All over Sri Lanka, you can find small government-run eateries that are operated by local women. They are renowned for serving homemade local food, providing not only a delicious stop but also a heartwarming experience.

In 2006, the central government's Department of Agriculture established the first so-called traditional food court, exclusively managed by women entrepreneurs, in the hill town of Kandy. The aim of this initiative was to offer a livelihood for the vendors while also reigniting interest in traditional Sri Lankan produce. Since then, these canteens have become a common sight across the island.

To this day, these canteens offer a great opportunity to try local specialties that are often no longer available elsewhere. You can satisfy your appetite while directly supporting local women.

In central Sri Lanka, these canteens are referred to as "hela bojun hala" (you can find more locations by searching for this name on Google), while in the Tamil North, such as here in Mannar, they are known by the Tamil name "Ammachi Unavagam," roughly translating to 'grandmother's eatery.' We enjoy eating there and engaging in conversation with the ladies, who are always very friendly and open for a chat. Each woman specializes in one or two dishes, so you'll likely purchase something from several women, thereby supporting different families while enjoying a single meal.

THE BEST TIME TO GO is for breakfast or lunch. Most of them are closed in the evening.

DO keep an eye out for these canteens while you're on the road. They are easily identifiable by their distinctive green sign, a green round roof over an open stall, and the women working there wearing green aprons and hats.

DON'T hesitate to try everything they offer! It's affordable, and you can opt for small portions. We often find it hard to resist trying something from each lady, which often leads to overeating. In the end, you'll need to pay each lady for what you've purchased, but don't worry—they're adept at keeping track of your selections.

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