Cafe Chill

Securing the 2nd spot on the list, Cafe Chill knows how to set the mood. Its thatched roof, ambient music, and hearty dishes come together to create a laid-back vibe, perfect for taking it slow. This is also a great spot for families and large groups.

The Barn By Starbeans

Coming in at number 12, the flavourful dishes and top-notch service come together at The Barn By Starbeans. Try their grilled salmon, served with a unique herb salad, and cap off your meal with an aromatic cup of coffee. The attentive waitstaff go the extra mile to ensure an unforgettable experience, making this a great spot for a casual date or a family outing.

Ella’s Top-Rated Restaurants: A Must-Visit for Food Enthusiasts

Along with these two restaurants, there are many eateries that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of visitors with their unique blend of Sri Lankan flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. Whether you’re indulging in traditional rice and curry or savoring a fusion dish, these eateries promise a dining experience that reflects the authentic spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers worldwide, making this recognition even more meaningful. The award-winning restaurants in Ella continue to receive glowing feedback for their delicious food, warm service, and commitment to quality.

Exploring Ella Safely by Car

For those planning to visit Ella and experience these award-winning restaurants firsthand, Malkey Rent A Car offers a reliable and convenient travel solution. Known for its exceptional service and safety standards, they ensure that your journey to and around Ella is both comfortable and secure.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family seeking adventure, Malkey’s wide range of vehicles caters to your specific needs. With experienced drivers and well-maintained vehicles, you can explore Ella’s scenic routes, iconic attractions, and now its celebrated dining options with peace of mind.

Discover the Magic of Ella

Beyond the award-winning restaurants, Ella boasts stunning natural beauty, including the famous Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, and Ravana Falls. The town’s laid-back charm, combined with its now internationally recognised dining spots, makes it a must-visit destination for travellers to Sri Lanka.

Plan Your Trip Today

As you explore the serene landscapes and indulge in the local flavours, make sure your travel experience is seamless between multiple modes of transport like trains and rentals cars. Your journey to Ella’s finest restaurants and attractions awaits!

The post Sri Lanka’s Culinary Gems in Ella Shine in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024 appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

Plant-Based Meals

The tropical weather in Sri Lanka produces seasonal fruits and vegetables, making it possible for one to consume the freshest and most nutritious food nature can provide. Discover an array of green leaves that form the base of salads and sides, vegetables prepared in delicious curries, local grains and pulses and fruits that rival the sweetest desserts. While in Colombo or any other major cities like Kandy or Galle you will easily find Vegan options and even dedicated restaurants, but in other areas you will still be able to find 100{c936fc21b787601ef18bc16d503e84c113d8819d6944b65f1aff51216cd21cf1} vegan dishes although they may not be labeled so. Sri Lankan cuisine is typically prepared with spices and coconut milk as the cohesive ingredient, making plant-based eating delectably simple.

Tips for Vegan Dining

Things to watch out for when dining in Sri Lankan restaurants would be:

• The use of Ghee and Paneer which are dairy-based products, mostly used in Indian inspired food
• ‘Umbalakada’ or ‘Maldive Fish’, a type of dried fish that is commonly used in sambals.
• As you enter any eatery, feel free to let them know your food preferences and inquire about their offering.
• Most Sri Lankans, especially those working in restaurants, are able to communicate in basic English and will be able to help you navigate their menu
• Stick to local cuisine. Opt for rice & curry as this is the safest bet for vegan food, especially when dining in areas further out of Colombo.

Popular Vegan Restaurants in Colombo

The restaurants below are exclusively Vegan while the majority of restaurants anywhere in Sri Lanka are Vegan-Friendly!

• Ranbath Organic
• Vegan Kitchen by Sulo
• Cafe Lucuma

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Being the fourth largest tea manufacturer in the world, ‘tea’ has become an increasingly popular tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. So, if you’re keen on exploring tea culture, here are some Ceylon tea experiences you should not miss.

Types of tea

The central highlands of Sri Lanka have the perfect environment for growing the best-quality tea. Depending on the different amounts of processing that the leaf undergoes, the differing types of tea are produced.There are many kinds of tea that you can try out in Sri Lanka. The main types of tea are Black, Green and White. Each of these teas have their unique fragrance and taste.

Black Tea

Black tea is the most popular form of Ceylon tea. Black tea is made with hand-plucked tea leaves by expert female tea pluckers. Black tea undertakes an amount of processing which gives its unique black leaves. The tea has a reddish or orangish hue when prepared. A cup of black tea with milk and sugar is a staple for any occasion. It has a deep and satisfying aroma.

Green Tea

Green tea is another well-known category of Ceylon tea. Green tea undergoes less processing compared to black tea even though it comes from the same kind of plant. When processing Green tea, the leaves are unfermented to maintain their antioxidant characteristics. Green tea is famous the world over for its health benefits that include its weight loss properties as well as improved brain function, diabetes prevention, and heart health. When the tea is prepared it takes on a light yellow to greenish touch. The taste of green tea is a mix of sweet bitterness.

White Tea

White tea is a unique type of Ceylon tea. The harvesting process is what makes it special. White tea is made only with tea buds. These buds are not fermented at all and are hand-rolled individually. White tea is the only type of tea that is handmade so that the prices are quite expensive. The colour of the White tea is subtle and light. It has less caffeine and more antioxidants than Green or Black tea. This makes White tea one of the healthiest beverages. This tea is also a favourite of tea connoisseurs the world over White tea is also called “Silver Tips” and “Golden Tips”.

Low-grown Tea

Low-grown tea produced relatively near the coast in the ‘Sabaragamuwa’ and ‘Southern’ regions of Sri Lanka. The tea has grown in an area nourished by high humidity and monsoon season and surrounded by diverse wildlife. The aroma however, is prominently different from the other variations. Low-grown green tea has its own flavour of sweet caramel, and is not quite as strong as that of high and medium grown.

Tea Estates to Visit

Visiting a tea factory in Sri Lanka enables you to see, smell, taste and touch the tea at every stage of the production process, and get an understanding of different types of teas. Most tours will end in a tasting session of the different varieties grown at the plantation. Nuwara Eliya, one of the gorgeous cities in the Hill Country, is the heart of the Sri Lankan tea industry. Read our article on popular destinations Nuwara Eliya. The Blue Field Tea Factory at Ramboda offers comprehensive tours detailing the entire tea manufacturing process, and a variety of different teas are available to purchase. Heading South towards Nuwara Eliya, At the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre, you can tour, by walking through the plantations, or just stop for a refreshing cup of tea. Additionally, you can have the chance to buy freshly plucked leaves from the estate.Further south, Dambatenne Tea Factory outside the town of Haputale offers enjoyable tours explaining the production process and is just a short way off to Lipton’s Seat where you can enjoy panoramic views of the historic plantations.

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The journey to Galle can be made via the Southern Highway or you could opt for the more scenic route via Galle Road, a coastal road stretching from Colombo to Galle, flanked by the Indian ocean on one side. You could take public transport in the form of a bus or train or choose to rent a vehicle, which is recommended if you are on limited time. Shared here are some activities that you could cover in a day in Galle.

Explore the Galle Fort

Naturally, this should be the first thing on your list, walking or cycling around are both good options. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Galle Fort was built by the Portugese in the 16th century and later strengthened during the Dutch invasion of Sri Lanka. The Fort has since been linked to many historic events including the Siege of Galle in 1640. Currently, it preserves the historical beauty, but has also evolved into being the epi-center of culture in Galle. Inside this maze of quaint cobblestone paths are a countless number of cafes, restaurants, galleries and jewellery shops. You could easily spend an entire day here hopping from gallery to museum to cafe and also witness a stunning sunset from the edge of the ramparts.

Visit Rumassala Hill / Jungle Beach

Roughly 8 kilometers south of the center of Galle is the bay of Unawatuna with the Rumassala hill rising above the beach, covered in lush foliage. At the bottom of this hill you will find Jungle Beach, named after the thick groves of greenery nearby and at the peak of this hill is a beautiful white Peace Pagoda built by a travelling Japanese monk. Dip into the cool waters of the Indian Ocean for a refreshing swim or enjoy the view of multi-colored fishing boats from the golden beach. All types of restaurants and bars dot the entire length of the beach around here. Try some incomparably fresh seafood and sip a cold one as you enjoy the balmy unawatuna breeze.

Sea Turtle Hatchery, Mahamodara

The vibrant blue-green waters surrounding the island of Sri Lanka is home to all kinds of marine life including all five species of sea turtles. These turtles visit the sandy shores to lay their eggs, of which unfortunately most don’t survive unless actively protected. Hatcheries such as the one found in Mahamodara function with the objective of conserving the eggs laid by collecting and incubating and finally releasing the hatchlings to the ocean. For locals and tourists who wish to experience the process, the hatchery provides an opportunity to get closer to these rare species. However, as you will be briefed by the officials, extreme care should be taken when engaging with baby turtles while you are there.

Any combination of the above activities and many many more await you in the city of beautiful Galle. With a little bit of planning, you will no doubt make some of your best memories here.

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Kottu
Also known as Kottu Roti is essentially a curry laden mish mash of cut up rotis, sauteed with vegetables, eggs and a meat of your choice. Once this mix reaches a level of cohesive perfection, it would then be liberally doused with just enough gravy for the roti pieces to soak up.

Over the years, the simple Kottu has evolved to include more decadent additions, giving way for the ‘Cheese Kottu’, the same product as above, now smothered in a cheese sauce. Pilawoos Hotel in Kollupitiya takes credit for the original invention of the Cheese Kottu which was instantly replicated by every other kottu joint. You can find more inventive versions available at the nearby Hotel de Plaza and more sophisticated takes even at 5 Star Hotels.

Isso Vadei
This ever-popular fritter-like snack comes to Sri Lanka with some South-Indian influence but over a period of time has gotten Sri Lankanized enough to make it right to the top of the Sri Lankan snacks list. Made with ground lentils, mixed with spices, curry leaves and lots of green chillies, the final flourish on Isso Vadei is a topping of a whole prawn (or multiple prawns) which gets deep fried along with the Vadei batter. Resulting in a crispy spiced prawn crowning a delicious deep-fried lentil fritter. Possibly the most common street-side snack in Sri Lanka, and you are likely to find a few vendors within any given area. While there are varied additions to this snack, the most popular accompaniment is the ‘sambal’, a fiery onion relish that goes on top of the prawn just before disappearing into your mouth. The Galle Face Green in Colombo is a hotspot for Isso Vadei served at little ocean-side stalls.

Hoppers
From the street of Sri Lanka to the fine dining restaurants of the world, the humble hopper is an irresistible snack for all. This crispy bowl shaped crepe is made in a special bowl-shaped pan and requires considerable skill to perfect. The two most popular types of hoppers are plain hoppers and egg hoppers. In the latter, an egg is cracked into the half-cooked hopper and allowed to firm up slightly. The egg hopper then serves as a dipping bowl, where plain hoppers can be dunked in the well-seasoned runny yolk. In recent times the hopper has been jazzed up to include toppings that include anything from cheese to meats and even chocolate sprinkled dessert hoppers. Hopper stalls can be found along any busy street or the best restaurants in Sri Lanka. Try the Cafe on the 5th or the Palmyrah Restaurant in Colombo 3 for some of the best hoppers you could find while you are here.

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If your destination is towards the cooler Kandy or Nuwara Eliya cities, make a pitstop at Jinadasa’s Thalaguli and Hotel – it’s a restaurant which serves food and beverages, and they are known for their “thalaguli”, a sweetmeat made mainly of sesame seeds and treacle. The Bake House is another great stop along the journey which is a little more upscale in comparison.

Since Ceylon tea is known globally for its quality, a stop at the Mlesna Tea Center would be an interesting one as you will learn about the process of tea making. Another famous stopover is the Damro (Mackwoods) Labukale Tea Estate which is visited by many, including Prince Charles in 2013. The Lipton Seat is one more place where you can sip on hot tea while enjoying panoramic views of the mountains and lakes around.

If it is the beautiful beaches you hope to visit, heading down south is likely to be on your itinerary. The rest area on the highway has different restaurants for you to choose from. However, on the Galle Road route, Monis and Amba Sevana are stopovers made by locals.

Along the Eastern coast are places like, Gadaby Restaurant in Kaththankudi which is well known for their beef samosas. Also, Sahani Restaurant in Pottuvil is a small eatery which delivers authentic flavours.

In Jaffna, located in the windy, warm, north, having a cooling Rio Ice Cream is a one-of-a-kind experience. In the north central side of the island is a restaurant which has an interior like no other named Saruketha located in the city of Kurunegala. In addition, Big Mama in Anuradhapura is a good place to enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine.

Because of the cultural diversity within the island, the flavors change from city to city and province to province; therefore, you can enjoy your journey as much as your final destination.

Now that you are familiar with all the popular stopovers in Sri Lanka, are you aware of some of the best drives in Sri Lanka?

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While Rice & Curry is the most popular, typically Sri Lankan fare, we recommend you also try other beloved local dishes such as hoppers – a crispy bowl-shaped crepe, fresh seafood cooked in coconut milk, Kottu, and local sweetmeats. Visit Sri Lankan restaurants like Nuga Gama or Curry Leaf or try any roadside eatery for delicious, traditional food. Your hotel may even be able to organize an excursion to a village where you could participate in preparing a traditional local meal and enjoy Sri Lankan hospitality at it’s best.

Dining in Sri Lanka however is by no means restricted to local cuisine. In Colombo and other key cities, you will find restaurants offering all kinds of international cuisine from Japanese to Indian to Italian. Street food to Pub Grub to Fine Dining.

Chutneys, Agra and Navaratna serve some of the best Indian dishes while Long Feng, Shang Palace & Crystal Jade offer a mix of authentic and fusion Chinese food. Take your pick from Nihonbashi, Ginza Hosen, or Kuraaku for the best Japanese in Colombo. If you are looking for exquisite fine dining options, you won’t be disappointed at London Grill, Capital Bar & Grill, or even Tintagel. If you are however in the mood for something less formal, there are many options available for semi-fine dining including the Gallery Café, Ministry of Crab, The Lagoon etc.

Shanmuga’s Restaurant, Greenlands, Mathura Madras Woodlands Restaurant and Sri Vihar are some of the best vegetarian restaurants for dining in Sri Lanka and serve delicious vegetarian cuisine.

Round the world options for dining in Sri Lanka further include Thai, German, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine among many other options. But if you are looking to pick up some fast food, you’ll find a number of international fast food chains including Taco Bell, KFC, Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds and Domino’s, where you could satisfy your cravings by choosing from a familiar menu.

To further explore dining options in Sri Lanka, check out local websites like Yamu.lk and you may also find that many local and international instgrammers have shared their helpful reviews and ratings of restaurants in Sri Lanka.

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