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Vegetarian and Vegan Food in Sri Lanka: The Complete Guide

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Love vegetarian or vegan food? Don’t worry, Sri Lanka is a paradise for plant-based food lovers!

Although local food is quite spicy, you’ll find plenty of traditional vegetarian and vegan dishes. Even those looking for kosher food will find a few options, especially near Chabad houses.

Sri Lankan cuisine, heavily influenced by Indian food, is rich in legumes, vegetables, and coconut, making it very vegetarian and vegan-friendly. Here are a few traditional dishes worth trying:

  • Roti: A simple dough made from flour, water, and oil, usually vegan. Sometimes they add butter, so it’s worth checking. Popular fillings include banana or honey (for those who eat it).
  • Hoppers: A thin rice flour crepe cooked in a deep pan, forming a small bowl shape.
  • String Hoppers: Steamed rice noodles. A simple dish, often eaten with curry or chutney to add flavor.
  • Sambol: Fried coconut mix, sometimes with sugar.
  • Plant-based milk: Hard to find, but you can get coconut milk in some places—healthy and tasty.

Mirissa: Vegetarian and Vegan Food on the Southern Coast

Shady Lane & Aloha Cafe (Vegetarian)


The best thing to do in Mirissa is to enjoy a refreshing smoothie bowl after a hot day at the beach! These two places offer excellent smoothie bowls and delicious avocado toast. Both are must-tries!

Squeeze Me (Vegetarian)

A small smoothie bowl truck serving Instagram-worthy bowls inside fresh fruit “bowls.” Just remember to ask for no dairy!

Pachamama (Vegetarian)

A small and cute restaurant that was almost empty when I visited, but the food was amazing. The vegan pancakes with Sri Lankan “maple” syrup were perfect, and they also have chia pudding and nice wraps.

Zephyr (Vegan options)

A great spot for dining with both vegan and non-vegan friends. Vegan options include avocado toast for breakfast, baked potatoes, and stuffed peppers for lunch or dinner.

Unawatuna: Your Vegetarian Destination

The Hideout (Vegan options)


If you’re craving great Mexican food, this hidden restaurant on the second floor is worth the search. They serve delicious tacos and a vegan burrito made from jackfruit—just like pulled chicken, but plant-based!

Ni Hau Dumplins

A small spot offering two dishes—dumplings or bao buns—with vegan options for both. The tofu bao was amazing! I even went back the next day for more dumplings.

The Yard (Vegan options)

The best avocado toast I had in all of Sri Lanka. The smoothie bowls were less impressive, but the toast was perfect!

Love Gelato

For dessert, we stopped at a nearby gelato shop with vegan options like fruit and chocolate. It was simply divine!

Weligama: Delicious Vegan Restaurants

Nomads Cafe

An incredible restaurant! Their poke bowl is amazing, and I also had pancakes with caramelized bananas that were insanely sweet but delicious. I’d definitely try more things from their menu if I could!

Ella: Western and Vegan Options

Chill Bar

A Western-style restaurant with a diverse menu—American, Italian, Sri Lankan, Indian, and Thai food. The vegan burger was excellent, and I’d happily eat there for every meal.

Rainbow

A great place with a vegetarian and vegan menu. The vegan burrito and fresh fruit juice were wonderful.

Spice Bar

A nice spot, though it was a bit empty in the evening. Vegan options were limited, so I had pasta with tomato sauce. The prices are better at Chill Bar.

Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lankan Vegetarian Food

The Great Indian Hotel

An Indian restaurant with non-spicy food and reasonable prices. The menu is diverse, so everyone can find something to enjoy.

Simalya Italian Restaurant

A small Italian restaurant with slow service, but the pasta was exactly what I needed after days of spicy food.

The Thai Hotel

A Thai restaurant inside a hotel. We didn’t get a chance to try it, but it looks good.

Galle: Vegan Options in the Fortress Town

The Calorie Counter

A healthy restaurant with a wide menu and vegan options. You’ll find fish, wraps, salads, and desserts. There’s something for everyone.

Isle of Gelato

An Instagram-worthy spot with strong air conditioning and amazing vegan gelato! The chocolate flavor was perfect.

Dumplins Cafe

A small place with dumplings and bao buns.

Kandy

Balaji Dosai Vegetarian Restaurant

The most popular restaurant in the city, fully vegetarian, and packed with locals and tourists. The prices are ridiculously low, making it the perfect place to try as many Sri Lankan dishes as possible.

Final tips:

  • .
  • Many restaurants offer coconut milk as a substitute for regular milk.
  • If you plan on cooking, look for accommodations with a well-equipped kitchen.

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Hey there!

I’m Reut Sugar, a travel addict who doesn’t want to quit!

From my solo female travels to my life as a digital nomad, I’m on a mission to uncover the coolest spots in Brazil, Sri Lanka, Peru, Israel, and beyond.

Whether you’re after off-the-beaten-path adventures, mindful travel tips, or delicious vegan eats, I’ve got you covered.

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