Hela Bojun Hala - Remarkable Food Stall in Kandy, Sri Lanka
Updated: Aug 8
While on a tour of Sri Lanka with Hayes & Jarvis we came across a most extraordinary food experience on the on the outskirts of Kandy . The Hela Bojun Hala isn't just a place to eat - it's a movement, a cooperative effort that celebrates traditional Sri Lankan cuisine while empowering the local women who bring these flavours to life.
What Is Hela Bojun Hala?
Hela Bojun Hala is more than a mere collection of food stalls; it is a project initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture to empower rural women through entrepreneurship in the food sector. The Hala, or hall, provides a space for these women to cook and sell traditional Sri Lankan foods, made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The initiative serves a dual purpose: preserving the culinary heritage of the island and offering economic opportunities to women.
Staying in Kandy?
Kandy is one of Sri Lanka's most rewarding destinations, combining sacred temples, beautiful gardens, colourful markets and some of the country's finest traditional food. If you're planning to explore the city at a relaxed pace, it's well worth spending at least a couple of nights here.
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A Wide Choice of Flavours
As you step into the lively and vibrant environment of Hela Bojun Hala in Kandy, the air is rich with the soound of sizzling, the aroma of spices, and the warmth of the omnipresent Sri Lankan smile. The array of food displayed in this open-air market is a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, each stall telling a different story through its dishes.
The Culinary Delights
One of the star attractions at Hela Bojun Hala is the assortment of 'short eats'—a term endearingly used by locals to refer to a variety of snacks. These include the likes of:
Kimbula Buns: Crocodile-shaped buns, playfully named for their appearance, which are sweet, soft, and perfect with a cup of Ceylon tea.
Roti Varieties: From the pol roti (coconut roti) to the kottu (chopped roti mixed with vegetables and meats), each roti is a revelation of simple ingredients turned extraordinary.
Rice Dishes: The quintessential Sri Lankan meal is a plate of rice with curries. Each serving at Hela Bojun is a testament to the country's rice culture, accompanied by an assortment of curries that range from the fiery hot to the subtly flavored.
A Sustainable and Ethical Feast
Eating at Hela Bojun Hala is not just a treat for the palate; it's a commitment to sustainable and ethical eating. The ingredients are organic and locally produced, ensuring that the food is not only healthy but also supports the island's agriculture. Moreover, the cooperative ensures that the profits go back to the women who have lovingly prepared the meals, making every bite a support to the local community.
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More Than Just Somewhere to Eat
One of the pleasures of travelling is discovering places that weren't necessarily on your original itinerary but end up becoming some of the most memorable parts of the holiday. Hela Bojun Hala was exactly that sort of place for me.
At first glance it looks wonderfully uncomplicated. There are no flashy signs, celebrity chefs or expensive menus. Instead, there are smiling women preparing recipes that have been handed down through generations, using fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods.
What impressed me most was the atmosphere. There was no sense that this had been created purely for tourists. Families, office workers and local residents queued happily alongside visitors, all enjoying food that reflected the everyday flavours of Sri Lanka rather than an international version adapted for foreign tastes.
The cooperative itself deserves just as much attention as the cooking. Established to promote traditional food while providing opportunities for rural women, Hela Bojun Hala has become one of Sri Lanka's most successful community food initiatives. The first outlet opened in Kandy in 2006, and the idea has since spread to other parts of the country, helping preserve local recipes while supporting women entrepreneurs.
For me, that's one of the reasons this place feels so special. You're not simply enjoying an inexpensive meal. You're helping to support a project that celebrates Sri Lankan culture, local agriculture and the remarkable skills of the women behind the counters.
The Experience Beyond the Plate
Dining at Hela Bojun Hala is an immersive experience. The women, with their stories and smiles, are as much a part of the meal as the food itself. It's not uncommon for a traveler to be invited to watch and sometimes even participate in the preparation of the dishes, learning about the spices and techniques that are indigenous to Sri Lankan cooking.
The Sweet Conclusion
No visit to Hela Bojun Hala is complete without indulging in the sweet treats. The variety of puddings, from the Watalappan, a coconut custard pudding, to the Kiri Pani, curd with palm syrup, ensures that your gastronomic journey ends on a high note.
Taking the Journey
We’d recommend you visit this place with an empty stomach . The cooperative is usually open from early morning to late evening, making it a perfect spot for any meal or a snack in between. Prices are reasonable, and the experience is priceless.
In Conclusion
Hela Bojun Hala stands as a beacon of Sri Lankan tradition and women's empowerment, a place where food is a celebration of life and community. For the traveler who seeks a connection with the places they visit, a meal at this cooperative in Kandy is a rich, fulfilling encounter with the true essence of Sri Lanka – its people, its land, and its boundless hospitality.
Explore More of Kandy
Hela Bojun Hala is only one of the reasons to spend time in Kandy. The city also makes an excellent base for visiting the Temple of the Tooth, the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, tea country and many of Sri Lanka's cultural highlights.
FAQ
What is Hela Bojun Hala?
Hela Bojun Hala is a government-supported network of food courts showcasing traditional Sri Lankan cooking. The stalls are run by local women, promoting authentic cuisine while supporting entrepreneurship and local agriculture.
Is Hela Bojun Hala worth visiting?
Absolutely. It offers visitors an opportunity to sample freshly prepared Sri Lankan dishes at very reasonable prices while enjoying an experience that is popular with local people as well as tourists.
What food should I try at Hela Bojun Hala?
Popular choices include egg hoppers, string hoppers, pol roti, kottu roti, coconut sambol, traditional curries, local sweets and fresh fruit juices.
Where is Hela Bojun Hala?
The original and best-known Hela Bojun Hala is in Kandy, although similar food halls have since opened in several other parts of Sri Lanka.
