Must-Try Foods In Lankatilaka Temple (Kandy) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Lankatilaka Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Lankatilaka Temple, located in the historic city of Kandy, is one of Sri Lanka's most significant cultural landmarks, but it is also surrounded by a region rich in culinary heritage. Kandyan cuisine, like the temple itself, has a history that reflects the diverse cultural influences in Sri Lanka. The region's food was traditionally shaped by local ingredients and the cooking methods of the Sinhalese people, with additional influences from Indian, Dutch, Portuguese, and British cuisines due to various periods of colonization and trade.

Kandyan cuisine uses a plethora of spices, coconut milk, and rice, a staple food, reflecting the island’s agricultural traditions. Temples in Sri Lanka, including Lankatilaka, often play host to community meals during religious festivals, where vegetarian dishes are widely served as part of Buddhist cultural practices.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Lankatilaka Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka

1. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) - Vegetarian: Steamed rice flour noodles commonly served with spicy coconut sambol or curry.
2. Kottu - Vegetarian/Non-Veg: A spicy stir-fry made with shredded roti bread and a variety of fillings, including vegetables or chicken.
3. Hoppers (Appa) - Vegetarian: Bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice batter, often served with coconut sambol or seeni sambal (sweet onion relish).
4. Dhal Curry (Parippu) - Vegetarian: A staple dish made with red lentils, coconut milk, and spices.
5. Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) - Vegetarian: A sweet and spicy eggplant dish with caramelized onions and vinegar.
6. Polos (Green Jackfruit Curry) - Vegetarian: A rich and hearty curry made from young jackfruit, spices, and coconut milk.
7. Gotukola Sambol - Vegetarian: A healthful salad made from finely chopped Gotukola (Centella Asiatica) leaves, mixed with grated coconut, lime juice, and shallots.
8. Kiribath (Milk Rice) - Vegetarian: Rice cooked in coconut milk, usually served as a ceremonial dish during special occasions.
9. Roti - Vegetarian: Flatbread made from coconut and wheat or rice flour, typically served with spicy curry.
10. Watalappan - Vegetarian: A rich pudding dessert made with coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, and spices like cardamom and nutmeg.

Top Famous Restaurants in Lankatilaka Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka

• Balaji Dosai - No. 09, D. S Senanayake Street, Kandy
  Famous Food: Masala Dosa - Vegetarian
• The Empire Cafe - 21 Temple Street, Kandy
  Famous Food: Pumpkin Curry with Red Rice - Vegetarian
• Sharon Inn - 59, Saranankara Road, Kandy
  Famous Food: Chicken Korma - Non-Veg
• Helga’s Folly - 70 Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
  Famous Food: Curried Vegetable Platter - Vegetarian
• Senani Restaurant - 167, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy
  Famous Food: Chili Chicken - Non-Veg

Note that these restaurants are not typically located within the temple itself, but they are popular in the Kandy area and offer an authentic taste of local cuisine.