The energetic heart of Sri Lanka has no shortage of spicy food options, that will tickle your taste buds. From hearty curries and rice, to international cuisine with an Asian twist.
But whether you’re a local looking for an affordable restaurant in Colombo, or a tourist looking for the best authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, then your search is over.
You no longer need to spend hours struggling to sift through the reviews, dealing with tourist prices, or being disappointed with somewhere that just doesn’t hit the mark.
Over the countless visits to Sri Lanka, with Colombo as our base, we have had our fair share of hopping from one restaurant to another finding the best spots to eat.
We’ve discovered fresh bread being sold from a musical tuk tuk, to local spots such as Nelum Kole and we are about to share with you our gems on the best restaurants in Colombo. We are about to share real advice that comes straight from our own taste buds.
If you are ready to eat like a local, then you’re in the right place.
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Affordable restaurants in Colombo
Be ready for a culinary adventure around Sri Lanka’s capital, with these affordable restaurants in Colombo:
Budget friendly spots with local flavours
If you’re looking to experience authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, then these restaurants in Colombo serve up the best, wallet friendly meals the city has to offer.
We have our favourite spot, that offers spice on a high level and some hidden gems.
This is the authentic heart of Sri Lanka:
Galle Face Green
Spending time at Galle Face Green is thought to be one of the unmissable things to do in Colombo. The city’s waterfront is a nice place to go for a late afternoon walk, and the beach below is a pleasant place to cool off after a day of work, and still very much a favorite of locals, so if you have a thing for photography and city life, it’s an excellent spot.
Yet, the best reason to visit Galle Face Green is that you will be able to taste all sorts of local street food, freshly prepared daily, local and with perfect views of the ocean.
You will have plenty of options for food, from basic ice-cream and popcorn or freshly fried potato or cassava chips (which are similar to potato chips but even crunchier) to other more elaborate foods.
Snacks you should look out for include samosas; ulundhu vadai, which looks like a thin bread fritters but it’s actually made of dhal and spices; and the absolute best, dhal waddae, AKA lentil curry fritters topped with shrimps.
The latter dish is actually typical of the area, so you should definitely try it while there or you may miss your chances!
Contributed by Claudi Tavani, at My Adventures Across The World
Nelum Kole: Authentic Sri Lankan Rice and Curry Experience
This is our absolute favourite spot in Colombo for authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry.
Every time we’re in Colombo, it is a must!
Located in Maharagama, a suburb of Colombo, about 30 minutes from the centre. Nelum Kole might be off the typical tourist path, but trust us, it’s worth every second of the journey. It’s just a quick hop on a bus or tuk-tuk and you’re there.
When it first opened, it was a small hut with just a few tables, but we have watched it grow over the years into a beloved spot, where locals flock for unbeatable rice and curry.
Even with its growth, it still feels like its Colombo’s best kept secret.
And while it does get busy at lunch time, there’s always a table and the food are always worth the journey and wait.
Although booking isn’t necessary, it is advisable to arrive early to avoid any long queues.
What we love about this spot in Colombo, is that its off grid from tourists and is one of the true tastes of local Sri Lankan cuisine, without the tourist prices.
It is just you, locals and a large selection of delicious curries. From meat and fish, to dried fish and veggie curries, they’ve got something for everyone. And if you are anything like us, who can’t handle our heat, the accommodating staff, will help you to find milder curries.
A lunch or dinner shouldn’t cost anything more than Rs1500 which is less than $6.00.
If you bypass this place without stopping, you will be disappointed.
Ranbath
Located in Colombo 5, Ranbath is an ideal spot for families. Offering both eat-in or takeaway options for a delicious Sri Lankan meal for less than $5.00.
Choose from a wide selection of curries that are satisfying, which include meat, fish and vegetable options. Just head to the counter to order the food, before getting ready to dig in.
If you’re pressed for time, or heading out of Colombo and need lunch, then order something to go. Their takeaway option is ideal, although it’s called a lunch packet or rice packet to the locals.
These lunch packets are tightly packed up and ready to enjoy whenever you’re ready.
We did on a trip to Yala National Park some years ago. The homestay made us a lunch packet and it was still warm and delicious hours later when we finally opened.
At such affordable places like Ranbath, you’re getting some of the best authentic Sri Lankan food without breaking the bank.
When it comes to budget restaurants in Colombo, then Ranbath is a gem that you don’t want to miss.
Affordable chain restaurants – familiar comforts from home
While we don’t like to advertise some of the familiar fast-food chains such as McDonalds and KFC, however, not only are these recommendations affordable, but they each have a Sri Lankan spin on some of the dishes on their menus, which we would recommend.
Although, if you do feel homesick and fancy familiar home comforts then you can also order these.
Pizza Hut
At first sight you might find it strange to see the name of an international food chain as a recommended place to eat in Colombo. But Sri Lanka adds its own spin to the dishes that you can’t find worldwide. It adapted them to the local taste and culture.
Where else in the world could you find pizzas like Chicken Sausage Meat with Nai Miris, Devilled chicken or beef, Tandoori chicken, Butter Masala Chicken or Spicy Seafood?
Vegetarians will not starve either, as they can choose between a Veggie Pizza, Margherita and Spicy Veggie Pizza.
Pizza Hut has even thought about the days when one doesn’t feel like eating pizza and offers chicken wings with different flavors, from international ones like barbeque to more local ones like peri peri and sriracha. Of course, it wouldn’t be Sri Lanka if you couldn’t accompany them with rice.
Pricing is where Pizza Hut stands out, with a small pizza starting at around Rs500 ($1.70), which is less than 2 dollars. A large pizza, that can be shared by 4 persons, will only set you back Rs1500 ($5.12).
The quality and standards are appropriate to what you might expect from any Pizza Hut restaurant.
Orders are usually ready within 15-20 minutes, staff is friendly and service is good. Locals go there on weekends and evenings with their family and friends to have a pleasant time and chat.
Let’s be honest! No matter how much one likes to try local dishes while travelling, sometimes homesickness makes its way in, as well as the desire to eat something familiar.
Next time you are looking for a budget place to eat, take it into consideration. After all, it’s were the locals go and they know the best places.
Contributed By Raluca Silvia from Travel With A Spin
McDonalds
For anyone seeking low budget restaurants in Colombo, that offers comfort food, then you really can’t go wrong with McDonalds.
With a number of McDonalds chains located around Colombo, this is a reliable go to spot, but with a twist to their menu.
While you can still order your fan favourites of a McSpicy burger or Big Mac, you can also order something different, that we don’t find back home.
How many McDonalds in your home country have you ordered curry and rice or biriyani? We don’t have rice and curry on our menu in the UK.
If you have eaten rice and curry in your home country from McDonalds, then let us know, as we would love to hear about your experience.
Well, we tried it once, it definitely had spice which is something we are not familiar with. Although not sure we would order it again. But it was interesting to see it on the menu and something we had to try once.
A few of the dishes, have been adapted to the local culture, but fear not, you can still order a humble burger and fries.
AND if you don’t fancy leaving your hotel room for the privilege of McDonalds, then order via Mcdelivery
For affordability, choose the rice and curry, which will cost less than $5.00. For a burger and fries are under $10.00.
KFC
Don’t be put off by western fast food while travelling. We want to provide a mix of local and western cuisines that are affordable but with a unique twist.
At KFC in Colombo, many of the dishes have been adapted to suit the local taste, incorporating the spices and flavours that Sri Lankan’s love, along with plenty of vegetarian options too.
But don’t worry, you can still order the classic fast food you might crave, such as burgers and fries, or chicken strips, etc.
Prices are very reasonable, with a rice and curry or biriyani for less than $5.00.
While fast food restaurants are not the first thing that comes to mind when you think of dining options in Colombo, but we do recommend you consider trying the Sri Lankan style KFC while in the capital.
Upscale experiences in Colombo
If you have a little bit of extra money and you want a high-end dining experience, then these are our recommendations.
Ministry of Crab – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Ranked amongst the 50 best restaurants in Asia, The Ministry of Crab in Colombo is a haven for crustacean lovers.
The seafood restaurant’s star is the legendary lagoon crab that ranges in size from 500g crab to 2kg and is prepared in the following ways, pepper crab, chilli crab, curry crab, garlic crab, garlic pepper crab, butter crab and baked crab.
You will be delighted by the tender meat, delicious flavour and incredible experience. The servers provide you with the tools and guidance to savour your crab, especially if it’s your first time eating one. Just ask them to help!
In case, you’re not in the mood for crab, you can also order king prawns, oysters, clams, seer or chicken.
Vegetarian options can only be found in the form of sides, bread and beverages.
The restaurant is set up by chef restaurateur Dharshan Munidasa and cricket legends Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara in a 400-year-old Dutch Hospital, now a commercial complex.
At the restaurant, the beautiful crab-claw plant serves as the only décor. This simplicity gives rise to a sophisticated yet romantic and relaxed ambience.
Since the restaurant has a no freezer policy, the crab is absolutely fresh. However, because of that, you may not find the crab size of your choice as the evening progresses. So if you’re particular, reserve a table for earlier in the evening.
Also, ensure you reserve a table here as early as possible because the restaurant is renowned enough to always be at full occupancy.
You must note that the restaurant is an expensive one with crabs ranging from Rs6100 ($20.82) for 500g to Rs39,400 ($103.76) for 2kg. To put things in perspective, we shared an Rs14,600 ($49.84) priced Kilo Crab (1kg crab) between two people but could have easily eaten one Kilo Crab per person.
That said, eating at the Ministry of Crab is surely a bucket list affair. Though the brand is now also present in Shanghai, Manila, Mumbai, Maldives, and Bangkok, the food is definitely most authentic at its flagship restaurant in Colombo.
It is a once in a lifetime culinary experience that should definitely be included in your Sri Lanka Itinerary.
Contributed by Trisha Agrawal from Try Wandering More
Colombo food tours
Exploring Colombo’s food scene is a journey into the heart of Sri Lankan culture, which can be achieved by visiting these recommended places to eat in Colombo.
But you could learn more about how each dish is made, what spices to use in the dish and learn about the story behind Sri Lankan cuisine, by joining an authentic cooking class or a food tour.
This is an ultimate way to immerse yourself into Sri Lankan life, starting in Colombo.
We love taking food tours and especially cooking classes, as we can learn so much more about the different food and cuisines from around the world.
Here are our top picks for food tours in Colombo to make sure you don’t miss out on the best of Sri Lankan cuisine:
Conclusion
The food scene in Sri Lanka is bursting with flavour and the best part, it is very affordable, whether you choose a small street food vender or a more expensive restaurant.
As we have explored, there are various ways to experience the true authenticity of a Sri Lankan curry, from guided food tours and cooking classes, to affordable restaurants and cheap eats in Colombo.
Every experience, be that from sitting in at a restaurant or taking a lunch packet away with you, you’ll be drawn closer to the culture and the people who make Colombo so unique.
Go ahead and experience Colombo’s food scene with confidence.
If you’ve already eaten your way around Colombo and have a favourite spot of your own, we’d love to hear about it! Share you experiences and tips in the comments below.
Continue your Sri Lankan travel planning, with these useful posts:
- Best places to stay in Colombo
- Best places to visit in Sri Lanka
- Travel guide to Sri Lanka
- Things to do in Colombo
- Things to do in Galle
- Best beach destinations in Sri Lanka
- What to pack in your DIY travel first aid kit
- What to pack in your beach bag
- What to pack in your hand luggage
