Kandy Restaurant Guide

Snapshot

Kandy’s central location has led to its cuisine being influenced by the culinary traditions from all regions of Sri Lanka, and here travellers can find some of the island’s most renowned dishes such as Jaffna crab curry and the Dutch-influenced lamprais. In addition, Kandy proudly boasts its own traditional dishes with their own distinctive flavour, such as the sour fish curry ambul thiyal. Street food is also a highlight here, with vendors and small shops on every corner serving the popular spicy snacks known locally as ‘short eats.’ The more adventurous among you may like to venture into the bustling markets to see the exotic fruit and vegetables on offer and see canvas sacks overflowing with brightly-coloured spices. Kandy was a key base for the British during the 19th and 20th centuries, so as well as local fare, food in Kandy includes western favourites such as traditional English afternoon tea.

Additional Information

As one of Sri Lanka’s biggest cities and a popular tourist destination, Kandy boasts a variety of dining options ranging from laidback cafés to fine-dining restaurants. Take a look at our favourite Kandy restaurants and cafés below.

Cafés in Kandy

• The Empire Café - Conveniently located in centre of Kandy right next to Temple of the Tooth, this is an iconic setting for a relaxed snack or light meal. The café is open from 7:30 – 19:30 and serves quality coffee and teas, smoothies and juices, breakfast, cold dishes, soups, pasta, Sri Lankan curry, cakes and snacks (Temple Street, Kandy, 0812 239 870)

Restaurants in Kandy

• Helga’s Folly - for something totally different and extraordinary. A good place for afternoon tea or pre-dinner drink (Off Mahamaya Mawatha, 0812 234 571)


• Kandy House - a great spot for lunch or dinner. The Kandy House is a stunning old family house that has been sensitively restored into a boutique hotel. Make sure your driver knows where it is as it is out of Kandy town but well worth a visit (Amunugama Walauwa, Gunnepana, 0814 921 394)


• Slightly Chilled - is a welcome stop on any trip through Kandy, especially to rest weary feet. There is a relaxed atmosphere, and simple yet scrumptious food. Watching the world go by from the roof top balcony is a must: the restaurant enjoys one of the most outstanding views in the city (No 29a Anagarika, Dharmapala Mawatha, Kandy, 0771 887 255)


• Theva Residency - one of Kandy’s best restaurants, Theva Residency sits in the hills of Hanthana and has expansive views of the city centre. Delicious food and stunning presentation. Try their signature cocktail and mouth-watering desserts (Theva Residency Road, Kandy, 0817 388 296)

Bars in Kandy

• Royal Bar & Hotel - The best place in Kandy for a drink. With a couple of atmospheric bars, a lovely central courtyard and a wonderful upper balcony-terrace, this landmark colonial building offers many choices from a leisurely G&T or malt whisky to a cool draught beer. They also serve European and Sri Lankan food (44 King's Street, Kandy, 0812 224 449)