Must-Try Foods In Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara (Colombo) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple located in Kelaniya, Sri Lanka. While the temple itself is a site of religious worship and pilgrimage, its food history intertwines with traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. During religious festivities, especially the Duruthu Perahera held in January each year, the temple vicinity becomes a hub for local eateries that serve traditional Sri Lankan foods. Devotees and visitors are often treated to free vegetarian meals, known as "dansal," which are offered by locals as a form of giving and merit-making.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a melting pot of flavors influenced by its history of trade and colonization. The food reflects a variety of spices, herbs and ingredients like coconut and rice, which are staples in Sri Lankan cooking. Vegetarianism is also common due to the predominantly Buddhist culture, resulting in a wide variety of vegetarian dishes available around the temple area.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara for Tourists

1. Kottu (Non-Veg/Veg) - A popular street food, kottu is a stir-fry made with chopped flatbread (godamba roti), vegetables, and optional eggs or cheese.
2. Hoppers (Non-Veg/Veg) - These bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour batter can be topped with an egg or served with sweet syrups.
Rice and Curry (Non-Veg/Veg) - A staple meal consisting of rice served with a variety of curries, including dhal (lentils), vegetables, and optional meats.
3. Pol Sambol (Veg) - A spicy coconut garnish made with freshly grated coconut, chili peppers, onions and lime juice.
4. Watalappan (Veg) - A rich pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery (palm sugar), cashew nuts and spices.
5. Kiribath (Veg) - Milk rice, which is rice cooked with coconut milk, often served during special occasions.
6. Roti (Non-Veg/Veg) - Flatbread that comes in many varieties, including pol roti (made with coconut) which can be eaten with curry or sambol.
7. Fried Jackfruit Seeds (Veg) - A snack made by deep-frying jackfruit seeds until they are crunchy.
8. Fruit Juices (Veg) - Fresh tropical fruit juices like mango, papaya, and king coconut are widely available and refreshing.
9. Samosas (Non-Veg/Veg) - Deep-fried pastry with a savoury filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, and peas.

Top Famous Restaurants in Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Upali's by Nawaloka

Address: 65 C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Traditional Sri Lankan meals (Vegetarian options available)

The Fab

Address: No. 475/1 Kotte Road, Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Baked goods and cafe-style meals (Vegetarian options available)

Green Cabin

Address: 453 Galle Road, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Sri Lankan snacks and desserts like lamprais (Non-Veg/Veg)

The Dining Room at Cinnamon Lakeside

Address: 115 Sir Chittampalam A Gardiner Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: International buffet with Sri Lankan specialties (Non-Veg/Veg)

Mayura Hotel

Address: 46 Sri Dhamma Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Famous Food: Local Sri Lankan cuisine (Non-Veg/Veg)

Please note that while the above-listed restaurants offer dishes that are either vegetarian or non-vegetarian, it's always best to check with the establishment regarding food preferences or dietary restrictions.