10 Delicious Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Spots in Colombo
Ready for a flavour adventure? Discover 10 amazing places in Colombo to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry, from historic buildings to lively f
Did you know a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry isn't just one dish, but a whole collection of small, flavourful wonders served together? It’s a beautiful way to taste many different curries and textures in one meal. If you’re visiting Colombo and looking for that perfect plate of Sri Lankan rice and curry, you’re in for a treat! From cozy corners to buzzing food courts, Colombo offers so many spots where you can enjoy this local favourite. We've picked out some truly special places that locals love, where you can dive into the real tastes of Sri Lanka.
So there you have it, ten wonderful places in Colombo where you can find your perfect Sri Lankan rice and curry. Each spot offers something a little different, from historic settings to bustling food courts, but all promise a plate full of delicious, authentic flavours. Which one will you try first? Save this guide and get ready to enjoy some truly special meals on your next trip!
Ceylon Curry Club
Imagine enjoying delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry inside a historic Dutch building! That's the vibe at Ceylon Curry Club. It's a popular spot, often filled with happy diners, especially tourists keen to try authentic local dishes. You'll find classic choices like Devilled Chicken, Hot Garlic Butter Calamari, and Beef Curry. One visitor wrote, "Authentic Sri Lanka food at a historic Dutch building. We ordered the Devilled Chicken, Hot Garlic Butter Calamari, Beef Curry… all dishes are delicious. Great value of money!" It's a fantastic place to start your flavour journey in Colombo, offering great value too.
Upali's by Nawaloka
If you want to try a wide range of Sri Lankan cuisine in a really lovely setting, Upali's is a great choice. The atmosphere is beautiful, making it a perfect place for a relaxed meal. While the food is consistently good and authentic, some visitors have mentioned that the service can be a little slow, so be ready to call your waiter a few times. But don't let that stop you from trying the delicious dishes! As one person shared, "If you want to experience the full range of Sri Lankan cuisine in a beautiful setting, Upali’s is the place to go in Colombo." It's ideal for a full culinary experience.
Culture Colombo
Culture Colombo serves up delicious and affordable Sri Lankan food in a charming old terrace house. The setting adds a special touch to your dining experience. While all their dishes are good, one item really stands out: the mutton bamboo biryani. It’s a must-try! A visitor excitedly shared, "their mutton bamboo biryani truly stood out — absolutely outstanding. The other dishes were just okay in comparison." The staff are also very helpful if you need suggestions on what to order. It's a wonderful spot for a tasty lunch or dinner in a cozy atmosphere.
Big Plate
Big Plate is known for its warm, clean, and welcoming atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot for any meal. They have a huge menu with lots of options, but their mixed rice and submarines are particularly popular. If you're with a group, this place is fantastic, as the portions are generous and everyone finds something they love. One happy customer wrote, "The mixed rice was absolutely delicious, and the submarines were just perfect. Our group of nine friends enjoyed every bite." Plus, it stays open quite late, especially on weekends, perfect for a late-night craving.
Amma Nissa One Galle Face Mall
Located on Level 6 of the One Galle Face Mall, Amma Nissa offers incredibly authentic and flavorful Sri Lankan food in a comfortable, air-conditioned setting. It’s a great place to escape the heat and enjoy a true taste of the island. Their ghee rice is often praised for its authentic flavours and aroma, and the lamprais is also a standout dish. One visitor from the US mentioned, "The lamprais was one of the best I’ve had, right be". While the prices might be a little higher than some other places, the quality and taste make it worth it for a special meal.
Praneetha Foods
Praneetha Foods is a classic spot for locals, offering a big variety of Sri Lankan dishes. It's a self-service place where you can see all the delicious food displayed and pick what you like. Be warned, some dishes can be very spicy! While one review noted issues with a delivery order and portion size, many others praise its consistent taste over the years. A local shared, "Praneetha Game Bath Kade has been one of my favorite places for the past 5 years, and what truly stands out is their consistency." It's a great place to experience local eating and try many different curries.
Nuga Gama
For a unique dining experience, Nuga Gama offers an excellent buffet of Sri Lankan cuisine in a charming village-style atmosphere. It's a bit more expensive, but worth it for the vast and authentic spread, which often includes themed nights like Jaffna cuisine, complete with live music. It’s a wonderful place to enjoy local delicacies prepared beautifully. A visitor raved, "Hands down the best buffet in Colombo. The spread is vast and authentic. They had a Jaffna theme when we visited and it was really well arranged including live music." If you're looking for an immersive cultural and culinary evening, this is your spot.
Ceylon Curry Pot
Tucked away in the Liberty Plaza food court, Ceylon Curry Pot is a fantastic find for a customizable Sri Lankan rice and curry. When you visit, especially around 12:40 PM on a weekday, expect it to be busy – it's a popular lunch spot! What's great is you can pick your own combination of four vegetables and a choice of meat or fish, offering a huge selection. One happy diner commented, "Food was delicious and the options were amazing. Perfect for a veggie but also had meat options." The staff are incredibly friendly too, making your visit even better. It’s perfect for both vegetarians and meat-lovers!
New Banana Leaf Restaurant
New Banana Leaf Restaurant is a beloved spot for its amazing food and friendly staff. Many people return again and again for their biryani and chicken rice and curry. One of the best parts? You can choose to eat with your hands, which is a truly authentic Sri Lankan experience that not many places offer. A satisfied customer shared, "I've been back here 3 times. Ordered the biriyani twice and chicken rice and curry once. I enjoy being able to eat with my hands as it's not an experience I've been able to do at many other places whe". The portions are good, and the place is clean, making for a very enjoyable meal.
CurryBox
CurryBox is a clean and calm place where you can enjoy some truly amazing Sri Lankan flavours. While the prices are a bit above average, making it more of a treat than an everyday lunch spot, the taste makes it worth it. Their yellow chicken rice, made with authentic Sri Lankan curry powder and herbs, is particularly delicious. A visitor noted, "Had lunch around 3 .00 pm . It’s was a super delicious yellow chicken rice. Used Authentic Sri Lankan curry powder and herbs." They also offer a dining area and parking, which is always a plus. Just remember they are closed on Sundays.
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