Must-Try Foods In Nuwara Eliya (Sri Lanka) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Nestled in the hill country of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as 'Little England' due to its colonial-style architecture and a climate that favors the proliferation of tea estates. The history of food in Nuwara Eliya is heavily influenced by both the colonial past and the traditional Sri Lankan Sinhalese and Tamil cuisines. The area's climate has allowed for a unique array of vegetables to be grown, as well as for the production of high-quality Ceylon tea. The British introduced Western-style dishes and new agricultural practices, including the cultivation of strawberries, which are now a local delicacy.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

1. Vegetable Roti - Veg: A popular snack made from flour dough stuffed with a spicy mix of chopped vegetables and then grilled or deep-fried.
2. Kottu Roti - Veg/Non-Veg: A delectable street food dish made by stir-frying strips of Godhamba roti (a type of flatbread) with a variety of spices, vegetables, and optional chicken or seafood.
3. String Hoppers - Veg: Delicate rice noodle patties that are steamed and served with curry and coconut sambol.
4. Watalappan - Veg: A scrumptious dessert similar to custard, made from coconut milk, eggs, jaggery, and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg.
5. Vegetable Curry - Veg: Various local vegetables cooked in a blend of Sri Lankan spices and creamy coconut milk, typically served with rice.
6. Dhal Curry - Veg: A flavorful lentil dish cooked with spices, tomatoes, and creamy coconut milk, a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine.
7. Strawberry Dishes - Veg: Fresh locally-grown strawberries are used in various dishes, from fresh strawberry salads to desserts.
8. Sambols - Veg: Spicy condiments like coconut sambol, made from grated coconut, chili peppers, and lime juice, used to add zest to any meal.
9. Chicken Curry - Non-Veg: A rich curry made with chicken, traditional spices, and coconut milk, representing the fusion of Sinhalese and Tamil flavors.
10. Seafood - Non-Veg: Despite being in the hills, seafood is transported to Nuwara Eliya, offering dishes such as prawn curry, prepared with aromatic spices.

Top Famous Restaurants in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka

Grand Indian - Grand Hotel

Address: Grand Hotel Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200

Famous Food: Vegetable Biryani - Veg

Grand Thai - Grand Hotel

Address: Grand Hotel Rd, Nuwara Eliya 22200

Famous Food: Thai Green Curry - Veg/Non-Veg

Barnes Hall - Jetwing St. Andrew’s

Address: 10 St Andrew's Dr, Nuwara Eliya 22200

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

Indian Summer Nuwara Eliya

Address: No 1, Glenfall Road, Nuwara Eliya 22200

Famous Food: Butter Paneer Masala - Veg

Victoria Golf & Country Resort Restaurant

Address: Rajawella, Digana, Nuwara Eliya

Famous Food: Grilled Seafood Platter - Non-Veg