When it comes to budget traveling in Ella without sacrificing culinary quality, Matey Hut takes the crown. This small, family-run restaurant might not look impressive from the outside, but locals and in-the-know travelers flock here for some of the most authentic Sri Lankan food in town. The restaurant specializes in traditional rice and curry—a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine that typically includes red or white rice served with several vegetable curries, dhal (lentil curry), and either meat or fish curry if desired.

Located near the tunnel of Ella, Sri Lanka, Matey Hut beckons travelers with its rustic charm and vibrant atmosphere. This quaint café exudes a cozy ambiance, reminiscent of a traditional Sri Lankan hut, making it the perfect spot to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshing fruit smoothie, a steaming cup of Ceylon tea, or a mouthwatering snack, Matey Hut has something to satisfy every craving.

Both offer decent cuisine, at touristy prices, but nothing compares to the delicious Matey Hut. The locally owned spot near the train station is literally located in a hut and serves some of the best traditional food I had during my month in Sri Lanka. On my first visit, I had okra curry, pumpkin curry, bean curry, and a curried mango with rice and papadum!.

Another awesome place for cheap and easy vegan eats in Ella, Matey Hut is a teeny tiny little shack located on the outskirts of the main town area. For the small price of 480 LKR (~$2.65, £2.00, €2.40), you can order up a large place of 4 different types of veg curries, rice, and papadam. Though my food could have been a bit warmer, the flavor was spot-on!

Matey Hut is one of the top-rated restaurants in Ella, and it is famous for its Rotti. A tiny little treehouse-type restaurant with only 4/5 tables located slightly off the main road and run by a local family who cooks Sri Lankan food right in front of you. It is popular among tourists for delicious, authentic Sri Lankan food at a reasonable price.

Matey Hut is a great local joint that offers not only the finest Sri Lankan food around but also very popular cooking classes!. The portions are huge, the food is amazing and it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Ella. If you want to snag a spot in their famous cooking classes, you have to book far in advance.

Just as you enter the tourist hub of Ella this rustic restaurant is on a steep cliff overlooking the road. Matey Hut has been around for a while as it’s recommended by many for its restaurant and cooking class. It was a close second for favorite Sri Lanka next to Wimala as they both serve traditional food.

Address: No.91, Ella Road, Ella (near the tunnel)Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Daily) TripAdvisor. The Matay Hut is a small homestyle restaurant that has become a backpacker favorite in Ella. It’s just a few minutes by foot from the train station and specializes in authentic Sri Lankan cooking.

Matey Hut, a very popular restaurant in Ella runs cooking classes in the afternoon from 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm. At only 1000 LKR ($6 USD), you can cook 6 different curries of your choice, followed by a dessert. We only heard about it the day we were leaving so, unfortunately, we couldn’t do it.

Get ready to taste the incredible flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine at Matey Hut’s cooking class. You’ll learn all about the local ingredients and how to make delicious dishes that you can enjoy at home. Plus, you’ll get to meet new people and have a great time learning from a local chef.

Matey Hut Ella Sri Lanka is located at the northern end of the main street of Ella. If you’re interested in taking a cooking class with them it’s best to book it as soon as you arrive in Ella. They usually take up to 6 students at a time and we noticed a few bookings when we arrived.

A tiny rustic log cabin type of place that has only a few tables. Their food is extremely cheap with very generous proportions. However, since the lines of people waiting to get food here are usually long and its very difficult to get a seat; it may be easier to get the food to-go.

Don’t be fooled by its modest appearance – Matey Hut is a hidden gem in Ella. This quaint log hut may be small, but it serves up a mean rice and curry with all the trimmings. Due to its popularity, there may be a wait, but the mouthwatering flavors make it well worth your time.

The restaurant is just a few minutes on foot from the train station and specializes in authentic, homestyle Sri Lankan cooking. This restaurant is very affordable, too. (BONUS) Matey Hut offers cooking classes every evening where they show you how to make their best dishes!

Matey Hut is one joint with good quality Sri Lankan cuisine on a budget. It’s best to arrive here early to avoid ending up without a seat!. Chicken Kottu here is supposed to be delectable and everything else on the menu also is pretty reasonable in terms of pricing.

We wanted to do one cooking class during our trip to Sri Lanka and we’ve heard great stories about the cooking class from Matey Hut. During the day we made a reservation to cook a great Sri Lankan meal in the evening. I could recommend the experience!

For an unadulterated taste of Sri Lanka, Matey Hut is an “absolute must-visit spot for dinner”. 3 It has garnered a stellar reputation for its “unreal Sri Lankan food” and deeply authentic local dishes, making it a highlight for many visitors to Ella.

Matey Hut: For a taste of international flavours, head to Matey Hut and feast on mouth-watering wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Pair your meal with a refreshing cocktail or mocktail, served with a generous dose of island hospitality.

Back in town, we had lunch at Matey Hut which was insanely good!. A curry that rich and spicy didn’t prepare me well for the long hike ahead. It was incredibly hot as we set off along the railway track on the path to Ella Rock.

Travellers on the hunt for Ella’s take on classic Sri Lankan rice and curry should look no further than Matey Hut, a small but albeit renowned dining hub which serves a delectable plate of local fare every day of the week.

Voor een paar euro eet je hier de lekkerste rotti, kottu, noodles en/of lokale snacks. Een simpel tentje, goedkope prijzen, maar wel echt super goed eten. In een mini keuken worden alle gerechten vers bereid.

We didn’t do this because the entrance fee is 100rs/pp, and we aren’t really day-tour kind of people, but we met up with another couple at Matey Hut (see below!) who had loved their trip there.

Far and above the best food that I ate in Sri Lanka was served up at Matey Hut. Like everything in town, Matey Hut is located on the main highway. The food here is local, fresh, and very tasty.

Matey Hut | Matey Hut sits at the top of the main road in Ella. The food was served fast, hot, and was absolutely delicious. A great option for good quality Sri Lankan food on a budget.

Matey Hut is a tiny log hut that doesn’t look like much but serves a mean rice and curry with all the trimmings. The place is small so there may be a wait – it’s worth it!

Food: Café C Ella, Matey Hut, N2 Restaurant, Ak Ristoro, Art Café Umbrella, Grand 39, Adam’s Breeze, Café Guru, Jade Green, Ellement Hiking Bar

Matey Hut Restaurant, Ella Sri Lanka – Best rice and curry in Sri Lanka. It's a small, easy to find a place on the main road.