Must-Try Foods In Kande Viharaya Temple (Bentota) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kande Viharaya Temple, Bentota, Sri Lanka

The history of food in the region of Kande Viharaya Temple in Bentota, Sri Lanka, is deeply intertwined with the country’s rich cultural and religious traditions. Given that Kande Viharaya is a Buddhist temple, the food culture around the area is primarily influenced by Buddhist practices. In particular, vegetarianism is commonly practiced due to the Buddhist principle of non-harm (Ahimsa). Many local dishes have thus evolved to cater to a palate that favors vegetables, fruits, grains, and spices, synonymous with Sri Lankan cuisine.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in Kande Viharaya, Bentota

1. Dhal Curry (Veg) - A staple Sri Lankan dish made from lentils, coconut milk, and spices, creating a rich and comforting curry.
2. Pol Sambol (Veg) - A spicy condiment made with grated coconut, red onions, chili peppers, lime juice, and salt, often served with rice and curries.
3. Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg) - The quintessential Sri Lankan meal entails rice served with an array of vegetable and meat curries.
4. Hoppers (Veg/Non-Veg) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour, often served with a fried egg in the center or with curry.
5. Vegetable Roti (Veg) - A flatbread stuffed with spiced vegetables and grilled, a perfect snack or light meal.
6. Fruit Juices (Veg) - Fresh tropical fruit juices made from the abundant local produce like mango, pineapple, and papaya.
7. String Hoppers (Veg) - Steamed rice flour noodles, often eaten with dhal or another type of curry.
< industryli>Watalappan (Veg) - A rich pudding dessert made from coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, eggs, and spiced with cardamom and nutmeg.
8. Kottu Roti (Veg/Non-Veg) - Chopped flatbread stir-fried with eggs, vegetables, and meat, flavored with spices.
9. Kiribath (Veg) - Milk rice, which is rice cooked with coconut milk, often served during special occasions and is a symbol of prosperity and good luck.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kande Viharaya, Bentota

Malli's Seafood Restaurant

Address: 45 Galle Rd, Bentota
Famous Food: Seafood Platter (Non-Veg) - Offers a variety of fresh seafood including fish, prawns, and crabs spiced with local flavors.

Pier 88 Nebula Restaurant

Address: Bentota Ganga, Bentota
Famous Food: Lagoon Crab (Non-Veg) - Known for its scrumptious crab dishes prepared in traditional Sri Lankan spices.

Golden Grill

Address: National Holiday Resort, Bentota
Famous Food: Vegetable Noodles (Veg) - Offers a variety of noodle dishes packed with fresh vegetables and flavorful sauces.

Amal Restaurant

Address: Galle Rd, Bentota
Famous Food: Mango Curry (Veg) - A unique and delectable curry made with ripe mangoes, typical for the region’s innovative vegetarian cuisine.

Diya Sisila Restaurant

Address: Sooriyagoda, Bentota
Famous Food: Prawn Curry (Non-Veg) - Another hot-spot for seafood lovers, offering a mouth-watering prawn curry with a blend of local spices.