Authentic Flavors
A Culinary Journey Awaits
At Country Side Udawalawe, dining isn't just a meal it's an experience. Our restaurant is the heart of the hotel, a place where guests gather to share stories of the day's safari adventures over plates of aromatic, lovingly prepared food.
Our kitchen team, led by chefs with deep roots in Sri Lankan culinary tradition, works with local farmers and spice growers to bring you dishes that are fresh, vibrant, and deeply authentic. Every curry is slow-cooked, every sambol hand-ground, and every dessert made from scratch.
Whether you prefer the fiery kick of a traditional Sri Lankan meal or the comfort of familiar Western dishes, our menu has been designed to delight every palate all while showcasing the incredible produce and flavours unique to this region.
What Makes Our Kitchen Special
From the ingredients we select to the way we present every plate, quality and authenticity are at the core of everything we do.Authentic Sri Lankan Rice & Curry
A daily spread of up to ten different curries prepared with locally sourced spices, coconut milk, and traditional recipes passed down through generations. Each curry tells a story of Sri Lankan heritage and regional flavour.
International Comfort Cuisine
For guests who crave familiar flavours, our kitchen crafts Western and Continental dishes pasta, grills, sandwiches, and salads using the freshest ingredients available from local farms and markets.
Sunrise Breakfast Buffet
Start every day right with our generous breakfast spread: freshly baked bread, tropical fruit platters, egg stations, hoppers, kiribath, and aromatic Ceylon tea or freshly brewed coffee.
Candlelit Dinner Experience
As evening descends over Udawalawe, our restaurant transforms into an intimate dining space. Candle-lit tables, soft ambient music, and a carefully curated dinner menu make every night feel special.
Farm-to-Table Philosophy
We partner with local farmers and suppliers to bring you the freshest produce. From the vegetables in your curry to the coconut in your sambol, every ingredient is sourced with care and sustainability in mind.
Handcrafted Desserts
End your meals on a sweet note with our selection of Sri Lankan sweets and Western desserts from treacle-drizzled curd and watalappan to chocolate fondant and fresh fruit pavlova.
Daily Dining Schedule
Four distinct dining experiences every day from an energising breakfast to a magical candlelit dinner.
Breakfast
6:30 AM – 10:00 AMA generous buffet spread featuring Sri Lankan hoppers, string hoppers, kiribath with lunu miris, egg station, fresh tropical fruits, cereals, pastries, and hot beverages.
Don't miss the traditional milk rice with spicy sambol.
Lunch
12:00 PM – 2:30 PMA hearty midday meal perfect for refueling after your morning safari. Choose from our à la carte menu or enjoy the rice and curry lunch buffet with multiple vegetable, fish, and meat options.
Try the freshwater fish curry a Udawalawe specialty.
Afternoon Tea
3:30 PM – 5:00 PMA quintessential Sri Lankan tradition. Enjoy premium Ceylon tea paired with short eats cutlets, patties, and sweet treats served in the garden or by the pool.
Our Ceylon Uva Highlands blend is a guest favourite.
Dinner
7:00 PM – 10:00 PMThe main culinary event of the day. Our chef prepares a changing multi-course dinner menu blending Sri Lankan specialties with international favourites, served in a candlelit setting.
Request the chef's tasting menu for a curated experience.
A Taste in Pictures
Savour with your eyes first a selection of moments from our kitchen and dining room.
Chef's Specialties
Signature dishes created by our head chef that showcase the very best of Sri Lankan and regional cooking. These are not to be missed.
Udawalawe Elephant Platter
SignatureA grand sharing platter inspired by the bounty of the region grilled meats, roasted vegetables, sambols, and chutneys arranged around a mound of fragrant saffron rice. Perfect for families and groups.
Cinnamon-Spiced Prawn Curry
Chef's PickSucculent prawns slow-cooked in a rich sauce of roasted cinnamon, curry leaves, and creamy coconut milk. Served with steaming basmati rice and crispy papadums.
Wild Boar Black Curry
Local DelicacyA bold, dark-roasted curry made with traditional Sri Lankan techniques dry-roasting the spices until almost black creates an intense, smoky depth of flavour unlike anything else.
Garden Vegetable Kottu Roti
VegetarianChopped roti stir-fried on a hot griddle with seasonal vegetables, eggs, and a medley of spices. The rhythmic chopping of the kottu knife is music to the ears before the feast.
“We've travelled all over Sri Lanka, but the food at Country Side was hands-down the best we had on our entire trip. The rice and curry lunch was unforgettable.”— David & Maria, Australia
Dietary Needs & Special Requests
We want every guest to enjoy their meals fully no matter their dietary requirements.
Vegetarian & Vegan
Sri Lankan cuisine naturally features a wide range of plant-based dishes. Our chefs prepare beautiful vegetarian and fully vegan meals daily just let us know your preferences.
Gluten-Free Options
Many of our traditional dishes are naturally gluten-free. We clearly label options and our kitchen team is always happy to adapt recipes to suit your needs.
Allergy Awareness
Please inform our staff of any allergies at check-in. We take all dietary restrictions seriously and will ensure your meals are safe and delicious.
Children's Menu
Little explorers get their own menu with kid-friendly portions of local favourites, pasta, sandwiches, and fruit-based desserts they'll love.
Complete Your Experience
Great food is just one part of the Country Side experience. Discover everything else we offer.
