Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a city steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, Kandy offers a wide range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to international flavors, Kandy has something for everyone. In this article, we will explore the best places to eat in Kandy, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls that you shouldn’t miss.
Kandy’s culinary scene is a reflection of its rich cultural heritage, with a blend of Indian, Chinese, and European influences. The city’s cuisine is characterized by the use of fresh ingredients, spices, and herbs, which are carefully selected to create a symphony of flavors. From the spicy kick of Sri Lankan curries to the sweetness of tropical fruits, Kandy’s food is a true reflection of the city’s vibrant culture.
As a tourist, you’ll find that Kandy’s dining scene is incredibly diverse, with options ranging from fine dining restaurants to casual street food stalls. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a quick snack, Kandy has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the city, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls that you shouldn’t miss.
Traditional Sri Lankan Cuisine
Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine is a must-try when visiting Kandy. The city is home to many restaurants that serve authentic Sri Lankan dishes, including rice and curry, hoppers, and string hoppers. These dishes are made with fresh ingredients and spices, which are carefully selected to create a symphony of flavors.
Rice and Curry
Rice and curry is a staple dish in Sri Lankan cuisine, and it’s a must-try when visiting Kandy. This dish consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries, including meat, fish, and vegetable curries. The curries are made with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, which give them a unique flavor.
Some of the top restaurants in Kandy that serve rice and curry include:
- Millennium Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Kandy and serves a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, including rice and curry.
- Madura Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its delicious rice and curry, which is made with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Heritance Kandalama Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a luxurious hotel and serves a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, including rice and curry.
Hoppers and String Hoppers
Hoppers and string hoppers are two popular Sri Lankan dishes that are made with rice flour and water. Hoppers are thin, crispy pancakes that are served with a variety of fillings, including egg, meat, and vegetables. String hoppers are thin, steamed noodles that are served with a variety of curries. (See Also: Where to Eat in Warsaw? Culinary Delights Await)
Some of the top restaurants in Kandy that serve hoppers and string hoppers include:
- Madura Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its delicious hoppers and string hoppers, which are made with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Heritance Kandalama Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a luxurious hotel and serves a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, including hoppers and string hoppers.
- Elephant Stables Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a historic building and serves a variety of Sri Lankan dishes, including hoppers and string hoppers.
International Cuisine
Kandy is also home to many international restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines, including Chinese, Indian, and European. These restaurants offer a unique dining experience, with a focus on fresh ingredients and creative flavors.
Chinese Cuisine
Chinese cuisine is a popular option in Kandy, with many restaurants serving a variety of dishes, including noodles, stir-fries, and dumplings. Some of the top Chinese restaurants in Kandy include:
- Golden Dragon Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Kandy and serves a variety of Chinese dishes, including noodles and stir-fries.
- Chinese Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its delicious Chinese cuisine, which is made with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Wok & Roll Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a historic building and serves a variety of Chinese dishes, including noodles and stir-fries.
Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is another popular option in Kandy, with many restaurants serving a variety of dishes, including curries, tandoori chicken, and naan bread. Some of the top Indian restaurants in Kandy include:
- Tandoori Nights Restaurant: This restaurant is located in the heart of Kandy and serves a variety of Indian dishes, including curries and tandoori chicken.
- Indian Spice Restaurant: This restaurant is known for its delicious Indian cuisine, which is made with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Mumbai Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a historic building and serves a variety of Indian dishes, including curries and tandoori chicken.
Cafes and Bakeries
Kandy is also home to many cafes and bakeries that serve a variety of sweet and savory treats. These cafes and bakeries are perfect for a quick snack or a relaxing meal.
Cafes
Cafes are a popular option in Kandy, with many serving a variety of coffee, tea, and other beverages. Some of the top cafes in Kandy include:
- The Coffee Club: This cafe is located in the heart of Kandy and serves a variety of coffee and other beverages.
- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf: This cafe is known for its delicious coffee and tea, which is made with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Art Cafe: This cafe is located in a historic building and serves a variety of coffee and other beverages.
Bakeries
Bakeries are another popular option in Kandy, with many serving a variety of sweet and savory treats. Some of the top bakeries in Kandy include: (See Also: Where to Eat in Old Town Scottsdale? Foodie Guide)
- La Brioche Bakery: This bakery is located in the heart of Kandy and serves a variety of sweet and savory treats.
- The Breadwinner Bakery: This bakery is known for its delicious bread and pastries, which are made with fresh ingredients and spices.
- Madura Bakery: This bakery is located in a historic building and serves a variety of sweet and savory treats.
Street Food
Street food is a popular option in Kandy, with many stalls serving a variety of dishes, including hoppers, string hoppers, and curries. Street food is a great way to experience the local cuisine and culture.
Street Food Stalls
Some of the top street food stalls in Kandy include:
- Madura Street Food: This stall is located in the heart of Kandy and serves a variety of street food dishes, including hoppers and string hoppers.
- Heritance Kandalama Street Food: This stall is located in a luxurious hotel and serves a variety of street food dishes, including hoppers and string hoppers.
- Elephant Stables Street Food: This stall is located in a historic building and serves a variety of street food dishes, including hoppers and string hoppers.
Recap
Kandy is a city with a rich culinary scene, offering a wide range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From traditional Sri Lankan cuisine to international flavors, Kandy has something for everyone. In this article, we’ve highlighted the top restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls that you shouldn’t miss.
We hope that this article has been helpful in planning your culinary adventure in Kandy. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a quick snack, Kandy has something for everyone. Bon appétit!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the top restaurants in Kandy?
A: Some of the top restaurants in Kandy include Millennium Restaurant, Madura Restaurant, and Heritance Kandalama Restaurant. These restaurants serve a variety of Sri Lankan and international dishes, including rice and curry, hoppers, and string hoppers.
Q: What are the best cafes in Kandy?
A: Some of the best cafes in Kandy include The Coffee Club, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, and Art Cafe. These cafes serve a variety of coffee, tea, and other beverages, as well as sweet and savory treats. (See Also: Where to Eat in Iasi? Top Local Favorites)
Q: What are the top street food stalls in Kandy?
A: Some of the top street food stalls in Kandy include Madura Street Food, Heritance Kandalama Street Food, and Elephant Stables Street Food. These stalls serve a variety of street food dishes, including hoppers, string hoppers, and curries.
Q: What are the best bakeries in Kandy?
A: Some of the best bakeries in Kandy include La Brioche Bakery, The Breadwinner Bakery, and Madura Bakery. These bakeries serve a variety of sweet and savory treats, including bread, pastries, and cakes.
Q: Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Kandy?
A: Yes, you can find vegetarian and vegan options in Kandy. Many restaurants and cafes in Kandy offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, including rice and curry, hoppers, and string hoppers. It’s always a good idea to ask your server for options when dining out.