Food · Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's Rising Coffee Culture
By Days of Iru and Opa
Sri Lanka is famous for tea, but a specialty coffee culture has grown fast in recent years. Independent cafes and roasters now serve proper espresso in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Ella and the south coast surf towns.
What is brewing
Expect flat whites, cold brew and pour-overs alongside brunch menus. Some cafes roast their own beans and highlight small local growers reviving Sri Lankan coffee.
Where to find it
Colombo's design-led cafes lead the way, but strong coffee scenes have taken root in Galle Fort, Ella, Kandy and the Ahangama and Weligama surf belt.
A tea-and-coffee island
You do not have to choose. Many cafes serve excellent Ceylon tea too, so you can swing between the island's classic brew and its new one.
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