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Sri Lanka is one of those places that wins you over instantly with its beaches, mountains, tea estates, and warm hospitality. But for many Jain and vegetarian travelers, one question comes up right away: what about the food?
Since Sri Lankan cuisine often leans heavily on seafood and spices, sticking to a Jain diet might sound tricky at first. The good news is that once you know where to go, you will discover plenty of restaurants that happily serve onion-free, garlic-free, and even root-vegetable-free meals. From family-run Indian joints to five-star hotel kitchens that customize dishes with care, eating Jain in Sri Lanka is much easier than it seems.
To save you the effort of scrolling through endless reviews, here is a handpicked guide to the best Jain and vegetarian-friendly restaurants in Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Mirissa, and Galle. And if you would rather not spend your trip researching menus, remember to let Localhi plan your meals in every city so you can just enjoy the journey.
Jain Food in Colombo: Where to Eat Vegetarian
Colombo has some of the best Indian food outside of India, so you are in safe hands here.
Shanmugas
If you only have time for one place in Colombo, make it Shanmugas. It is a pure vegetarian restaurant with the kind of crisp dosas and comforting thalis that make you feel instantly at home. Portions are generous and Jain-friendly by default.
- Price: LKR 600–2,500 (~USD 2.5–12)
- Map: Shanmugas
Indian Summer
This restaurant is a reliable stop if you want something a little more polished. Staff here are used to special requests, and reviewers often mention Jain food being handled with care.
- Price: LKR 800–2,500 (~USD 4–12)
- Map: Indian Summer
Sri Vihar
Sri Vihar feels more local and laid-back. Think hearty meals without the fuss. Travelers following Jain diets often mention it as their go-to in Colombo.
- Price: LKR 500–1,800 (~USD 2–8)
- Map: Sri Vihar
Navratna – Taj Samudra
If you are celebrating a special evening, head to Navratna at the Taj. The restaurant has years of experience catering to Jain guests, and the service matches the elegance of the food.
- Price: LKR 3,000+ (~USD 15+)
- Map: Navratna
To make choosing easier in a busy city like Colombo, let Localhi plan your meals so you can skip the guesswork.
Best Jain-Friendly Restaurants in Kandy
Kandy, with its lake and hill views, is also kinder than you would expect to Jain diets.
Nagalingam’s Bhavan
This little gem is a dream for Jain travellers. No onion, no garlic, no problem. It is family-run, simple, and refreshingly affordable.
- Price: LKR 200–800 (~USD 1–4)
- Map: Nagalingam’s Bhavan
Balaji Dosai
Another branch of the well-known chain. Consistent food, quick service, and happy to tweak things for Jain preferences.
- Price: LKR 400–900 (~USD 2–5)
- Map: Balaji Dosai
Kandy Garden Café
If you are wandering around the city and want a casual bite, Garden Café has a handful of pure vegetarian options. Think comfort food in a relaxed setting.
- Price: LKR 400–1,200 (~USD 2–6)
- Map: Kandy Garden Cafe
To avoid trial and error in Kandy, let Localhi plan your meals and point you to the spots that suit your Jain diet.
Jain-Friendly Eateries in Nuwara Eliya
Surrounded by tea estates and misty hills, Nuwara Eliya is a charming stop, and yes, you will find vegetarian food here too.
Ambaal’s Pure Vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant
One of the rare pure-veg spots in town. A lifesaver if you are craving traditional Indian food while traveling through the hill country.
- Price: LKR 400–1,500 (~USD 2–7)
- Map: Ambaal's pure vegetarian Hotel & Restaurant
Indian Summer
Familiar and consistent. Their branch in Nuwara Eliya handles Jain requests without fuss.
- Price: LKR 700–2,000 (~USD 4–10)
- Map: Indian Summer
Hotel Restaurants (Grand Hotel, Jetwing St. Andrew’s)
Upscale hotels in the area take pride in customizing meals. Mention your Jain requirements while booking or at check-in for the smoothest experience.
- Price: LKR 2,000–8,000 (~USD 10–40)
- Map: Hotel Restaurants
With fewer pure-veg restaurants in Nuwara Eliya, planning ahead is key. Localhi can arrange your meals here so you never have to worry about options running out.
Pure Vegetarian Dining in Ella
Ella has a laid-back vibe, and the restaurants here reflect that. Simple, relaxed, but often flexible with diets.
Ella Gap Hotel
Travellers often praise this hotel restaurant for serving full vegetarian meals on request. Jain guests in particular feel well looked after.
- Price: LKR 700–2,000 (~USD 4–10)
- Map: Ella Gap Hotel
Ella Flower Garden Restaurant
A favourite among Indian families visiting Ella. They understand vegetarian needs and can easily adapt dishes for Jain travelers.
- Price: LKR 300–900 (~USD 1.5–5)
- Map: Ella Flower Garden Restaurant
Café Chill
Trendy and always buzzing, Café Chill has a wide-ranging menu. Let them know your dietary needs, and they will happily adjust.
- Price: LKR 500–1,500 (~USD 2.5–8)
- Map: Café Chill
Rainbow Café
Relaxed and friendly, Rainbow Café is often recommended by other vegetarians for its South Indian–style meals and easy customisation.
- Price: LKR 400–1,200 (~USD 2–6)
- Map: Rainbow Cafe
To make the most of Ella’s relaxed pace without stressing over where to eat, let Localhi plan your meals so every stop is sorted in advance.
Jain Food Options in Mirissa
Mirissa is all about beaches and sunsets, but there is good food here too if you know where to look.
Mandara Resort
Guests rave about the resort’s pure vegetarian Indian meals. It is one of the more reliable choices if you want Jain-friendly food near the beach.
- Price: LKR 700–1,800 (~USD 4–10)
- Map: Mandara Resort
Dimali Inn
Affordable and tasty, this spot has plenty of vegetarian-friendly dishes that feel like home.
- Price: LKR 500–1,500 (~USD 3–8)
- Map: Dimali Inn
Hey Mama
A quirky café that leans vegan and vegetarian. The staff are happy to accommodate special requests.
- Price: LKR 400–1,200 (~USD 2–6)
- Map: Hey Mama
The Spice House
This boutique hotel doubles as a restaurant, with chefs who happily prepare vegetarian meals if you ask ahead.
- Price: LKR 600–2,000 (~USD 3–10)
- Map: The Spice House
When your day is packed with whale watching and beach walks, the last thing you want is food stress. Localhi can plan your meals in Mirissa so you can just focus on the ocean.
Vegetarian Restaurants in Galle
Inside Galle Fort, you will find a mix of casual cafés and more upscale restaurants.
Lucky Fort
Simple, affordable, and highly recommended by vegetarian travellers. It is one of those places where you will always find something safe to eat.
- Price: LKR 400–1,200 (~USD 2–6)
- Map: Lucky Fort
Fort Bazaar
If you are after something more refined, Fort Bazaar is an elegant choice. The menu is flexible for vegetarians and Jain travelers alike.
- Price: LKR 1,500–6,000 (~USD 7–30)
- Map: Fort Bazaar
Other Vegan Cafés in Galle Fort
The fort area has no shortage of vegan cafés offering light, plant-based meals. Most are happy to leave out onion, garlic, or root vegetables if you explain your needs.
Exploring the charming streets of Galle is best done on a full stomach. Let Localhi plan your meals here so you know exactly where to stop between sightseeing.
Final Tips for Jain Food in Sri Lanka
- Be clear and polite when explaining your diet: “no onion, no garlic, no root vegetables.” Most staff will nod and understand.
- Indian restaurants and hotels are your safest bet for consistent Jain food.
- In smaller towns, carry some dry snacks just in case options are limited.
- And most importantly, do not stress. Let Localhi plan your meals in every city, and you will spend more time exploring and less time worrying about food.