Where to get the best food in Colombo?

The city of Colombo is a bustling capital of Sri Lanka, full of chic restaurants, street-side eateries, and hidden gems. From savory traditional dishes to fusion cuisine, Colombo has something to tantalize everyone’s taste buds.Whether you’re a hungry tourist looking for a cheap bite to eat or a local in search of the finest cuisine, here is a list of the best places to eat in Colombo.

The Maharaja

When it comes to fine dining and terrific service, you can’t go wrong with The Maharaja. This award-winning eatery is renowned for its authentic Indian food and attentive staff. Whether you’re a fan of vegetarian curries, tandoori meats, or breads, The Maharaja will not disappoint. The Maharaja is located at 308 Galle Road, Colombo 03 and their contact number is +94 278 5820.

Ministry of Crab

Explore the unique flavors of Sri Lankan seafood at Ministry of Crab. This hip seafood spot is famous for its Sri Lankan-style crabs, made with a mix of fresh spices, coconut milk, and curry leaves. Additionally, Ministry of Crab serves up an array of other scrumptious seafood dishes such as black pepper shrimps and fried cuttlefish. The restaurant also offers a wine list and creative cocktails. Located in the old Dutch Hospital in Colombo Fort, Ministry of Crab is ideal for a special night out. Ministry of Crab is located at 2, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 03 and they can be reached by phone at +94 11 451 3693.

The Spicy Pizza Company

Craving pizza? Don’t worry—Colombo has got you covered! The Spicy Pizza Company is one of the best places to satisfy your pizza craving. Enjoy this classic Italian dish with a local twist as the menu offers a variety of pizza flavors like tuna clam and mango chilli pineapple. The Spicy Pizza Company also serves burgers and snacks, salads, desserts, and drinks. Stop by this buzzing spot for lunch or dinner. The Spicy Pizza Company is located at No386, Galle Road, Colombo 06 and their contact number is +94 776 477 112.

Boongala Kade

If you’re looking for authentic Sri Lankan dishes, Boongala Kade is the place to go. This cozy restaurant serves traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, devilled dishes, rotis and kottu. Be sure to try the egg ela buns—a popular dish made with onions, chilli, garlic, coriander and spring onions wrapped in an egg pancake. Boongala Kade also offers a variety of vegetarian dishes such as curries, dahls and salads. This affordable eatery is considered one of Colombo’s best managed small restaurants. Boongala Kade is located at 254G Ananda Kumaraswamy Mawatha Cross Road, Kalubowila, Dehiwala and their phone number is +94 777 805 783.

Honky Tonk

For desert lovers, Honky Tonk just might be heaven on Earth. This dessert parlor offers up an array of delicious ice cream flavors such as rosewater panna cotta and pistachio biscuit crumble. Additionally, Honky Tonk offers various mousses, malted creme brûlées, s’mores sandwiches, tarts and cakes. Honky Tonk is conveniently located at 25 Alfred Place in Colombo 03. This swanky place is open daily until 11 p.m., so it’s perfect for late-night desserts cravings. The phone number for Honky Tonk is +94 763 653 488.

The Gallery Café

Looking for an aesthetic café experience? The Gallery Café is an excellent choice. This vibrant spot serves traditional Sri Lankan favorites such as kottu roti and hoppers alongside espresso-based drinks and scrumptious desserts like banana vegan cake and chia seed pudding. The café also offers healthy smoothie options like beet root boost and kiwi zing as well as salads. To top it off, The Gallery Café doubles as an art gallery featuring works from local artists like Jeewan Tharuka Madawa Lanka Mandawala and Reemath Imthiyaz Ahamed Rushdi. The Gallery Café is located at 10 Station Avenue, Colombo 05 and they can be reached by phone at +94 719 913 220. No matter your budget or preference, the thriving city of Colombo has something for everyone when it comes to food offerings. Whether you’re looking for some classic Italian pizza or traditional Sri Lankan specialties, it’s all available in this vibrant city.

An Insider’s Guide to Colombo: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Are you craving to explore the most authentic and offbeat experiences in Colombo? Skip the typical tourist spots and let’s take you on a journey to explore the hidden gems and local favorites of Colombo. From sumptuous local delicacies to fascinating cultural insights, here’s everything you need to make your visit to Colombo a memorable one.

Local Attractions: Beyond the Conventional

While Colombo boasts many popular tourist attractions, there are many more hidden spots that locals love and tourists seldom discover. The Pettah floating market is the perfect example of such a place that is a must-visit. This floating market on Beira lake is a comparatively new addition to Colombo’s attractions, but has quickly become a local favorite. You can find many types of fresh local fruits, vegetables, and seafood while gliding on a rowing boat around the market.

Another spot that is worth visiting is the Viharamahadevi Park. The park is the largest in Colombo and is spread over 116 acres. It is the perfect spot to catch a break from the city’s hustle and bustle. It is also a great place to people-watch, interact with locals, or simply sit under the shade of a tree and enjoy the natural beauty of Colombo.

Dining Spots: Savory Delights and Local Flavors

Colombo’s food scene is fascinating and diverse. When in Colombo, you must try the local delicacy, Hoppers. These bowl-shaped pancakes made with fermented rice flour and coconut milk are served with various curries and chutneys. The perfect spot to enjoy hoppers is at Seedevi Family Restaurant. They serve everything from traditional Sri Lankan breakfast to mouth-watering seafood curries.

If you’re looking for something unique, head to The Ministry of Crab, where they serve the best crab dishes in town. Their signature menu items include garlic chili crab, pepper crab, and crab curry, and all are equally delicious. It is one of the upscale restaurants in Colombo but is definitely worth the splurge.

Cultural Experiences: Fascinating Insights

The rich cultural heritage of Colombo is just as impressive as its food scene. A must-visit spot for any history buff is the Colombo National Museum. You can learn about the city’s history, art, and culture in the museum’s two-story galleries. A lesser-known fact is that the museum’s building is itself a remarkable piece of history. It was built in 1876 and is the oldest museum in Sri Lanka.

The Gangaramaya Temple is another must-visit during your trip to Colombo. The temple is one of the most iconic religious sites in the city and is located next to the picturesque Beira Lake. The temple complex includes a museum, a library, and an assembly hall. You can witness many cultural and religious events and festivals throughout the year.

Local History: For the Curious Souls

Colombo has many historic tales that are not often shared. A perfect example is the story of the Dutch Hospital. Today, the Dutch Hospital is a famous shopping and dining complex, located in the heart of Colombo. But did you know that it was once a hospital where Dutch colonizers were treated? The architectural style of the building reflects the colonial era, and it is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Something for the Bold

Are you looking for something unique? Then The Luv SL Souvenir Workshop is the perfect spot. The workshop is owned and managed by locals who assiduously craft items promoting beautiful Sri Lankan culture and art. You can find items from handcrafted batiks, jewelry, homewares, to t-shirts, all genuine Sri Lankan arts and crafts souvenirs.

Another unique experience is taking the train from Colombo to Galle. It is a three-hour train journey between the two cities that runs parallel to the southern coast. The views are spectacular, and the train ride is an excellent way to experience the local culture and people.

In conclusion, Colombo has much more to offer than its popular tourist attractions. It is a city full of surprises and hidden jewels. We hope our insiders’ guide has provided you with some unique experiences that will make your visit to Colombo unforgettable.