1. What are the must-try local dishes in Hikkaduwa?
Some must-try local dishes in Hikkaduwa include seafood dishes like grilled prawns, fish curry, and cuttlefish curry. Other must-try dishes include Kottu Roti (a stir-fried flatbread dish), Dhal Curry (lentil curry), and Pol Sambol (coconut relish). Traditional Sri Lankan breakfast items like hoppers (pancakes), string hoppers (rice noodles), and egg roti are also popular in Hikkaduwa. Overall, the local cuisine in Hikkaduwa features a variety of spicy and flavorful dishes influenced by South Indian and Asian cuisine.
2. Are there any vegetarian or vegan options available at local restaurants?
Yes, there are often vegetarian and vegan options available at local restaurants. Many restaurants now offer specific menu items or entire menus dedicated to vegetarian or vegan diets. Additionally, most restaurants are willing to make modifications to existing dishes to accommodate dietary restrictions. It may be helpful to check the menu beforehand or ask your server for recommendations when dining out as a vegetarian or vegan.
3. What is the best place to get fresh seafood in Hikkaduwa?
The best place to get fresh seafood in Hikkaduwa is at the local fish market, where you can buy directly from the fishermen who bring in their catch daily.
4. Is street food safe to eat in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, street food is generally safe to eat in Hikkaduwa. However, it is important to use caution and make sure it is prepared fresh and in a clean environment. It is also recommended to eat at popular stalls with a lot of customers, as this indicates that the food is likely to be good quality and safe.
5. Are there any good cafes or coffee shops in the area?
Yes, there are several good cafes and coffee shops in the area. Some popular options include XYZ Cafe, ABC Coffee, and LMN Bistro. You can also check out local reviews or ask for recommendations from locals for more specific preferences.
6. Where can I find authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in Hikkaduwa?
You can find authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in Hikkaduwa at various local restaurants and street vendors. Some popular options include Foodland, The Green Room, and Wijaya Beach Restaurant. Be sure to sample traditional dishes such as rice and curry, string hoppers, and roti for a true taste of Sri Lanka.
7. Can you recommend any budget-friendly restaurants around Hikkaduwa?
Yes, I can recommend a few budget-friendly restaurants in Hikkaduwa. Some options include Riverside Cafe, Famila Restaurant, and Surf Kitchen. These places offer delicious local dishes at affordable prices. You can also check out street food stalls or small eateries for more affordable options. Happy dining!
8. Are there any popular night markets or food festivals in the area?
Yes, there are popular night markets and food festivals in various areas. Different cities and countries may have their own unique versions, but some well-known ones include the Shilin Night Market in Taiwan, the Yaowarat Chinatown Night Market in Thailand, and the Winter Light Festival in Amsterdam. Other popular food festivals include the Taste of Chicago in the United States and the London Food Month festival in the UK.
9. Any recommendations for a romantic dinner spot in Hikkaduwa?
I recommend checking out The Drift Bar and Grill. It offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, as well as delicious seafood dishes with beautiful ocean views.
10. Where can I find the best roti and curry in town?
You can try checking out local Indian or Caribbean restaurants, as they often serve delicious roti and curry dishes. You can also ask locals for their recommendations or search online for highly-rated restaurants in your area that specialize in these dishes.
11. Is it common for restaurants to have a dress code in Hikkaduwa?
Yes, it is common for restaurants to have a dress code in Hikkaduwa.
12. Are there any local food tours or cooking classes available?
Yes, there are often local food tours and cooking classes available in many cities and towns. These can be found through a simple online search or by checking with local tourism offices or culinary schools. They offer a chance to learn about the local cuisine and culture while also honing your cooking skills. Prices and availability may vary, so it’s best to research and book in advance if possible.
13. Can you suggest a good seafood restaurant with ocean views?
Yes, there are many great seafood restaurants with ocean views. One popular option is The Waterfront Restaurant in San Diego, California. They offer a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes and have a beautiful outdoor patio overlooking the ocean. Other highly recommended seafood restaurants with ocean views include The Cliff House in San Francisco, California, Ocean Prime in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and 1130 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, California.
14. What is a typical breakfast dish in Hikkaduwa?
A typical breakfast dish in Hikkaduwa is string hoppers, which are thin rice noodles steamed into flat discs and served with coconut sambal and curry. Other popular options include roti, a flatbread filled with savory ingredients like eggs or vegetables, or kola kenda, a porridge made from herbal leaves and coconut milk.
15. Any hidden gem restaurants that tourists may not know about?
Yes, there are definitely hidden gem restaurants that tourists may not know about. These are usually smaller, lesser-known establishments that offer unique or authentic cuisine and may not be as well-known to visitors as the larger, more touristy restaurants. These hidden gems can often provide a more authentic and memorable experience for those looking to try new foods and flavors during their travels. It’s always worth doing some research or asking locals for recommendations to discover these hidden gems.
16. What is the price range for meals at local restaurants in Hikkaduwa?
The price range for meals at local restaurants in Hikkaduwa can vary, but typically it falls within the range of 500-1000 Sri Lankan Rupees (approximately $2.70-$5.40 USD) per person. However, prices may be higher or lower depending on the type of restaurant and the menu items chosen.
17. Can you recommend any popular street food vendors or food trucks?
Yes, here are some popular street food vendors and food trucks that you could try: 1. The Halal Guys – known for their famous chicken and gyro platters
2. Kogi BBQ – serving fusion Korean-Mexican dishes like kimchi quesadillas and Korean BBQ tacos
3. Big Gay Ice Cream – famous for their unique ice cream flavors and toppings
4. Sushi Burrito – offering sushi rolls in a burrito format
5. The Grilled Cheese Truck – specializing in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches
6. Papaya King – a New York City staple for hot dogs and tropical fruit drinks
7. The Cinnamon Snail – serving plant-based vegan breakfast, lunch, and dessert options
8. Cousins Maine Lobster – known for their delicious lobster rolls
9. Waffle Love – offering sweet and savory Belgian waffles with creative toppings
10. Roli Roti Gourmet Rotisserie Food Truck- specializing in rotisserie chicken and pork creations served on the go.
18. How accessible are foreign cuisine options, like Italian or Chinese food, in Hikkaduwa?
The accessibility of foreign cuisine options, such as Italian or Chinese food, in Hikkaduwa varies depending on the specific restaurants and areas within the city. While there are some restaurants that specialize in these types of cuisine, they may not be as widely available or frequent as traditional Sri Lankan dishes. However, with the growth of tourism in the area, there are a growing number of options for those looking to try different types of foreign cuisine in Hikkaduwa.
19.Must-visit places for dessert lovers around Hikkaduwa
1. The Tropical Village Restaurant – known for its delicious homemade ice cream and traditional Sri Lankan desserts like Watalappan.
2. Refresh Cafe & Juice Bar – specializes in vegan, gluten-free and organic desserts, perfect for health-conscious dessert lovers.
3. Aroma Palace – offers a wide variety of gourmet cakes, cookies and pastries, along with popular Sri Lankan desserts like kokis and aluwa.
4. Coconut Grove Restaurant – famous for its mouth-watering curd with treacle, a traditional Sri Lankan sweet dish.
5. Bean’s Bistro – serves delectable homemade waffles and crepes topped with fresh fruit and chocolate sauce.
6. Sea View Coffee Shop – serves up amazing lassi, a thick sweet yogurt beverage flavored with tropical fruits like mango or papaya.
7. Bliss House – their signature dessert is eiri pudding, a steamed coconut milk pudding with jaggery and spices.
8. Salt House Beach Hotel & Restaurant – known for its decadent chocolate brownies served with vanilla ice cream.
9. Geckos Garden Bar & Restaurant – offers a variety of sweets including sticky toffee pudding and lemon meringue pie.
10. The Royal Green Hikkaduwa- their must-try desserts are the creamy banana crumble and passion fruit cheesecake.
11. Happy Snacks Hikkaduwa – serves delicious traditional treats such as faluda, made with rose syrup, jelly, tapioca pearls, and ice cream.
12. Blue Mama’s Ice Cream Stand – located on the beachfront, this stand offers homemade gelato flavors like passion fruit or jackfruit.
13. Niro’s Yogurt Station – choose from an array of toppings to create your own sundae at this popular frozen yogurt shop.
14. Madara Villa Beruwela- indulge in their scrumptious homemade coconut flan or chocolate lava cake, perfect for sharing.
15. The Roti Shop – serving up freshly made, crispy and sweet rotis filled with bananas, chocolate or Nutella.
16. Roma’s Ice Cream & Juice Bar – their special ice cream rolls are a unique treat not to be missed.
17. Belliatta Village – try their traditional village-style sweets like petha, made with pumpkin or ash plantains.
18. My Kind of Place – known for its wide selection of cakes, including the popular Oreo cake and classic carrot cake.
19. The Hideaway Hikkaduwa- end your meal with their signature dessert, the caramel banana split topped with chocolate sauce and nuts.
20.What are some traditional Sri Lankan drinks to try while dining in Hikkauda?
Some traditional Sri Lankan drinks to try while dining in Hikkauda are faluda, woodapple juice, King coconut water, and Ceylon tea.