Colombo’s BBQ scene combines Sri Lankan flavors with outdoor dining experiences that showcase the region’s natural beauty. Three standout options deserve special attention: a private countryside house dinner offering intimate local hospitality, a lake-side fishing adventure culminating in a fresh BBQ feast, and the cultural Hikkaduwa village experience that pairs traditional mask art with waterfront grilling.
I particularly love the countryside house experience – it’s far from tourist crowds and offers the most authentic home-cooked BBQ flavors. The lake fishing tour is another favorite, combining outdoor activity with a memorable meal.
Tours typically run $90-155 per person, with most offering free cancellation and kids’ discounts. Check out these top BBQ experiences in Colombo for all the practical details.
Good To Know
- Private BBQ dinners in scenic countryside settings, priced from $90 per person, offering a unique dining experience with tuk-tuk transportation and free cancellation.
- Lake fishing, boat tours, and island BBQ dinners as a 6-hour private group experience, priced at $135 per person, with complimentary access for children 4 and under.
- Outdoor BBQ dinner experiences in a private group setting with scenic countryside views, priced from $95 per person, including hotel pick-up and drop-off.
- Hikkaduwa Village Tours with BBQ, priced at $155 per person, featuring a boat tour of the lagoon, visit to a local family, and exploration of the Mask Museum and moonstone mine.
- All activities include government taxes, with the option to pay later and the recommendation to wear comfortable clothing for outdoor experiences.
From Colombo: Private BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House
A private BBQ dinner in a countryside house just outside Colombo offers a unique and intimate dining experience. Priced from $90 per person, this 4-hour activity includes a tuk-tuk ride to an exclusive countryside setting surrounded by lanterns and fire torches.
The BBQ is cooked in a smoker, ensuring exceptional tenderness and flavor. Guests will enjoy the outdoor dinner facing a lake, river, or paddy field, along with beer and welcome drinks. The experience highlights the best of Colombo’s natural beauty.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, this BBQ dinner is a convenient and flexible way to explore the city’s countryside. The price includes all government taxes, while personal expenses and gratuities aren’t included.
Participants simply need to bring their passport or ID card to enjoy this memorable BBQ experience.
Read our full review: From Colombo: Private BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House Review
Book now: Check availability
Colombo: Lake Fishing & BBQ Dinner by the Lake
For those seeking a unique outdoor dining experience in Colombo, the Lake Fishing & BBQ Dinner by the Lake activity offers an unforgettable adventure. Lasting 6 hours, this private group experience includes lake fishing, a boat tour, and an off-the-beaten-path island BBQ dinner with beer.
Priced at $135 per person, the activity is conducted in English and transportation via tuk-tuk is provided from most central Colombo hotels. Participants can reserve their spot and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Children 4 years and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult. The experience includes fishing gear, life jackets, a personal tour guide, refreshments, and all government taxes, though gratuities are recommended but not included.
Guests are advised to be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before pickup, and to wear comfortable clothing, as the activity may be canceled due to inclement weather, with rescheduling or refunds available.
Read our full review: Colombo: Lake Fishing & BBQ Dinner by the Lake Review
Book now: Check availability
Colombo: Outdoor BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House!
An exceptional opportunity to savor a captivating outdoor BBQ dinner awaits in a charming countryside house near Colombo.
This 3-hour experience immerses guests in a private group setting, where they’ll enjoy scenic countryside views overlooking a lake, river, or paddy fields. The BBQ dinner, served with beer and welcome drinks, is accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide who’ll enhance the experience.
Priced from $95 per person, this activity includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, transportation by TukTuk, and all government taxes.
Cancelations up to 24 hours in advance qualify for a full refund. Guests are advised to be ready in the hotel lobby 15 minutes before pick-up, as roundtrip transportation is available from most central Colombo hotels.
While gratuity is discretionary, comfortable clothing is recommended. Children 4 and younger can join at no extra cost with a paying adult.
Read our full review: Colombo: Outdoor BBQ Dinner in a Countryside House! Review
Book now: Check availability
From Colombo: Hikkaduwa Village Tour With Boat Ride & BBQ
Departing from Colombo, this captivating tour whisks visitors to the charming coastal town of Hikkaduwa, offering an immersive experience that combines a boat ride, village exploration, and a delectable beachside barbecue. Priced at $155 per person, the tour provides great value with free cancellation and a flexible 5-day itinerary.
Guests can look forward to a boat tour of the Hikkaduwa lagoon, a visit to a local family making coconut coir products, and a journey through the Mask Museum to learn about ritual masks. Venturing to a moonstone mine, they’ll witness the unearthing of precious stones.
The day culminates with a sunset stroll and a taste of the local coconut-based arrack drink. With a small group limited to 10 participants, the tour prioritizes safety and personalized service, earning it a stellar 5/5 overall rating.
Whether it’s the boat ride, village immersion, or the fresh fish barbecue, this Hikkaduwa tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Read our full review: From Colombo: Hikkaduwa Village Tour With Boat Ride & BBQ Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Type of Grills or Smokers Are Used at These BBQ Experiences?
The type of grills or smokers used at these BBQ experiences typically include charcoal grills, gas grills, and wood-fired smokers. These cooking methods impart unique flavors and textures to the meats and vegetables being grilled or smoked.
Are Vegetarian or Vegan Options Available for the BBQ Meals?
Many BBQ establishments offer vegetarian and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary preferences. These meatless alternatives often feature grilled or smoked seasonal produce, legumes, and plant-based proteins, providing flavorful and satisfying BBQ experiences for all diners.
Can I Bring My Own Alcoholic Beverages to the BBQ Dinners?
Bringing your own alcoholic beverages to BBQ dinners typically isn’t allowed, as most venues have their own liquor licenses and policies. It’s best to inquire about the specific rules before bringing any outside alcohol.
How Are the Meats and Produce Sourced for These BBQ Experiences?
The meats and produce are carefully sourced from local suppliers, ensuring freshness and quality. The restaurants work closely with trusted farms and butchers to provide high-quality ingredients for their BBQ experiences.
Are There Any Special Dietary Requirements or Food Allergies That Can Be Accommodated?
Most BBQ experiences in Colomba can accommodate special dietary requirements and food allergies. They work closely with customers to ensure their needs are met, whether it’s vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or any other dietary restrictions.
The Sum Up
Colombo offers a range of remarkable BBQ experiences. Visitors can enjoy private BBQ dinners in countryside houses, lakeside BBQ dinners, and outdoor BBQ feasts in rural settings. For a more adventurous option, one can combine a Hikkaduwa village tour with a boat ride and BBQ. These diverse BBQ experiences allow travelers to savor delicious local cuisine while seeing Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural landscapes.