I came for surf. I stayed for the food. Above is a photo of French Toast from the French Cafe – scroll down to see location!
Simple plates. Big flavour. No fuss.
Here is my honest guide to eating well in and around Ahangama. A mix of local staples and Western comforts. Prices change. Taste buds won’t.
Local first
Veda
Buffet that fills you up without flattening your wallet.
Lunch around 1,500 LKR. Dinner around 2,000 LKR.
Pile your plate. Go heavy on the veg. Come back tomorrow.
Baboo
Order the grilled fish. Fresh, charred, perfect with lime.
Simple place. Sea on your lips. You will plan a return.
Manoris
Rated as the best local buffet in the south.
A spread of curries that tastes like someone’s grandma still runs the pass.
Come hungry. Leave happy.
No Name – Next to this shop
Rice and curry for about 300 LKR. A steal.
Plus the best egg rolls. Hot. Crunchy. Gone in three bites.
Western, when you crave it
French Cafe
Great coffee. Brunch that keeps you going.
In the evening there is a meat and cheese menu that pairs well with stories of the day.
Vertigo
Best pizza in town. No question.
Thin crust. Proper bake. You will argue about slices.
Blue Porch, Midigama
Worth the short hop. Good price for what they offer.
Get the Buddha bowl. Fresh and balanced.
Coco’s
Reliable Western pick when you want a familiar plate.
Easy choice with friends. No overthinking.
Hashi
Best Japanese in town.
Go for the lunchtime menu deal. Clean flavours. Good value.
Zippi, Midigama
Also excellent sushi.
Book an appetite. Share a few rolls. Order one more.
O Mami – on Uber eats – Location tbc
Best smash burger.
Crisp edges. Juicy centre. You will not share.
East Falafal
Best falafel in town.
Crunch outside. Soft inside. Add pickles. Smile.
Donna
A different kind of pizza.
Get the Pan Saussie. Banana, custard and chocolate. It should not work. It does.
How to eat like a local and still surf
Breakfast light. Hoppers or fruit.
Lunch at a buffet. Rice and curry with two veg and a fish.
Early dinner after the sunset session. Half a pizza shared or sushi and a walk home.
Carry cash. Ask what is fresh. Say please and thank you.
Rice and curry is an invitation, not a challenge. Try the veg. Sri Lankan veg curries are the secret heroes.
What I wish Ahangama had more of
Indian curries.
We are so close to India yet there is only one spot right now. I would love more places. A proper thali. Chennai heat. Kerala comfort. Fingers crossed.
If you have a new favourite, tell me. I will eat it, twice, and report back.
Otherwise I’ll see you out there catching some waves – yeeeeeow
