Press
An Offer to Let the Mind Wander
March 29, 2014
The shiny black table reflects blue sky, banana fronds and distant birds with eyelash wings. Outside, signs for mortgages and driving lessons loom over this tired stretch of Hillside Avenue in Jamaica, Queens. But inside Spicy Lanka, clouds drift, as does the mind. Read more
Restaurant Review
July 09, 2014
Spicy Lanka, a new eatery in up-and-coming Jamaica. The rest of the excitement comes from the simply stellar food. Start with vegetarian patties ($3) Read more
String Hoppers, Tripe & Pig-Foot Stew, and Other Cut-Rate Culinary Delights
July 09, 2014
String Hoppers, Tripe & Pig-Foot Stew, and Other Cut-Rate Culinary Delights Read more
New York Foodies Crown the City’s Best Asian Restaurants at Taste Asia Food Fest
June 26, 2026
Spicy Lanka (Queens) was another dark horse candidate, who won for Best Sri Lankan Restaurant. Read more
Here's what our customers are saying...
What a hidden gem!! This place has the best Sri Lankan food I've tried in the states. The interior is clean and the staffs are friendly. I read their webpage on the story of the restaurant. It is own by a Sri Lankan couple - one Singhalese and one Tamil. Their love represents the union of the two groups of folks who had long lasting conflict and tension in the country. At this restaurant, you can experience the culinary fusion of the two distinct tradition.
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Out of the three srilankan restaurants tried so far, this is my favorite. Excellent service and Hats Off to the chef. I am from Kerala, India, and have to say, the dishes were very similar to Kerala and Tamil Nadu cuisine (Pittu[Puttu]& Stringhopper ( [Idiyappam]. Following were the dishes that we ordered and I would definitely recommend to everyone. Also I did go mild on the spice levels.
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Lamprais, Kothu Roti, Deviled Chicken, Island Fried Rice, Chicken Biriyani. The desert Watallapam is excellent.This is a truly a family business that I really want to support. Everyone is always smiling, super friendly, down to their youngest daughter who helped serve our large group food a few weeks ago when they started their weekend AYCE brunch.
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Took a detour just to get back here and order a great lunch!
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I was seated right away as usual and offered a great juice while I browsed the menu. I got the cutlets while my lunch was being prepared. There was great music on and all the TVs playing Sri Lanka food shows and teledramas. If you insist they will portion out 8oz or 16oz containers to go of the meats & veg. Highly recommended.