What to eat Sri Lanka? culinary specialties and gastronomy

Traditional restaurants, like in France, are open for lunch and dinner, often with a weekly closing day (or two). Some restaurants are only open for lunch or dinner. In seaside resorts, beach restaurants are generally open without interruption from morning to evening.

Don't forget to look in the section "Lodging" of your guidebook, most of the hotels and guesthouses have their own restaurant, some of which are really worth a visit!

The menu prices are usually displayed without taxes. You will usually have to add 10% of the bill for the service and sometimes even 12% more for the government tax (usually included in the posted prices). The mention of taxes is often written at the bottom of the menu. Look carefully because the bill can be surprisingly high!

In some restaurants, it is a good idea to leave a small tip for the staff. It is not obligatory but it is greatly appreciated.

Sri Lankans like to eat spicy food, however, the dishes served to tourists are usually not very spicy. If you like spicy food, mention it to the waiter.

If there isno cutlery, do not use your left hand, which is associated with improper functions. Always eat with your right hand, even if you are left-handed!

Some Muslim-owned establishments do not serve pork or alcohol. There is no need to ask for it and offend your interlocutors!

Cafés are open during the day and close in the late afternoon in small towns and in the late evening in large cities. Bars generally open in the early afternoon and close between 11pm and 1am depending on the license they have. Beach bars are open from morning to night.

The prices for an espresso or cappuccino in hotels or in beach cafés are about the same as in France. That said, you are in the land of tea, enjoy it! Prices are much lower in street stalls or some small shops.

Alcohol is prohibited for sale and consumption until the age of 18. Access to bars and pubs is theoretically forbidden to young people under the legal drinking age. Sri Lankan women are not allowed to buy alcohol. The sale of alcohol is prohibited on full moon days (poya).

Children are always welcome, with the exception of pubs and discos in Colombo. Bars for locals where the vendor offers alcohol behind protective bars, is forbidden to children and Sri Lankan women (tourists are tolerated for purchases).

Smoking is not permitted in public places. Smoking areas are provided in major hotels and some restaurants. However, smoking is tolerated in most beach bars and restaurants in the resorts.