Kandy is a city full of cultural and historical marvels that most visitors can’t ignore, but its local cafés are where the city’s everyday charm lies. If you’re looking to get a sense of Kandy’s day-to-day rhythms while enjoying a good snack and a warm beverage, these spots are must-visits from almost any of the 4-star hotels in Kandy, Sri Lanka.

Café Koi

Located right in the centre of the city, this cycling-themed coffee shop is a convenient stop after a visit to the Sacred Tooth Temple or the Kandy Lake from hotels like Kandy Myst by Cinnamon. The cafe’s minty green interiors create a calming atmosphere, and their coffee is some of the best you’ll taste in Kandy.

Department of Coffee

If this one sounds familiar, you may have visited their Colombo shop, but the one in Kandy is just as good. It has a great range of options for everyone, from various espressos to milk-alternative drinks, and pour-overs served exactly how you prefer.

The Garage Café

As the name suggests, this is an automotive-themed shop where car parts, tyres, and even license plates are cleverly used as decor. Even the menus add to the niche concept, serving up Hybrid Iced Teas, Jumpstart Frizz, V6 Cheese Kottus and 100MPH fries – a fun selection if you happen to love cars!

Image by jonatnes0 from Pixabay

Café Buono

Filled with cosy seating and open till late in the evening, Café Buono is perfect if you’re craving an espresso at any time of the day. There’s no rush here – it’s all about the slow pace, which is perfect if you’re looking to relax or even get some urgent work done.