Ella is a haven for nature lovers and foodies alike. This charming town boasts a unique culinary scene, blending traditional Sri Lankan flavors with Sri Lanka’s incredible hospitality. Your trip to Ella will never be complete if you forget to try some great foods there. So, we brought you some great options! Get ready to tease your taste buds as we journey through must-try foods in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Foods to Explore Sri Lankan Vibe in Every Single Bite
- Rice and Curry – It wouldn’t be a Sri Lankan food experience without this iconic dish. Rice and curry in Ella often come with a unique twist, incorporating fresh, locally grown vegetables and fragrant spices. Don’t forget to have Sri Lankan-style dhal curry, cashew curry, spicy chicken curry, or Black pork curry in your rice and curry lunch.
- Hoppers – These bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice batter and coconut milk are very unique to Sri Lanka. In Ella, don’t forget to try both the classic egg hopper and string hoppers (thin rice noodles). Pair them with fiery sambols and curries like dhal, chicken, pork, or seafood for a flavor explosion.
- Kottu Roti – A culinary soundtrack of Sri Lanka, Kottu Roti is a delectable street food dish. Chopped roti (flatbread) is stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, meat, and spices, creating a rhythmic medley of textures and tastes. The preparation itself is a sight to behold! You can choose your Kottu from varieties like vegi, chicken, pork, beef, cheese kottu, and many more options. Actually, Kottu Roti is just the iconic street food item in Sri Lanka.
Local Delicacies You Must Try
- Lamprais – A Sri Lankan specialty of Dutch-Burgher origin, lamprais is a celebration of flavor. Rice, meat curries, unique eggplant curry, and other accompaniments are wrapped in a banana leaf and baked, delivering a parcel of aromatic deliciousness. Unwrapping a lamprais is an experience in itself!
- Curd and Jaggery – There is no unique Sri Lankan dessert like this great option. Thick, creamy buffalo curd is drizzled with sweet Jaggery, creating a simple yet unforgettable treat. It’s the perfect way to cool down after a day of exploring Ella’s sights.
- Sri Lanka short-eats – Another thing you should never miss is Sri Lankan short-eats (locally said shorties). There is a huge variety of shorties like vegetable roti, fish buns, chicken roti, fish rolls, Sri Lankan-style pancakes, and many more options. Don’t forget to have a cup of the best tea on this entire planet, a Ceylon tea cup, with your shorties break.
Flavors from Around the World in Ella
Ella’s diverse culinary scene doesn’t end with Sri Lankan cuisine. The town is brimming with restaurants offering international delights with a great Sri Lanka touch.
- Pizza – Take a break from curries and indulge in a wood-fired pizza at one of Ella’s cozy pizzerias. Fresh toppings and the smoky aroma of a wood-fired oven create a pizza experience that rivals the best.
- Pasta – If you’re craving a taste of Italy, Ella won’t disappoint. Several restaurants offer delectable pasta dishes prepared with fresh ingredients and a twist of Sri Lankan spices.
- Middle Eastern Fare – Explore the vibrant flavors of the Middle East with hummus, falafel, and shawarma wraps. This makes for a delicious and refreshing departure from traditional Sri Lankan cuisine.
Where to Savor Ella's Flavors
Ella has a vibrant restaurant scene to suit every taste and budget. Some restaurants offer only Sri Lankan cuisine, some offer international options, and some offer both. So, when you visit Ella, don’t forget to do a quick Google search for ‘Restaurants near Ella’ to find the best option with good ratings. There will be many great options to choose from. You can also contact us to get the best options to try. We are here to guide you to deliver the best experience in Ella, Sri Lanka.
Beyond the Food Experiences for Your Culinary Adventure
Don’t forget to witness the freshness of Ella’s ingredients at the local market. Interact with vendors and learn about the unique flavors of the region. And immerse yourself in Sri Lankan cuisine with a hands-on cooking class. Master the art of blending spices and create dishes to impress back home. It will be an extra special experience to taste Sri Lanka’s unique foods.
Ready to turn this delicious culinary adventure into reality? Contact us today for the best travel services to visit Ella, Sri Lanka. We’ll customize your trip, ensuring you savor every flavor and experience all that this charming highland town has to offer. Let’s go on an unforgettable journey to Ella!
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