Must-Try Foods In Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace) (Anuradhapura) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Lovamahapaya (Brazen Palace), Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

The Lovamahapaya, also known as the Brazen Palace, once stood as a magnificent monastery complex and was a center for Theravada Buddhism during the ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom. While Lovamahapaya itself is an architectural marvel rather than a culinary destination, the food history surrounding this region is rich and deeply intertwined with Sri Lankan culture.

In ancient times, the monks residing in the Brazen Palace would have partaken in alms, which included a simple vegetarian diet primarily made up of rice, fruits, and vegetables donated by the local populaces. Historical records indicate that the kingdom of Anuradhapura was a hub for agricultural prosperity. Thus, the palate of the region would have consisted of ancient grains and a variety of indigenous vegetables and fruits. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its use of distinct spices, rice, and coconut, which form the base of many dishes.

Top 10 Foods to Try in Anuradhapura for Tourists

1. Kottu (Non-Veg) - A popular and beloved Sri Lankan street food consisting of shredded flatbread mixed with vegetables, egg, and sometimes chicken or seafood.
2. Hoppers (Appa) (Veg) - A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with spicy sambol.
3. String Hoppers (Indi Appa) (Veg) - Steamed rice noodle patties that are a staple for breakfast served with curry and coconut sambol.
4. Kiribath (Milk Rice) (Veg) - Rice cooked with coconut milk served traditionally on special occasions, often accompanied by lunu miris, a spicy onion relish.
5. Polos (Jackfruit Curry) (Veg) - A spicy curry made from young green jackfruit, cooked with aromatic spices.
6. Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) (Veg) - Deep-fried eggplant cooked in a sweet and spicy sauce made from vinegar, sugar, and spices.
7. Dhal Curry (Lentil Curry) (Veg) - A staple dish made from red lentils, rich in spices, and creamy with coconut milk.
8. Gotu Kola Sambol (Pennywort Salad) (Veg) - A refreshing salad made from finely chopped gotu kola leaves, mixed with shallots, grated coconut, lime juice, and spices.
9. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry) (Non-Veg) - A dry fish curry uniquely seasoned with goraka, giving it a sour taste.
10. Sri Lankan Samosas (Veg/Non-Veg) - Fried pastry with a filling, typically of spiced potatoes, onions, and peas for the vegetarian version, or minced chicken or fish for the non-vegetarian offerings.

Top Restaurants in Anuradhapura near Lovamahapaya

Mango Mango

Address: 166/21 - 166/22 Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha, Anuradhapura

Famous Food: Sri Lankan Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg)

Little Paradise Anuradhapura

Address: 622/18 Godage Mawatha, Anuradhapura

Famous Food: Kottu (Veg/Non-Veg)

Seedevi Family Restaurant

Address: Maithripala Senanayake Mawatha, Anuradhapura

Famous Food: Hoppers (Veg)

Heritage Hotel

Address: Galwala Road, Pothanegama, Anuradhapura

Famous Food: Traditional Sri Lankan Buffet (Veg/Non-Veg)

Rajarata Hotel Restaurant

Address: 77 Rowing Club Road, Anuradhapura

Famous Food: Local Desserts such as Watalappan (Veg)

It's important to note that while vegetarian dishes are widely available and part of the local cuisine, meat and especially seafood are also very prominent in Sri Lankan cooking, reflecting the island's rich culinary diversity.