Rice N' Spice: Savor Authentic Sri Lankan Flavors in Anaheim

4.7/5 ### Rice N' Spice: A Burst of Sri Lankan Magic in Anaheim Hidden away on Euclid Street in Anaheim, just minutes from Disneyland, Rice N' Spice stands as Orange County's sole beacon of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine—a cozy, unpretentious spot that's been delighting adventurous eaters since its opening. The vibe is welcoming and lived-in, with colorful murals evoking tropical Colombo vibes, a handful of tables for dine-in, and a focus on takeout that makes it ideal for picnics or post-park feasts. Open most days from noon until evening (with a couple of midweek closures), it's the kind of place where the aroma of curry leaves and banana leaves wafts out the door, pulling you in like a siren's call. Prices are refreshingly fair—entrees hover around $10-16—and the menu's emphasis on fresh, spice-forward dishes ensures every visit feels like a mini-vacation to the Indian Ocean island. But let's talk about what truly steals the show: the lamprais, a masterful bundle of flavors that's become my obsession. At $15 for the chicken version, it's essentially a portable feast wrapped in a steamed banana leaf, infusing everything with an earthy, subtle smokiness. Unfurl it to reveal tender, fall-apart chicken simmered in a fragrant coconut curry, vibrant yellow rice cooked in broth for that perfect fluffy-yet-sticky texture, a creamy hard-boiled egg, tangy eggplant curry, sweet-and-sour pineapple curry that cuts through the richness, and crispy fried shrimp sambol for a salty, textural pop. Each component is meticulously balanced—bold spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cardamom mingle without overwhelming, while the sweetness from the pineapple adds a tropical lift that dances on your palate. It's not just tasty; it's a symphony of contrasts: creamy against crunchy, savory against sweet, all in one handheld package. I've tried the beef variation too, where the meat's deeper savoriness amps up the umami, but the chicken's lighter profile keeps it endlessly craveable. Pro tip: Heat it at home for that fresh-off-the-grill warmth; it freezes beautifully for impromptu dinners. Beyond the lamprais, the menu tempts with hoppers (those lacy, bowl-shaped rice flour crepes) perfect for scooping up fiery sambal, or kottu roti for a stir-fried noodle-like thrill. Desserts like watalappan, a jaggery-coconut custard, provide a silky finish, and the Sri Lankan iced coffee is a spiced revelation. Service is warm and knowledgeable—staff like head chef Sandya share sourcing stories with genuine pride, making you feel like family. With a 4.6/5 on Restaurant Guru from hundreds of raves, it's no wonder this gem has loyalists driving from all over SoCal. If you're tired of the usual Thai or Indian spots and yearning for something uniquely soul-warming, Rice N' Spice's lamprais will transport you straight to Sri Lanka. It's more than a meal; it's pure, unadulterated joy on a leaf. Can't wait for my next packet!

A hidden gem. Not a lot of places to find Sri Lankan cuisine, let alone one with good flavors and decent pricing. Only other note is that the food is tad spicy for those who prefer no spice at all--it does live up to its name.

Had a wonderful meal. Each different dishes made with care. Authentic Sri Lankan food. And wonderful warm and welcoming customer service. It was totally home like feeling. I had one of the best Kottu. Highly recommended if you want to feel original Sri Lankan food.

Hidden gem. Fell in love with Sri Lanka food but it’s difficult to find here in the states. Rice N Spice appears to be the only one in SoCal and all the dishes I had especially chicken biryani were amazing. Friendly owner and clean environment as well! Can’t wait to come back soon!

I recently visited Rice N’ Spice, and it offered a flavorful introduction to Sri Lankan and South Asian cuisine in the Anaheim area. The restaurant has a casual and welcoming atmosphere that reflects the comfort-food nature of the dishes being served. The dining space is simple and relaxed, allowing guests to focus primarily on the vibrant spices and traditional preparations that define the cuisine. Sri Lankan cooking is known for its complex spice blends and layered flavors, and many of the dishes here highlight those characteristics. Ingredients such as curry leaves, coconut, chili, and aromatic spices appear throughout the menu, creating dishes that carry warmth, depth, and balanced heat. The rice and curry combinations are particularly representative of traditional Sri Lankan meals, where multiple small dishes come together to create a harmonious plate. One of the highlights of the meal was the variety of curries available. Each curry offered a slightly different flavor profile depending on the spice blend and cooking method used. Some leaned toward creamy coconut-based sauces, while others emphasized more robust chili and spice-forward flavors. When paired with rice, these dishes created a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Another strength of the restaurant is the use of traditional side dishes that help balance the curries. Items such as vegetable preparations and sambal-style condiments added brightness and contrast to the richer dishes. These components play an important role in Sri Lankan cuisine by introducing acidity, freshness, and texture. Service during the visit was friendly and efficient. Staff members maintained a welcoming attitude and helped guide diners who may be less familiar with Sri Lankan cuisine. The pacing of the meal felt comfortable and well suited to the casual dining format. The atmosphere reflects the character of a neighborhood restaurant where the emphasis is on authentic flavors and satisfying portions rather than elaborate presentation. It is the type of place where diners can explore traditional dishes in a relaxed environment. Overall, Rice N’ Spice delivers a satisfying Sri Lankan dining experience with bold spices, comforting rice and curry combinations, and friendly service. It stands out as a strong option for anyone interested in exploring Sri Lankan flavors in the Anaheim area.

Absolutely amazing authentic Sri Lankan food! The flavors are spot on and truly remind me of home. As a chef myself, I can honestly say the quality and authenticity here are outstanding. Chef Sandya is incredible — she prepares every dish with care and passion, and it really shows in the taste. The service is excellent, warm, and welcoming, which makes the whole experience even better. If you’re looking for real Sri Lankan cuisine, this is the place. Highly recommend!

Food was excellent in every way. I was driving back to San Francisco after going to Disneyland and stopped by for lunch. I asked them to make things mild for my daughter who can’t handle spicy food. Please note that this is primarily a take out space with around 5 tables for sit down. The food was so good that I even bought separate take out order. I will be back the next time I am in town.

From the moment you walk in, the service stands out. The staff are warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. You can feel the pride they take in serving every table. What makes it even more special is how involved the owner—who is also the chef—is. That level of hands-on commitment really shows in both the consistency and quality of the food. It’s clear this isn’t just a business—it’s a passion. Now, the food: • Kottu – Simply outstanding. Perfectly chopped, well-seasoned, and packed with bold Sri Lankan spices. The texture and balance of flavors were spot on—comforting yet vibrant. • Lamprais (Lump Rice) – A true highlight. Beautifully wrapped and full of rich, layered flavors. The rice, curry, sambol, and sides come together in a way that feels authentic and thoughtfully prepared. The presentation is also impressive. Each dish is plated with care, colorful, and inviting—showing that attention to detail goes beyond just taste. Overall, Rice n Spice delivers on authenticity, service, and heart. It’s always inspiring to see an owner-chef so dedicated alongside a hardworking team that clearly cares about every guest experience. Much love from Oregon