̈ Fits Margosa (p268), Jaffna. This 19th-
century manor house makes a sublime setting
for a memorable meal.
̈ Olde Empire Cafe (p 154 ), Kandy. A
revamped menu and renovated premises make
this place a winner.
̈ Royal Dutch Cafe (p 113 ), Galle. Sip fine
teas and coffees or enjoy a meal in this elegant
colonnaded structure.
Cafe Cool
̈ Hansa Coffee (p^78 ), Colombo. Arguably
Colombo’s best coffee, sourced from a
renowned island estate.
̈ Pedlar’s Inn Cafe (p 113 ), Galle. Order a
cappuccino and enjoy the historic surrounds.
̈ Dutch Bank Cafe (p250), Trincomalee.
Great snacks and meals in a converted colonial
building that faces the harbour.
̈ Dambulla Heritage Resthouse Cafe
(p200), Dambulla. Tour the caves, then
recharge with a coffee here.
̈ Queens Art Cafe (p 119 ), Unawatuna. An
inviting shady spot for a bite and a drink, just off
the beach.
̈ Barefoot Garden Cafe (p 76 ), Colombo.
Stylish courtyard cafe in the Barefoot gallery.
Time for Tea
̈ High Tea at the Grand (p 171 ), Nurwara
Eliya. For cucumber sandwiches, dainty cakes
and a vast selection of different teas.
̈ Ceylon Tea Moments (p 76 ), Colombo.
Upmarket tea emporium with plush furnishings
and speciality teas.
̈ T-Lounge (p 75 ), Colombo. An
atmospheric setting for a cuppa in a landmark
building.
̈ Chaplon Tea Centre (%034 493 7293; Galle
Rd), Bentota. Take tea and biscuits on the terrace,
then browse the high-grade leaf teas for sale.
̈ Mlesna Tea Centre (p^179 ), Bandarawela.
Acclaimed tea shop in the heart of tea country.
Cheap Treats
̈ Kotthu A stir-fried combo of chopped rotti
bread, vegies and spices. Try it at the Hotel De
Pilawoos (p77) in Colombo.
̈ Paratha A filling flatbread that’s pan-fried on
a hot plate. Those at Mangos (p 269 ) in Jaffna
are excellent.
̈ Vadai Generic term for disc or doughnut-
shaped deepfried snack, usually made from
lentils.
̈ Coconut Rotti Sold by street vendors, locals
eat this toasted minibread with a chilli salt
topping.
̈ Samosa The ubiquitous snack, usually
stuffed with spicy cooked vegies.Cooking Classes
Sri Lanka does not have an abundance
of places offering cooking classes, but as
interest grows the possibilities are expand-
ing.
̈ Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort (p^96 ),
south of Colombo.
̈ Mamas Galle Fort (p 112 ), Galle.
̈ Serendipity Arts Cafe (p 113 ), Galle.
̈ Sonjas Health Food Restaurant (p 117 ),
Unawatuna.
̈ Rice Villa (p212), Giritale.
̈ Rawana Holiday Resort (p 181 ), Ella.Sri Lankan Specialities
Rice is the staple of Sri Lankan cuisine and
the national dish (rice and curry), and rice
flour is also a basis for some unique foods.
Many Sri Lankans are vegetarian, so meat-
free eating is easy and vegetables are plen-
tiful. Coconut is also added to most dishes.
‘Devilled dishes’ are any type of meat or
fish cooked in a spicy, sweet-and-sour style
sauce with onion and peppers.Rice
Hoppers Bowl-shaped pancakes (also called appa
or appam) made from rice flour, coconut milk
and palm toddy. If eggs are added it becomes
an egg hopper. Sambol (a condiment made from
ingredients pounded with chilli) is often added for
flavouring.
Dosas (thosai) Paper-thin pancakes made from
rice batter and usually served stuffed with spiced
vegetables.
Kola kanda A nutritious porridge of rice, coconut,
green vegetables and herbs.Rice and curry The national dish is a selection of
spiced dishes made from vegetables, meat or fish.PLAN YOUR TRIP
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