Must-Try Foods In Old Parliament Building (Colombo) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Old Parliament Building, Colombo, Sri Lanka

The Old Parliament Building, located in the Fort district of Colombo by the sea, has been a witness to Sri Lanka's political history since its opening in 1930. While the building itself is not directly associated with culinary tradition, the area around it, being part of Colombo's historic and administrative center, is surrounded by a culinary landscape that has evolved over the years. The city's cuisine reflects a blend of indigenous Sinhalese flavors with influences from Indian, Arab, Malay, Portuguese, Dutch, and British settlers who have left their mark on the island's gastronomic map.

Nearby streets and the greater Colombo area are bustling with eaterial activity, offering a wide array of Sri Lankan specialties, from vibrant street food to sophisticated fine dining that reflects the island's history. Colombo provides a culinary journey that resonates with its multicultural heritage and is a prime spot for food enthusiasts to explore traditional Sri Lankan flavors.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Old Parliament Building, Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Kottu (Non-Veg/Veg) - Kottu is a beloved street food. It's a stir-fry made from godhamba roti (a flatbread) chopped up and mixed with vegetables, egg or meat, and spices.
2. Hoppers (Appa) (Veg) - Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, often served with a variety of sides like sambol or curry.
3. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) (Veg) - These are made from rice flour dough pressed into noodle form and then steamed, usually served with curry.
4. Pol Sambol (Veg) - A spicy coconut relish made from grated coconut, red onions, dried chilies, lime juice, and salt.
5. Lamprais (Non-Veg) - A Dutch-Burgher influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and sambals wrapped in a banana leaf and baked.
6. Kiribath (Milk Rice) (Veg) - A traditional dish made from rice cooked in coconut milk, often served on special occasions.
7. Fish Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry) (Non-Veg) - A sour fish curry made using dried goraka which gives it a very distinct flavor.
8. Dhal Curry (Parippu) (Veg) - A staple dish consisting of lentils cooked with spices and coconut milk.
9. Watalappan (Veg) - A dessert made of coconut milk, jaggery, cashews, eggs, and spices such as cardamom and nutmeg.
10. Fried Eggplant (Brinjal) Pickle (Veg) - Sliced eggplants fried and marinated with mustard powder, vinegar, sugar, and chili.

Top Famous Restaurants in Old Parliament Building, Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Café Alfresco at The Kingsbury
   Address: 48 Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo
   Famous Food: Seafood Platter (Non-Veg)
2. Ministry of Crab
   Address: Old Dutch Hospital, Colombo
   Famous Food: Chili Crab (Non-Veg)
3. Upali's
   Address: 65 C.W.W. Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 07
   Famous Food: Vegetarian Lamprais (Veg)
4. The Lagoon at Cinnamon Grand
   Address: 77 Galle Rd, Colombo
   Famous Food: Seafood Kottu (Non-Veg)
5. The Mango Tree
   Address: 82 Dharmapala Mawatha, Colombo 07
   Famous Food: Chicken Biryani (Non-Veg)
6. Rare at Residence
   Address: 20 Park St, Colombo 02
   Famous Food: Beetroot Risotto (Veg)

Please note that Colombo has a variety of restaurants offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, and while the Old Parliament Building itself is not a food venue, the surrounding area is teeming with places to discover Sri Lanka's rich culinary offerings.