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The Best Vegetarian Restaurants In Colombo, Sri Lanka

The bronze Buddha statue in Seema Malaka Temple with the surface of Beira lake and modern skyscrapers on background, Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The bronze Buddha statue in Seema Malaka Temple with the surface of Beira lake and modern skyscrapers on background, Colombo, Sri Lanka. | © eFesenko / Alamy Stock Photo

Whether you are looking for authentic Sri Lankan or South Indian dishes, Colombo’s vegetarian scene is steadily expanding. The capital city is home to numerous vegetarian eateries that also cater for vegans or lactose-intolerant customers. Here’s our guide to the best vegetarian venues in Colombo.

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Dunhinda

Duhinda, one of the city’s best and most unpretentious vegetarian restaurants. Passing through its door, visitors find themselves in a lotus garden filled with rustic huts which offers a truly enchanting setting. Looking like a street food stall, visitors will be dazzled by the well-balanced flavors and variety of dishes on offer. From home made papadum to curry and fruits, Dunhinda offers wholesome and healthy options. Although it isn’t easy to find, Dunhinda is worth the trip.

Shanmugas

Shanmugas

Shanmugas is not only one of the best Indian restaurants in town but also one of the most sumptuous vegetarian spots. With its dazzling menu, it comes as no surprise that Shanmugas has acquired a loyal group of regular customers: the restaurant has perfected the balance between spiciness and creaminess and serves up some scrumptious curries.

Milk & Honey

Offering all things healthy, Milk & Honey has been a raving success in Colombo. It offers an impressive menu featuring sandwiches, wraps, smoothies, cakes and brownies. With its garden-like atmosphere, this cafe and restaurant is ideal for a light lunch or a reunion with friends and offers a welcome respite from the noise and bustle of the city center. This restaurant is known for using honey rather than extensive amounts of sugar, resulting in healthier desserts

Sri Suryas

Sri Suyas offers everything from dosas and vadais to other snacks, and serves dishes mainly inspired by South Indian cuisine which are considered some of the best in Colombo. With the service on point, reasonable prices and well-seasoned food, there’s hardly anything to dislike about Sri Suryas. With its unpretentious setting, it continues to welcome a steady stream of visitors, delighting them with some truly unique flavors.

Shri Vihar

Shri Vihar is situated in the heart of Colombo and provides traditional Indian cuisine at reasonable prices. Offering both Northern and Southern dishes, this place will satisfy many different tastes. Its extensive menu includes numerous dishes, sweets, snacks, desserts and juices. Shri Vihar’s skillful chefs carefully prepare spicy and creamy dishes.

Chutneys Cinnamon Grand

Chutneys | © Courtesy of Cinnamon Grand Hotel
Chutneys is a five-star Indian restaurant with a menu of more than 200 options. The restaurant also features a Dosai Bazaar offering freshly prepared dosais and fillings during dinner. The menu is divided between the four Southern states of Indian and between vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.

Sri Vani Vilas Hotel

Sri Vani Vilas Hotel is a wonderful place to enjoy some traditional Sri Lankan short eats such as dosas or rota, or indulge in a hearty curry with rice. The Sri Vani Vilas Hotel caters for lactose intolerant and vegan eaters.

About the author

Lena was born in rural Germany and showed a passion for philosophy and linguistics from an early age. Her journeys would lead her from being a trainee in a Greek diving centre to an English teacher in Thailand, to finally becoming a student of politics and languages at Royal Holloway. In recent years Lena has focused on developing her personal and academic skills through her very own Ted Talk and internships in journalism and TV presenting. Lena's multiple talents and curious personality have led her to seek out ever new challenges and travels, not setting herself any limits.

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