.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

1. Kottu (Non-Veg/Veg) - A spicy stir-fry of shredded roti bread with vegetables; it can also include egg or chicken.
2. Hoppers (Appa) (Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes that are often served with spicy sambol or a curry.
3. Vegetable Roti (Veg) - A flatbread stuffed with spicy vegetable filling, grilled or fried.
4. Polos Curry (Veg) - Young jackfruit curry cooked with a blend of spices.
5. Fruit Smoothies (Veg) - Made with Sri Lanka's fresh tropical fruits like mango, papaya, and bananas.
6. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) (Veg) - Steamed rice noodle patties served with curry.
7. Dhal Curry (Parippu) (Veg) - A staple curry made with lentils and a variety of spices.
8. Wambatu Moju (Veg) - An eggplant (aubergine) pickle that is sweet, sour, and very tasty.
9. Kiribath (Veg) -Sri Lankan milk rice often served during special occasions.
10. Sambol Varieties (Veg) - Spicy condiments such as pol sambol (coconut sambol) that accompany many dishes.

Top Famous Restaurants in Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

The Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs are a historical site and do not have restaurants on their premises, but the nearby city of Dambulla has many options:

• Ranweli Restaurant Address: Anuradhapura Road, Dambulla Famous Food: Traditional Sri Lankan Curry Buffet (Veg/Non-Veg)
• Athula Restaurant Address: Sigiriya Road, Dambulla Famous Food: Kottu (Veg/Non-Veg)
• J.C.'s Village Restaurant Address: Yapagama, Dambulla Famous Food: Seafood Platter (Non-Veg), Vegetable Noodles (Veg)
• Gimanhala Hotel Restaurant Address: 754 Anuradhapura Rd, Dambulla Famous Food: Hoppers with Curry (Veg/Non-Veg)
• Mango Mango Address: Kandy Road, Dambulla Famous Food: Sri Lankan-style Pizzas (Veg)

When exploring local dining in and around Dambulla, one may also come across many small eateries serving home-cooked style meals, which are often predominantly vegetarian due to the influence of Buddhism in the area.