The Empire Cafe
A cafe housed in a colonial-era building opposite the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, featuring terrace views, with rice and curry and salad wraps perfect for a post-visit break.
Located at No. 21 Temple Street, directly opposite the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, this cafe is set inside a colonial-era building. The front veranda offers views of the temple grounds, making it a popular spot to rest and dine after a visit. The signature Empire Classic Rice and Curry offers a choice of chicken or fish served with two or three vegetable curries, papadums, and pol sambol. Other options include chicken kottu, salads, and wraps. Prices are higher than the surrounding area, and the clientele is mostly tourists. An older version of the review page marked it as closed, but a new page for the same location still shows new reviews as of October 2026. Calling to confirm before visiting is recommended.
Opening hours
Daily approx. 08:00–21:00 (some sources list 08:30–20:30)
Nearby sights
- Kandy National Museum & Royal Palace
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Kandyan Cultural Dance Show
- British Garrison Cemetery
- Arthur's Seat Viewpoint
- Kandy Municipal Central Market
- Kandy Lake
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary