
Nanda Restaurant
Nanda Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka with delicious local dishes and highly recommended, hands-on cooking classes.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Nanda Restaurant

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Nanda Restaurant offers an authentic taste of Sri Lanka with delicious local dishes and highly recommended, hands-on cooking classes.
"The best kottu we had in Sri Lanka and an amazing cooking experience!"
Book a Cooking Class
Engage in an interactive culinary journey and learn local curry secrets. Book in advance!
Customize Spice Levels
Ask the owner to adjust spice levels for your meal to perfectly suit your taste preferences.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Sri Lankan
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+94 572 228 768
Address
Ella Station Rd, Ella, Sri Lanka
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Cooking Classes
Learn to make authentic Sri Lankan curries in an engaging, hands-on class with a patient chef.

Authentic Local Flavors
Savor delicious, reasonably priced Sri Lankan specialties like kottu chicken and diverse rice and curry dishes.

Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere
Experience a friendly vibe with warm and welcoming staff, making you feel right at home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book a Cooking Class
Engage in an interactive culinary journey and learn local curry secrets. Book in advance!
Customize Spice Levels
Ask the owner to adjust spice levels for your meal to perfectly suit your taste preferences.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a more intimate dining experience and avoid crowds by visiting outside of peak times.
Try Local Delicacies
Don't miss out on specialties like vegetable kotti or authentic rice and curry dishes.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book a Cooking Class
Engage in an interactive culinary journey and learn local curry secrets. Book in advance!
Customize Spice Levels
Ask the owner to adjust spice levels for your meal to perfectly suit your taste preferences.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Enjoy a more intimate dining experience and avoid crowds by visiting outside of peak times.
Try Local Delicacies
Don't miss out on specialties like vegetable kotti or authentic rice and curry dishes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nanda Restaurant is highly praised for its authentic and delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, with many highlighting the exceptional rice and curry dishes and the best dhal. The interactive cooking classes are a major draw, offering an engaging way to learn local recipes. While the atmosphere is described as local and cozy, some found the cooking class slightly basic if they already have advanced culinary skills. The staff, particularly the owner, is noted for being friendly and accommodating.
"I love this place - totally full of locals so you know it's legit. Get away from the tourist traps and come here. The food they have in their precooked section (like the samosas and parippu wada) and their curries rotate daily...sad to say we missed the jackfruit curry, but maybe it'll come back in the next couple days. My Sri Lankan friend also said the food is authentic.
They do have a more tourist menu where we also ordered tomato soup and I have to say it was actually so good.
If you can find the paripuu wada, those are to die for. Crunchy balls made from lentils and chickpeas. Omg. Like a better version of a falafel."
Tracy S
"Nice cooking class!
The cook explained a lot about the common curry the locals eat. He took his time to answer my questions. I would recommend this class for beginner/intermediate level. If you make a lot of curries at home it's a little too easy.
He told me he was new at this restaurant, having worked in other places in town. So he's still finetuning the format. Maybe printed sheets (or even in digital form?) as a reference would be a nice addition. Food tasted great, there was too much for me to finish."
Bas van der Graaff
"We had an egg kottu and the Sri Lankan Omelette and it was so good!! The best kottu we had in Sri Lanka! The ambiente is totally what you would expect from a local restaurant, so we loved it!! The owner is a really lovely local who asked about the spice level we would like and he showed us the most spicy chilli pepper, it was so lovely! So everything was perfect, thank you! :)"
Vicka Frese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The class offers an interactive experience where you learn to prepare authentic Sri Lankan curries with a patient chef, often starting with a walk through local scenery.
Yes, multiple reviewers and locals attest to the authenticity and deliciousness of the food, especially the rice and curry and kottu.
Absolutely! The owner is happy to adjust the spice levels to your preference, ensuring a perfect meal for everyone.
Portions are generally described as generous, ensuring you get good value and are well-fed after your meal or cooking class.
Expect a variety of Sri Lankan specialties including kottu, diverse rice and curries (like pumpkin and jackfruit), dhal, pol sambol, and more.
Yes, it's recommended for beginner to intermediate levels. Those with extensive cooking experience might find it a bit basic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit