Planning a trip to Sri Lanka as a vegetarian? From ready to eat meals to local food apps, here’s how to eat well and travel stress-free
Sri Lanka is a dream destination for many travellers, with its turquoise waters, lush landscapes, and vibrant local culture. But for vegetarians, the journey can come with a few extra challenges.
While plant-based meals are easy to find across India, sourcing proper vegetarian food abroad, especially in smaller towns, can be a bit tricky.
Traveller and Instagram creator @dhruvwanders shared his experience of visiting Sri Lanka, noting that vegetarian options weren’t always easy to find. He encountered several challenges during his trip and often had to rely on pre-packed meals and snacks to get through the day.
A Vegetarian In Sri Lanka!
If you’re a vegetarian planning a trip to Sri Lanka, here are five useful tips to keep in mind:
- Carry Ready-to-Eat Meals: Dhruv recommends bringing some of the many ready-to-eat vegetarian meals available on the market. These are simple to prepare, just add hot water, and can keep you well-fed, especially when you’re missing the flavours of home. Having these packets on hand can be a real lifesaver abroad.
- Look for Pure Veg or Indian Restaurants: In major cities like Colombo and Kandy, you’ll find some decent Indian vegetarian restaurants. Dhruv suggests searching for ‘Pure Veg’ or ‘Indian Vegetarian Restaurant’ on Google Maps. However, in smaller towns or rural areas, vegetarian options are limited, so it’s wise to plan ahead and save the locations of suitable eateries. This can make your trip much smoother and safer.
- Use Local Food Delivery Apps: While apps like Zomato don’t work in Sri Lanka, Dhruv found the PickMe Food app very useful. It allows you to order food from nearby restaurants, especially when you’d rather stay in or there are few vegetarian options nearby. This app is a handy tool for travellers.
- Enjoy Local Vegetarian Dishes: Sri Lankan vegetarian dishes are delicious, but curries often contain non-vegetarian ingredients. Be sure to specify clearly, “No egg, no fish, no meat, please” when ordering. With a little care, you can enjoy the local cuisine while sticking to your vegetarian diet.
- Opt for Self-Catering: If you’re staying in a hostel or homestay, having access to a kitchen can be a great advantage. Being able to cook your own meals allows you to enjoy familiar foods whenever you like. With a small kitchen and some basic ingredients like noodles, vegetables, and spices, your trip will be much easier and more enjoyable.
