Eating, drinking and enjoying the nightlife in Sri Lanka

Eating

If you stay at your hotel or resort, they will likely serve a mixture of international and local dishes. But if you’re looking to get a real taste of the country it’s a great idea to venture into a nearby city or town and find a little place to eat. Sri Lankan food is very similar to South Indian food in its use of spices, delicious fresh vegetables and incredibly cheap prices.

There is an interesting range of soft drinks available in Sri Lanka. Street stalls offer up fresh king coconuts – a variety of orange-coloured coconut – which are cut open in front of you, allowing you to drink the sweet liquid inside. It’s generally cheaper than buying bottled drinks and they are available everywhere. Sri Lankan company Elephant House produces a unique range of drinks that you’ll want to try too. They include a cherry-flavoured drink called Necto, cream soda, dry ginger ale and the fierier EGB, a ginger beer.

Drinking

Sri Lanka is not a country of beer drinkers, but beer is available everywhere, either in the form of international brands you know or local offerings such as Lion Lager and Three Coins. If you’d rather drink as the locals do, then you’ll be enjoying plenty of arrack – the popular local spirit which is often mixed with tonic water.

Sri Lanka is a largely Buddhist country and so the lunar calendar determines key events, and you will often find restrictions on alcohol in place. On Full Moon Poya Days and public holidays the government prohibits the serving of alcohol but hotel guests are able to enjoy drinks from the hotel room mini bar. The dates are similar each year but a full list can be found here

Nightlife

This is not a country where nightlife is a big part of life. The resorts are geared up for quiet relaxation rather than partying. If you are looking for somewhere to let your hair down, your best bet is probably the capital Colombo, where there are plenty of bars and clubs.