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

Food History of Ranawana Royal Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Ranawana Royal Temple, also known as the Ranawana Purana Rajamaha Viharaya, is renowned for its spiritual significance and the world’s tallest walking Buddha statue. While the temple itself is not directly associated with a specific food history, Kandy, as a city, has a rich culinary heritage influenced by various cultures including Sinhalese, Tamil, Moor, and colonial European. Kandyan cuisine is characterized by indigenous crops like rice, spices, and fruits, and the influence of Buddhist values which promote vegetarianism. Within this temple, as with many Buddhist temples, simple and vegetarian foods are likely to be appreciated, reflecting the general ethos of non-harm and simplicity.

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

1. String Hoppers (Idiyappam) - Veg: These are rice flour noodles steamed and served with curry.
2. Kottu Roti - Veg/Non-Veg (chicken or seafood, no beef): A street food favorite, made with shredded flatbread mixed with vegetables and optional meats.
3. Hoppers (Appa) - Veg: A bowl-shaped pancake made with fermented rice batter, often eaten for breakfast.
4. Vegetable Roti - Veg: A flatbread stuffed with spiced vegetables, grilled on a hot plate.
5. Dhal Curry (Parippu) - Veg: A staple curry made with lentils and spices, commonly served with rice.
6. Jackfruit Curry (Polos) - Veg: Unripe jackfruit chunks cooked in a blend of spices, resembling a meaty texture.
7. Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) - Veg: Fried eggplant cooked in a sweet and sour sauce with spices.
8. Wood Apple Juice - Veg: A unique beverage made from the pulp of the wood apple, mixed with jaggery and water.
9. Pol Sambol (Coconut Sambol) - Veg: A spicy condiment made with grated coconut, red onions, and chili, often paired with hoppers or rice.
10. Kiribath (Milk Rice) - Veg: Rice cooked with coconut milk, cut into diamond shapes, and served with lunu miris (a chili paste).

Top Famous Restaurants Near Ranawana Royal Temple, Kandy, Sri Lanka

1. Restaurant Balaji Dosai

   Address: No. 09, Colombo Street, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

   Famous Food: Dosa (Veg)

2. Cafe Divine Street

   Address: 88/1 Temple Street, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

   Famous Food: Sri Lankan Curry Plate (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

3. The Empire Cafe

   Address: 21 Temple Street, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

   Famous Food: Fish Ambul Thiyal (Non-Veg) / Pumpkin Curry (Veg)

4. The Kandy Garden Cafe

   Address: 9 Sangamitta Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

   Famous Food: Rice and Curry (Veg/Non-Veg options available)

5. Sharon Inn

   Address: 59, Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka

   Famous Food: Kandyan Chicken Curry (Non-Veg)

Please note that opening times and availability of certain dishes can vary, and it's always recommended to check with the restaurant for the latest information. Also, as a sign of respect to the religious context of the temple, visitors are encouraged to abstain from consuming alcohol and meat, particularly within or near the temple premises.