What to eat on Sri Lanka’s south coast: hoppers, seafood and arrack

From crisp-edged hoppers to the morning’s catch grilled by the sea, the south coast is one of the best places to eat in Sri Lanka. Here is what to order.

9 September 2026 · 2 min read

A plated dish being served at a restaurant table

Food is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Sri Lanka, and on the south coast it comes with a sea view. Local spices, coconut and the morning’s catch are at the heart of the cooking. Here is what to eat on Sri Lanka’s south coast, and where to find it in Weligama.

Hoppers

Hoppers (appa) are bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk: soft in the middle and crisp at the edges. Try them in every form:

Plain hoppers, perfect with curry and sambol.
Egg hoppers, with an egg cooked into the centre.
Milk hoppers, with a sweet coconut-milk centre.
Treacle hoppers, drizzled with kithul palm treacle.
And modern twists, such as cheese and chocolate hoppers.

At Bayfront, our Hoppers Night serves them all, as many as you like.

Fresh seafood

Weligama is a fishing town, and seafood here is as fresh as it gets. Our seafood is sourced locally, from just 15 minutes away, and prepared with spices and a twist on each ingredient. Look out for grilled fish, prawns and crab curries.

Rice and curry

Sri Lanka’s everyday feast: rice with several small curries of vegetables, lentils, fish or meat, with sambols and pickles on the side. Every family and every kitchen has its own version.

Coconut arrack

Sri Lanka’s signature spirit is distilled from the sap of coconut flowers. Sip it neat, with ginger beer, or in a cocktail from a skilled mixologist.

A Sri Lankan breakfast

Start the day with a mix of international favourites and local dishes, such as string hoppers, coconut sambol and tropical fruit.

Dining at Bayfront Weligama

Our restaurant serves a fusion of local and international flavours, from local favourites to pan-Asian dishes, with 24-hour dining. Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar, or ask about a private starlit dinner on the beach. Explore wine and dining.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous food in Sri Lanka?

Rice and curry is the national dish, and hoppers are one of the best-loved local specialities.

What is arrack?

Coconut arrack is Sri Lanka’s traditional spirit, distilled from the sap of coconut flowers.