- Shopping in Sri Lanka -

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Buddhi Batiks 

Buddhi Batiks is an ethical fashion business which empowers women. Some of the female artisans have been in the workshop since the company’s inception in 1970. 

The workshop, located in the village of Koswadiya on the north-western coast of Sri Lanka, plays an integral role in their economy. 

Buddhi Batiks makes a concerted effort to hire individuals from and around the village. 

This enables the workers and artisans, women who have families to take care, to remain close to their homes. 

 Kandygs

 From pure cotton fabrics ideal for a myriad of applications to soft bamboo creations suitable for clothing and décor, Kandygs' diverse offerings cater to various needs and preferences. 

With an extensive colour palette and in-house dyeing and sewing capabilities, the possibilities are limitless.

With retail outlets in Colombo, Galle, Yala and a global presence through exports, Kandygs has left an indelible mark on the textile landscape, adorning homes and businesses alike with its exquisite creations.

 Committed to promoting homegrown industries and sustainability, Kandygs is not just a purveyor of textiles but a custodian of tradition and community. 

Where to Buy

Kandygs "Thirasara Island"

Flagship Store

473, Thimbirigasyaya Road

Colombo 05

Sri Lanka.

Kandygs "Maya Avenue"

5 Maya Avenue

Havelock Town

Colombo 06

Sri Lanka.

Kandygs "Colpetty"

333 Galle Road

Colombo 03

Sri Lanka.

Dilmah

Sri Lankan family tea company Dilmah, founded by Merrill J. Fernando, today the world's most experienced teamaker, has championed quality, authenticity and variety in tea.

 Dilmah pioneered the concept of Single Origin Tea in 1988 when the family company went against industry trends to declare its commitment to authenticity. Garden fresh, unblended tea is a hallmark of Dilmah and offers a unique taste of unblended Ceylon Tea packed at source.

Dilmah is Ethical Tea, in that all packaging profits are retained in Sri Lanka and fund the MJF Charitable Foundation and Dilmah Conservation. We believe that Business is a Matter of Human Service.

 Where to Buy

t-lounge by Dimah

 Number 100,
Horton Place
Colombo 07
Sri Lanka. 

t-lounge by Dimah 

Dutch Square Block B,
62/2, Chatham Street
Colombo 01

Sri Lanka.

t-lounge by Dilmah

 L1-20
One Galle Face Mall
No.1A
02 Centre Road
Colombo 01
Sri Lanka. 

Odel Department Stores

 With an impressive assortment of top international brands such as Aldo and Desigual, a revamped and fully-loaded ODEL Sports department comprising Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and Canterbury, Lingerie, Swimwear, Menswear, Wider selection of shoes and bags, Luggage and a Denim Lab featuring a wide array of international denim brands, this new extension is set to transform the ODEL customer shopping experience and take Sri Lanka’s most iconic shopping destination to new heights.

Laksala

Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board was established on 17th January 1983, under the National Crafts Council & allied Institutions Act No. 35 of 1982.

The Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board better known as “LAKSALA” is a state corporation under the Ministry of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion is set up to preserve and develop traditional skill of the craftsmen.

 The Board is dealing with nearly 3500 leading master craftsmen/entrepreneurs who are producing handicrafts item at Rural/Cottage industry level. 

"LAKSALA" is the only state owned handicraft marketing organization in Sri Lanka deals with provision of training to craftsmen and marketing and export promotion of handicrafts. 

Where to Buy

 Laksala Fort

60, York Street

Colombo 01

Sri Lanka.

 Laksala Thunmulla

 215, Bauddhaloka Mawatha

Thunmulla

Colombo 05 

Sri Lanka. 

Spices by Insel

 Sri Lankan cuisine is heavily influenced by the use of various spices, many of which are cultivated on the island itself. 

Some of the most prominent spices include cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, mace, cloves, and pepper, with Ceylon pepper being a notable type.

 Curry powder, a blend of these and other spices, is also a staple in Sri Lankan cooking.   

Where to Buy

SPAR  Union Place
297 Dr Colvin R de Silva Mawatha 

Colombo 02

Sri Lanka.

SPAR Kalubowila
Dehiwala

Mount Lavinia

 Sri Lanka.  

The Station

 The Station Seafood Restaurant and Bar offers discerning customers a delightful fusion of delectable cuisine, star class service and a soothing ambience.

With seating available on the beach, one can only imagine the ambience whilst enjoying the sound of warm sea waves lapping.

Nuga Gama

  Step back in time with Cinnamon Grand Colombo, and experience the charm of a traditional Sri Lankan village at Nuga Gama, nestled amidst the urban landscape of Colombo. 

Taste true island flavours lovingly prepared by local ammes (traditional village cooks), and find yourself transported back in time.  

Avartana

 Avartana a part of ITC Hotels, redefines traditional Southern Indian cuisine with a touch of Sri Lankan flavours. 

Sip on an aromatic clarified rasam or bite into bitter gourd bruschetta.

 Set against a fusion South Indian backdrop, dining at Avartana is a journey in gastronomic innovation. 

Nihonbashi

 Nihonbashi is the name of the famous bridge in the middle of the district of the same name in Tokyo. The bridge is considered the center of Japan.

 Distances to Tokyo are measured as distances to Nihonbashi. Here at the restaurant Nihonbashi we offer authentic Japanese cuisine in a Japanese atmosphere. 

From fresh Sushi and Sashimi to real Sake and Japanese sweets we offer everything a connoisseur of Japanese food could crave for. 

Royal Thai 

 The only Sri Lankan restaurant by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts with a certificate of authenticity from the Thai Embassy.

 From a romantic dinner for two to private dining for groups, our unique concoction of spices is a must have in Colombo.

The colourful Thai paintings and décor set your mood just right for the array of flavours that are laid out tastefully on your table. 

 Bombay Borough

Bombay Borough is a celebration of India’s cuisine, cultural and regional nuances, offering guests a thoughtfully curated selection inspired by the nation’s distinctive recipes and ingredients,
reimagined with global fusion techniques and contemporary ingredients.

From small bites to lavish feasts, Bombay Borough’s eclectic menu draws inspiration from the diverse tapestry of regional Indian recipes and hidden culinary treasures, reimagined with a modern, progressive flair using global techniques and ingredients. 

Each dish invites armchair travellers to embark on an unparalleled culinary adventure through India’s vibrant food culture.

Ran Bath

 First ever Organic, Vegan, Eco-friendly restaurant serving Heirloom rice varieties and authentic Sri Lankan food & the First to initiate the innovative concept of 'Eco friendly Catering'

Aluth Kade

 Aluth Kade, meaning “New Shop” in Sinhala, is a popular term used across Sri Lanka to describe an area or market where local street vendors sell fresh and delicious food at affordable prices. 

These food hubs are typically located in urban areas, near markets, or alongside bustling streets, attracting locals and tourists alike. 

Aluth Kade is where the vibrant street food culture of Sri Lanka truly comes to life.

From crispy fritters to savory curries, Aluth Kade has it all. 

Street food in this region is not just about eating on the go, it’s a social experience that brings people together to enjoy authentic Sri Lankan flavours in a laid back and casual environment.

Shoulders by Harpos

 At SHOULDERS, we believe in delivering excellence in every bite. 

Our commitment to using the highest quality ingredients ensures that each dish and cocktail offers exceptional taste. 

We meticulously source and craft our offerings to provide a dining experience that stands out for its flavour and quality. 

 It is the main meal in almost every household. A typical Sri Lankan meal consists of rice served with curry of fish, meat or poultry, several other curries made with vegetables and pulses such as lentils (Dhal).

 Condiments such as chutneys and sambols are included. These are generally spicy and are made from various ingredients such as coconut, onions, lime juice and chillies. All the dishes are placed on the table at the same time for consumption. 

Sri Lankan Prawn curry is distinct in flavour when compared to prawn curries from other parts of the world. 

The secret to this is the distinctive blend of spices and herbs used that are unique to this island nation. The spices are hot but are usually adjusted according your preference. 

Sri Lankans enjoy an abundance of sea prawns caught at sea as well as the gigantic fresh water  river prawns. The accompaniments for prawn curry is usually steaming hot rice, a spicy dhal curry, hot coconut sambol (not for the faint hearted) and a variety of pickles and crispy poppadoms with one or more vegetable dishes.

Crab and chillies are a match made in Heaven. Sri Lankans are proud of the crabs freshly caught in their lagoons and seas. 

The crab curry is a national dish in Sri Lanka and traditionally, the crabs would be simmered in their shells with plenty of aromatic spices and coconut milk. 

The accompaniments for this heavenly dish after basking in the warm sun with a chilled beer would normally be steamed rice, a spicy dhal curry, hot coconut sambol (not for the faint hearted) and a variety of pickles and crispy poppadoms with one or more vegetable dishes. 

It is recommended that you dive in with your fingers to enjoy this dish to it's utmost.

 Hoppers and string hoppers are popular breakfast or dinner dishes in Sri Lanka.

Hoppers are much like sour-dough pancakes. The batter is fermented in the traditional way with a light palm toddy, which gives the hoppers a delicious liquor tang. Usually served with sambol. There are several types of hoppers – egg hoppers and a couple of sweeter varieties.

String hoppers are made from rice noodles curled into flat spirals. It is served for breakfast and dinner with a thin fish or chicken curry, containing only one or two pieces of meat, a dhal dish, and a spicy sambol or fresh chutney.

A Dutch Burgher influenced dish, Lamprais is rice boiled in aromatic stock and spices, accompanied by frikkadels (Frikkadella meatballs), a mixed meat curry, spicy shrimp blachan, an aubergine curry, seeni sambol (onions stir fried with lots of spice), fried ash plantain and a fried egg. All of this is then wrapped in a banana leaf and baked in an oven. 

Lamprais is ideal for special occasions with a large gathering of friends and family considering its richness and the time it takes to prepare. Lamprais is cooked twice, first the rice and the entrees are cooked separately and later what is already cooked is wrapped in a banana leaf and baked in an oven, which makes it a unique recipe. 

The aroma of the banana leaf after baking the ingredients is second to none and is definitely a must have when visiting Sri Lanka.

Kottu is a very popular street fast food in Sri Lanka. It is made of shredded pieces of Sri Lankan paratha bread that are stir fried with an assortment of spices and a choice of either Chicken, Beef, Mutton, Egg or Cheese.

A Vegetarian Kottu is also available, but ensure you specify when placing your order.
After a couple of chilled beers in the evening, it is the norm to request a spicy kick to this dish with extra Chillie.