Kandy’s Esala Perahera is one of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular annual events. Every year in July/August, the sacred city of Kandy comes alive with a 10-day cultural festival honoring Buddha’s Sacred Tooth Relic Nightly processions wind through town with traditional dancers, drummers, fire-breathers and brightly-lit elephants This “Festival of the Tooth” is often cited as one of the world’s oldest cultural celebrations, drawing crowds from across Sri Lanka and beyond.
The good news: Kandy has a thriving food scene to keep your energy up. From spicy Sri Lankan curries to wood-fired pizzas and trendy cafés, there’s something for every taste. Local cuisine is a flavorful fusion of spices – think aromatic rice-and-curry, fresh seafood and tropical fruits – influenced by centuries of cultural blend. During Esala Perahera, popular eateries fill up fast, so many festival-goers recommend arriving early or even booking ahead. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, you’ll definitely want to know the best spots to eat.
Top Restaurants in Kandy for the Perahera
- Vito Wood Fired Pizza Kandy – A must-visit for pizza lovers. This casual Italian restaurant is known for its handcrafted wood-fired pies, pasta and salads. It’s a short taxi ride (about 5 minutes) from the Temple of the Tooth.Vito consistently earns high ratings (around 4.6/5 from over 3,000 reviews), making it a favorite for families and groups who want a familiar meal.
Organica Lounge – A hip café specializing in healthy bowls, salads and fresh juices. Just 650 m from the Tooth Temple, it’s a great spot for breakfast or lunch between Perahera events. Organica has a relaxed vibe and offers vegetarian and vegan options, and reviewers rate it about 4.8/5.
Devon Captain’s Table – A historic tea house dating back to colonial times. Located on the main parade route (just 450 m from the temple), Devon serves Sri Lankan hoppers, snacks and British-style tea. It has antique décor and old-world charm – a cool place to step back in time. (Pulse notes a rating of about 4.0/5.)
Mandiya – A local treasure for Sri Lankan sweets and snacks. Mandiya (meaning “Monkey” in Sinhalese) on Senanayake Veediya is famous for crispy kithul jaggery pancakes and sweets. It’s right by the Temple grounds (Pushpadana Complex) and is strictly take-away. According to Pulse, it’s rated ~4.4/5, and it’s loved for affordable traditional desserts that recharge you between performances.
Java Lounge – A popular coffeehouse chain in Kandy. Java Lounge is just 80 m from the temple
(almost across the street), offering coffee, smoothies and sandwiches around the clock. It’s a reliable modern café if you need a quick caffeine fix; visitors give it about 4.6/5.
Cafe 1886 – Tucked inside the private Hill Club, this elegant café is set in colonial-era splendor. Cafe 1886 makes gourmet coffee, cakes and European-style sandwiches. It’s about 1.1 km from the Temple. While pricier, it’s beloved for its tasty desserts and grand interior (reviews ~4.3/5). A perfect place to unwind after a night of drumming and dancing.
Aroma Cafe – A cozy 24/7 diner on Colombo Street, just 2 minutes’ walk from the Tooth Relic. It’s great for Sri Lankan curries, omelettes or pastries at any hour. Pulse gave it around 4.3/5 for its hearty menu and friendly service. Locals often stop here for an affordable meal or late-night coffee.
These suggestions cover a range of tastes: from Western-style pizzas and coffees to authentic Sri Lankan fare. The downtown area around Kandy Lake and the Temple is packed with eateries of all kinds. For example, Cafe Nuwara, Buono, Blizz Cafe, and Premium Outlet are other local favorites. So whether you’re a traveler or a local, you’ll find plenty of tasty options. Tip: during Perahera evenings, many restaurants have wait lists, so try to dine early or enjoy a late dinner after the crowds thin.
## Where to Stay and Other Tips
With so much action in Kandy, you’ll want a comfortable base nearby. Many visitors stay within walking distance of the Temple of the Tooth. For instance, the historic Queen’s Hotel, Kandy – Sri Lanka’s oldest grand hotel – is just 450 m from the Tooth Relic shrine and often offers colonial-style rooms. Other popular options include Lake Avenue Kandy and Heritage Boutique, both under 600 m from the festival route. Budget travelers can also consider Oak Ray City Kandy (a no-frills hotel) for a lower price point.
If you plan to buy reserved seats for the Perahera, book early. Official ticket vendors (e.g. Royce Tours & Travels at Queen’s Hotel) open sales months in advance. For example, the first Kumbal Perahera seat at Queen’s Hotel (July 30, 2025) was listed for about $80 (see official Kandy Perahera booking site) peraheratickets.com. Local sites like MyTickets.lk also sell confirmed seats at various restaurants or pavilion galleries. (Sri Lankan citizens use LKR tickets, while foreign visitors pay in USD.)
Kandy’s Esala Perahera is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both Sri Lankan and international visitors – just remember it’s a busy festival, so plan ahead! Carry some cash (many small vendors won’t take cards), stay hydrated, and dress modestly (the Temple requires covered knees/shoulders). Enjoy the vibrant culture – and of course, the food. For more Sri Lanka travel tips, see our Sri Lanka travel guide – Enchanting Charms lankan.org. We hope this guide helps you dine like a local and enjoy every moment of the Perahera!
Sources: Information adapted from Lankan.org lankan.org, Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org, the official Kandy Perahera booking site peraheratickets.com and local guides pulse.lk
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