Must-Try Foods In Sigiriya Archaeological Site (Sigiriya) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Sigiriya Archaeological Site, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

The rich food history of Sigiriya dates back to the 5th century during the reign of King Kasyapa. While there are no direct records of the specific foods eaten within the royal palace, it is known that ancient Sri Lankan diets were heavily influenced by Ayurvedic principles, emphasizing balance and the medicinal properties of food. Rice, which has been cultivated for thousands of years in Sri Lanka, was likely a staple in the Sigiriya region, along with a variety of vegetables, fruits, and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, and black pepper - all native to the island. Wild game and freshwater fish might also have been included in the diet of those residing in and around the Sigiriya rock fortress. Traditional cooking methods involved the use of clay pots and wood-fired hearths.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Sigiriya Archaeological Site

1. Rice and Curry - A staple dish with a variety of side dishes including dhal (lentils), vegetables, and spicy sambols (Non Veg).
2. String Hoppers (Indi Appa) - Steamed rice noodle patties usually served with curry and sambol, making it a delicious breakfast or dinner choice (Veg).
3. Hoppers (Appa) - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk, often served with a fried egg in the middle and sambol (Veg/Non Veg).
4. Kottu Roti - A street-food favorite made of finely cut roti, vegetables, and optionally meat, cooked and mixed on a flat iron skillet (Veg/Non Veg).
5. Polos Curry - A dish made from young jackfruit simmered in a blend of spices and coconut milk (Veg).
6. Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) - Fried eggplant in a sweet and spicy pickling sauce (Veg).
7. Kiribath (Milk Rice) - Rice cooked in coconut milk, often served during special occasions (Veg).
8. Lamprais - A Dutch Burgher-influenced dish with rice, meat curry, and accompaniments wrapped in a banana leaf and baked (Non Veg).
9. Pol Sambol - A coconut relish made from grated coconut, red onions, dried whole chilies or chili powder, lime juice, salt, and Maldive fish (optional for Vegetarians) (Veg/Non Veg).
10. Fruit Platters - An array of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, banana, and papaya, often found in local markets (Veg).

Top Famous Restaurants in Sigiriya Archaeological Site

Chaminda Food Center

- Address: Main Street, Sigiriya - Famous for: Rice and Curry (Veg/Non Veg)

Wijesiri Family Restaurant

- Address: Inamaluwa - Sigiriya Road, Sigiriya - Famous for: Homemade Traditional Sri Lankan Meals (Vaug/Non Veg)

Ahinsa Restaurant

- Address: Sigiriya Road, Kimbissa - Famous for: String Hoppers with Curry (Veg/Non Veg)

Akila Kitchen

- Address: Sigiriya Road, Sigiriya - Famous for: Veggie Kottu Roti (Veg)

Gedara Restaurant

- Address: Audangawa, Sigiriya - Famous for: Wide range of Sri Lankan Curries (Veg/Non Veg)

Pradeep Restaurant

- Address: 5th Mile Post, Sigiriya - Famous for: Traditional Fish Curry (Non Veg)

Sigiriya Village Hotel Restaurant

- Address: Hotel Road, Sigiriya - Famous for: Buffet with a Mix of Western and Sri Lankan Dishes (Veg/Non Veg)

Curry by the River

- Address: Kibissa, Sigiriya - Famous for: Polos Curry and Fresh Juices (Veg)

Dewata Villas Village Restaurant

- Address: Sigiriya Road, Inamaluwa - Famous for: Authentic Sri Lankan Breakfast (Veg/Non Veg)

Firewood Restaurant

- Address: Sigiriya Road, Sigiriya - Famous for: Spicy Grilled Chicken (Non Veg)