You are on the coast of Trincomalee, just 50meters away from the sea, and tired of swimming and enjoying the beach, searching online for where to eat in Trincomalee. Well, Trincomalee definitely has delicious food to offer. From authentic sea food with western cuisines, there’s everything to satisfy everyone’s craving.
The best part is that tourists don’t have to stick to one type of restaurant. Uppuveli has casual beachside places to explore; Nilaveli has more fine-dining resort-based options; lastly, Trincomalee city has local eateries to try.
What to Eat in Trincomalee?
1. The Famous Fish Curry
Fish is the most widely used ingredient for curries in Sri Lankan cuisine. The famous fish curry is made using fish in a blend of spices and cooked with fresh vegetables. It’s drier and a bit on the spicy side. Overall, it’s a Sri Lankan special and a must-try for tourists in Trincomalee.
2. Kottu Roti
Kottu is a popular Sri Lankan street food you’ll find at almost all the street stalls in the country. It’s a simple dish, made with chopped flatbread, fried and cooked together with vegetables, eggs, cheese, chicken, and basic spices.
3. Sri Lankan Breakfast
The breakfast in Trincomalee is worth trying. Idlis (steamed rice cake), dosas, and other dishes are widely available in Trincomalee. The city’s Tamil influence and local culture make sure travellers find plenty of food options from South Indian cuisine and flavours along with traditional Sri Lankan dishes.
Where to Eat in Trincomalee?
Here are the top options for you to try in Trincomalee –
Uppuveli – For Widest Choice
Uppuveli is one of the easiest areas to stay and explore multiple food options. The streets close to the beach have a mix of restaurants, cafes, international options, and seafood spots. The area is also convenient for tourists to walk to food spots or take tuk-tuk rides.
Popular Places in Uppuveli to Try –
- Rice ‘n’ Curry – Mid-range place with a casual and friendly vibe. Very famous in Uppuveli with “Choose Your Own Fish”.
- Fernando’s Bar – Perfect place to party and enjoy BBQ. The Seafood Platter is a must-try.
- Nina’s Restaurant – Famous among backpackers, simple, and family-friendly.
Nilaveli – For Relaxed Dining
Nilaveli has a more laid-back eating scene with many options linked to hotels, resorts, and smaller beachside cafes. This is a good option for those who don’t want to go back to Uppuveli for every meal and want to eat close to their accommodation.
Popular Places in Nilaveli to Try –
- Tong’s Beach Restaurant – It’s a little high-budget restaurant, right by the beach. Tourists visit here to enjoy the vibe by the coast.
- Nero Kitchen – It’s up north in Nilaveli, and perfect to try Seafood Pasta or even prawn pizza to take a break from curry.
Trincomalee City – For Local Food
It’s best to try city food if you want to know what locals eat in their day-to-day life. The area around town, near the bus station, has local snacks and street food like Kottu, hoppers, rice and curry, and even South Indian-style meals.
Popular Places in Trincomalee to Try –
- Dutch Bank Cafe – Perfect spot for a romantic dinner with a side of history. It’s set inside a restored colonial building that was once a Dutch bank.
- Green Park Hotel – It’s a local secret with very few tourists being aware of it. Try the very famous fish biryani that is served with a boiled egg and raita.
Final Words
Eating in Trincomalee is all about trying different food items around different restaurants to get a taste of everything famous.
Have a seafood curry one day and a plate of kottu another, and leave some space to try international cuisine if interested. You can just walk around restaurants lined up at Uppuveli, or wander to Trinco town if you want a taste of local favourites.
FAQs
1. What are the popular local dishes in Trincomalee?
Popular local dishes in Trincomalee are the coastal city’s fresh seafood and vibrant Tamil and Sri Lankan flavors. Dishes like crab curry, string hoppers, kottu roti, and pittu are widely famous.
2. Can I find vegetarian food in Trincomalee?
Yes, restaurants serve Sri Lankan and Indian dishes, and there are vegetarian-friendly eateries that serve vegetable curries, dosas, and many other rice-based meals.
3. Are international food options available in Trincomalee?
Yes, Uppuveli has many restaurants serving international dishes, including pizza, pasta, and many other Western options.
