Must-Try Foods In Temple Of The Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) (Kandy) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Temple of the Stooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), Kandy, Sri Lanka

The Temple of the Tooth, nestled in the heart of Kandy, is not just a significant religious monument but also a place where cultural traditions, including food customs, are treasured. Historically, the food in the area around the temple is deeply intertwined with the Buddhist practices and Sinhalese culture. Traditional offerings called 'Heel Dana' (simple meals) and 'Maha Dana' (great meals) often comprise vegetarian dishes, given as alms to monks. These meals include rice, curries, and sweets like 'Kiri Pani' (curd and treacle). During the annual Esala Perahera festival, the foods served are rooted in the Sinhalese history, featuring native spices and ingredients grown in the Kandyan region.

Top 10 Must-Try Food Dishes in and around Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

• Kottu - Non-veg/Veg: Chopped roti mixed with spices, vegetables, and eggs or meat.
Hoppers (Appa) - Veg: Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter, often served with coconut sambol or curry.
• String Hoppers (Idiyappam) - Veg: Delicate noodles made from rice flour dough, steamed and served with curry.
• Coconut Roti (Pol Roti) - Veg: Flatbread made with grated coconut, flour, and onions.
• Dhal Curry (Parippu) - Veg: A staple lentil curry cooked with spices and coconut milk.
• Jackfruit Curry (Polos) - Veg: Young green jackfruit cooked in a spicy curry.
• Wambatu Moju (Eggplant Pickle) - Veg: Caramelized eggplant with sweet and sour flavors.
• Kiribath (Milk Rice) - Veg: Rice cooked with coconut milk, often served during special occasions.
• Watalappam - Veg: A rich pudding made with coconut milk, jaggery, cashew nuts, and spices.
• Fried Shrimp Curry - Non-veg: Shrimp cooked in a flavorful blend of spices and coconut milk.

Top Famous Restaurants Near Temple of the Tooth, Kandy

1. Balaji Dosai
   Address: 97, Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Dosai - Veg: South Indian style fermented crepes made from a rice and lentil batter.
2. The Empire Cafe
   Address: 21 Temple St, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Smoked Salmon Bagel - Non-veg: A Western-inspired option featuring smoked salmon.
3. Cafe Banana Chill
   Address: 80/A Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Fruit Juices - Veg: A variety of fresh tropical fruit juices, perfect for the Sri Lankan climate.
4. The Kandy Garden Cafe
   Address: 9/1, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Kottu - Non-veg/Veg: Offering both vegetarian and chicken kottu, a local favorite.
5. Sharon Inn
   Address: 59, Saranankara Rd, Kandy, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Chicken Curry - Non-veg: A classic Sri Lankan chicken curry with a blend of local spices.
6. Devon Restaurant
   Address: 51, Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Lamprais - Non-veg: A dish of mixed meat curry, rice, and sambols wrapped in a banana leaf, reflecting Dutch Burgher influence.
7. Delight Bakers & Sweets
   Address: 98, Yatinuwara Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Vegetable Patties - Veg: Savory pastry filled with spiced vegetables.
8. Senani Restaurant
   Address: No 167/Rajapihilla Mawatha, Kandy, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Buffet with Traditional Sri Lankan Dishes - Veg/Non-veg: Offers a range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian local dishes.
9. White House Restaurant
   Address: 21 Dalada Vidiya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka
   Famous Food: Seafood Platter - Non-veg: Assortment of grilled and fried seafood.

Please note that while the dishes listed above are typically available at these restaurants, the menus may change, and it is always best to check directly with the establishment for their current offerings, especially if you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences.