Sri Lankan rice and curry
Rice and curry · Kandy, Sri Lanka
A plate of rice with several curries made from fish, meat, vegetables, lentils and fruit.
Know before you go
- Eat only with your right hand
- on Buddhist holidays (full-moon poya days), many places don't sell alcohol
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Sri Lankan cuisine centres on rice and coconut, with many varieties of red rice. 'Rice and curry' is its core: a plate of boiled or steamed rice with a fish or meat curry and several curries of vegetables, lentils or fruit. Pol sambol (grated coconut with chilli, Maldive fish and lime juice) appears at almost every meal.
Local customs
- Most locals mix rice and curry with their right hand
- lunch is the main meal of the day
Religion & beliefs
- Mostly Buddhist
- many people eat vegetarian on Sundays or religious holidays.
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Sri Lanka: don't pose with your back to a Buddha statue
- Respect Buddha statues and religious objects
- Standing with your back to a Buddha statue for a photo
- Making offensive remarks about religion
Disrespecting Buddha images is a serious offence and can lead to arrest; people with visible Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or deported.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Sri Lanka travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Eat only with your right hand
- on Buddhist holidays (full-moon poya days), many places don't sell alcohol
Locals appreciate DO
Sri Lankans appreciate visitors willing to try eating with their hands.
Plan your visit
Practical info
Travel tips
- Family restaurants in Kandy and along the way are most lavish at lunchtime, often covering the whole table at once. Prices and opening hours are set by each restaurant
- popular old places often have queues, so go outside peak mealtimes.
Sources & verification notes
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