The short answer
The Empire Cafe: what visitors should know first
A flexible, quick lunch near the temple for groups who want wraps or curry rather than a full rice plate. It is not vegetarian, so ask for vegetable options. Hours and menu should be confirmed locally.
Useful facts
The Empire Cafe facts at a glance
- Location
- 21 Temple Street, Kandy
- Dining style
- Casual cafe
- Price signal
- Affordable
- Signature order
- Try: spring rolls, Sri Lankan curry, potato wedges
- Good for
- Quick lunch near the temple
Why it matters
Why The Empire Cafe is worth your time
The Empire Cafe is the sort of mixed fusion place that grows around a pilgrimage site, serving visitors who want something quick and unfussy after the temple. It saves a group the effort of agreeing on a single cuisine.
For families with children or older relatives who prefer wraps and fries to a heavy curry, it gives options. It is also a reminder to ask directly about diet in Kandy: nothing we read marks it as vegetarian, so decisions should be made at the table, not from a listing.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Spring rolls
A guide recommends them as a starter.
- 02
Sri Lankan curry
Offered alongside the fusion menu.
- 03
Wraps
Wikivoyage mentions wraps among its Western and Eastern dishes.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
Treat it as a light meal stop. One guide lists American, Sri Lankan, European and Asian fusion dishes and recommends the spring rolls, a Sri Lankan curry and potato wedges, while Wikivoyage mentions wraps and both Western and Eastern food near the temple.
Vegetarian travellers can build a meal from vegetable spring rolls, if the kitchen confirms the filling, and a vegetable curry with rice. Ask whether egg or fish is used in the preparation, since neither guide says the menu separates them.
The room suits a short stop between the temple and the lake. If you want a full South Indian vegetarian meal, go to a dosa restaurant instead; this is better for a group that wants to share starters and wraps.
Plan with confidence
Small checks that make a better meal.
- Ask about egg and fish in vegetable dishes
- Confirm the spring roll filling
- Check opening hours locally
- Share starters for variety
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- 21 Temple Street, near the Temple of the Tooth
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Best time
- Lunch or an afternoon break
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- Close to the temple on flat ground, with a casual cafe setting. Wraps and potato wedges are easy to eat for those who prefer lighter food.
- Tickets and access
- Walk-in; no reservation was mentioned. Confirm hours locally.
Best for
Plan it with
Plan the practical part
Hotels near The Empire Cafe
Staying close keeps journeys short — useful for early starts and for anyone who tires quickly.
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Travelling with parents?
Close to the temple on flat ground, with a casual cafe setting. Wraps and potato wedges are easy to eat for those who prefer lighter food.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
Is The Empire Cafe vegetarian?
No evidence says so. Ask for vegetable dishes.
What is on the menu?
Guides mention spring rolls, wraps, potato wedges and Sri Lankan curry.
Where is it?
Temple Street, near the Temple of the Tooth.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.
