Tucked away in the hill-country of Sri Lanka, Ella offers a delicious mix of rustic Sri Lankan cuisine and more international fare, making it a fun place for food lovers. Because it’s a tourist-draw but still small and local, you’ll find both humble village-style eateries and cafés with views and Western dishes. The cool climate, tea-growing region and local produce mean many dishes feel fresh and vibrant.
Local Food & Must-Try Dishes
Start your morning with something like Kiribath – rice cooked in coconut milk, often served with a spicy onion-chilied sambol (Lunu Miris).
Another favourite is the iconic Kottu Roti – chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables, eggs or meat, big on flavour and sound (you’ll hear the knives!).
And you must try the classic Sri Lankan plate of Rice and Curry – a big portion of rice accompanied by multiple side-curries, sambols and perhaps meat or fish.
For something a little unique, go for Lamprais: influenced by Dutch-Burgher / colonial cuisine, rice and various curries wrapped in banana leaf and baked — aromatic and special.
Dessert or snack-time? Try buffalo curd with jaggery (sweet palm sugar) or little sweet balls like Thala Guli (sesame-jaggery rolls) for a taste of local sweets.
Where to Eat & What to Pay
In the centre of Ella town you’ll find plenty of cafés and restaurants along the main roads (Wellawaya Road, Railway Station Road). For local authentic meals at very reasonable cost, small eateries like Matey Hut (near the tunnel) are great: one reviewer says “we chose rice & 4 veg curries … prices were very reasonable”.
For more western or mixed menus, cafés like Cafe Chill offer burgers, salads and global fare — e.g., veggie burger ~ 850 LKR, salad ~ 1100 LKR, iced tea ~ 300 LKR.
In local eateries you might find a full rice & curry lunch for ~ 650 LKR or so. Street-snack style options (short-eats) are even cheaper—one traveller mentions chicken roti for 150 LKR from a roadside guy.
In cafés with scenic views and more comfort the prices rise—still very affordable compared to big cities, but you’ll pay more for ambience.
Specialties & Things to Keep in Mind
Because Ella sits in tea country, the vegetables, greens and produce are often fresher than many low-land tourist spots. That means you’ll often encounter interesting curries of local veggies (pumpkin, jackfruit, banana flower) rather than just chicken or fish.
If you’re craving something light, look for string hoppers (steamed rice-noodle mats) or hoppers (bowl-shaped rice flour pancakes) often offered in breakfast or snack menus.
Spice levels can vary: many eateries cater to tourists and may tone down the chilli, but you can always ask for “local spicy” if you want authentic heat.
Be adventurous: try a local fish curry (sour, tangy, chilli-forward) or a devilled dish (deep-fried then spicy sauced) for something memorable.
And of course: washing it all down with local Ceylon tea or ending the evening with a casual drink in town adds to the experience.
Overall, food in Ella is one of the joys of a visit—whether you’re eating at a back-street restaurant for a few hundred rupees, or sipping something with a view and paying a little more. The mix of local flavour, fresh countryside produce and a relaxed hill-station vibe means you’ll likely remember the meals as much as any hike or view.
