Eating free food during Vesak festival culture in Kandy
We are in Kandy for Vesak There are free food stalls everywhere Is it culturally acceptable for tourists to eat at the Dansal stalls
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5 Answers from travellers
It is highly encouraged! Dansals are an act of Buddhist almsgiving and community sharing. Locals genuinely love it when foreigners join the queue; it shows immense respect for the culture. The food is heavily monitored by Health Inspectors and is very fresh. Eat the rice and curry, try the fried manioc, and enjoy the beautiful street culture.
Avoid the iced colored drinks if you have a sensitive stomach, just to be safe with the tap water.
Do not try to pay them! Giving money is highly offensive as it defeats the purpose of the offering.
We had the fried manioc with sambol near the Temple of the Tooth. Best street food ever.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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