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Travel

My top pick of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London and beyond

Tooting Mama
No Comments
August 2, 2018
6 Mins read
1,868 Views
Pol_roti_3

Sri Lankan food is finally cool. I mean really cool. Over the last few years, a swathe of super trendy restaurants has sprung up across London serving a modern take on authentic Sri Lankan food. Here’s my list of where to find the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London.  

People are starting to find out what hoppers are, how satisfying chomping into a a mutton roll can be and discovering the joys of eating drumsticks.

I can’t keep up with the rate at which these Sri Lankan restaurants keep opening. I haven’t tried them all – so if you do – please let me know in the comments how you found them – good, bad, indifferent, let me know in the comments!

My top pick of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London and beyond

Of course being Sri Lankan, I am blessed with some amazing restaurants that really showcase Sri Lankan food. Here is my personal pick of some of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London:

Apollo Banana Leaf

Apollo Banana Leaf – when I first walked in here I was transported back to my granny’s kitchen in Colombo. This restaurant serves great Sri Lankan food, which uses coconut as its base (so very on-trend). Seafood is a Sri Lankan speciality – the crab curry is to die for. Try the hoppers, a Sri Lankan style pancake made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk – just tear into pieces and dip into the delicious curries.

Address: 190 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SF
Website: http://apollobananaleaf.com
Tel: 020 8696 1423

Dammikas

When I last visited this place it was called Sekaras. Dammika’s a stone’s throw from Victoria Station. You can stop by here to fuel up on Sri Lankan food after a hard day’s sightseeing or shopping. And on Sunday, Dammika’s serves up a fantastic Sunday buffet feast – it’s well worth the trip.

Address: 3 Lower Grosvenor Pl, Westminster, London SW1W 0EJ UK
Website: dammikas.com
Tel: 020 7834 0722

Hop & Roll

Rosh is a lawyer and a street food entrepreneur who is bringing the uniquely Sri Lankan dish, hoppers, to London’s streets and into our homes.

Rosh has a street food stall at Venn Street Market, Clapham where you’ll find her dishing out hoppers once a month.

It’s Rosh’s passion for Sri Lankan cuisine, and a drive that is helping to bring authentic, traditional food to a wider audience.

During lockdown Rosh has been sending out hopper kits. These kits are helping Sri Lankan food enthusiasts create hoppers in their own homes. And to go with those homemade hoppers you can create your own cocktails with her Arrack cocktail kits.

Website: Hop & Roll

Hoppers

Hoppers is a new breed of Sri Lankan restaurant. Opened by the team that have brought us Trishna, Motu and Brigadiers. This is high-end, incredibly well done Sri Lankan food. Hoppers was the first restaurant to Sri Lankan food mainstream which has only been a good thing.

Address:
49 Frith Street, London W1D 4SG – info@hopperslondon.com
77 Wigmore Street, London W1U 1QE –  0203 319 8110
Unit 3, 4 Pancras Square, King’s Cross, London N1C 4AG
Website: https://www.hopperslondon.com

Jaffna House

Go to Jaffna House, if you are looking for a restaurant that serves up authentic Sri Lankan cooking. This is a humble place, a cafe in the front, and a very small restaurant at the back. You aren’t here for the ambience, nor the service (be patient) you are here for the food. Jaffna House does real Sri Lankan food, hoppers, string hoppers, dosas, idlis. When I am here, I fill up on mutton and squid curries, all washed down with Lion larger.

Address: 90 Tooting High St, London SW17
Website: jaffnahouse.uk
Tel: 020 8672 7786

Kolamba

This restaurant’s claim to fame is the head chef – Malin de Silva, was a runner up in Master Chef professionals. The owners, to showcase the food they remember from the childhood. Kolamba is the Singhalese name for Sri Lanka’s captial city Colombo.

Address: 21 Kingly Street, London W1
Website: https://kolamba.co.uk

Paradise

Paradise is another of the next-gen of Sri Lankan restaurants. Its style is minimalist, brutalist. Based in the heart of Soho is this contemporary Sri Lankan restaurant serving food based on family recipes influenced by Portuguese, Malay, South Indian and Dutch cuisine.

Address: 61 Rupert St, Soho, London W1D 7PW
Website: https://paradisesoho.com

Sambal Express

This restaurant is based in South Harrow and has branches in New Malden, Southall, East Ham, Barkingside, Croydon and its own bakery in Colindale. I’ve not been to this restaurant, but I get the feeling they cater for a local crowd (I grew up in the area) so expect food to be both authentic and hot. I’m crossing my fingers they’ll be coming to Tooting!

Yhaal House

I am going to give Yhaal House a shout.

It’s not a restaurant, but a cafe and takeaway. Given the heat of the food, the chilli content, this place caters for a very local Sri Lankan clientele. This is where I go to stock up on Sri Lankan short eats such as roti rolls, patties, mutton rolls, fish cutlets, vadai. There’s also a good selection of authentic, fiery curries. Yhaal house is cheap and fantastic.

Address: 1 London Road, London SW17 9JP
Tel: 020 8767 7688

Sri Lankan restaurants outside London

Colombo Kitchen

I first came across Colombo Kitchen when they are just a catering operation. They came and catered for my birthday serving my guests freshly made dosas on-site and a selection of Sri Lankan short eats – mutton rolls, samosas and patties. It’s great to see they have got a restaurant. They are based out in Worcester Park – and they’ll be worth the trek.

And I love that their head chef is a woman, Sylvia Perera – queen of hoppers! And recently won the coveted award of Surrey chef

Address: 25 -27 Central Rd, Worcester Park, KT4 8EG
Website: Colombo Kitchen

Copper Ceylon

This is a new addition to the Sri Lankan foodie scene. This restaurant is based out in Bromley it boasts private dining offering traditional Sri Lankan recipes with a modern twist.

Address: 32 East Street, Bromley BR1 1QU
Website: Copper Ceylon

K + K

K + K’s food is so good. Their lamprais is second to none. For the uninitiated, lamprais is a selection of rice and curries packed neatly into a banana leaf. Truly Sri Lankan. And while you’re tucking into your lamprais, treat yourself to some mutton rolls or fish cutlets. And don’t worry if you’re vegetarian or vegan there’s plenty to choose from. I can recommend their jackfruit curry and the seeni sambol.

The three founders of K+K founders grew up in Sri Lanka. I think you will agree there is something magical about Sri Lankan street food. The combination of their passion for Sri Lankan food, memories of trips to Sri Lankan food markets helped the trio seal their bond to become business partners and share their passion for Sri Lankan cuisine with the rest of the world. 

Adress: Unit 34-35, BoxPark, 99 George St, Croydon CR0 1LD
Website: kkstreetfood.com

And, some of the best Indian restaurants in Tooting

I can’t leave you without giving you a round-up of some of Tooting’s fantastic curry houses. OK, so we might have trendy pop up places offering you sharing plates. But if you are in Tooting – try out one of our fantastic curry houses before you leave.

Dosa & Chutney

Dosa & Chutney –  this family favourite specialises in South Indian crispy pancakes with a spicy potato filling. My kids love the kid’s dosa, but have now moved on to chicken 65. This restaurant always makes the listings of best Indian and Sri-Lankan restaurants in Tooting. I love the mutton masala dosa. It also serves a good selection of Sri Lankan starters including mutton rolls, fish cutlets, vadai (spicy lentil doughnuts). Ignore the orange dΓ©cor and wall-to-wall mirrors and enjoy a great meal for under a tenner.

Address: 68 Tooting High St, London SW17 0RN
Website: dosanchutny.com
Tel: 020 8767 9200

Vijaya Krishna

Vijaya Krishna is heading out of the main drag of Tooting’s Indian restaurants.  But it’s been a fixture in Tooting for the last 25 years. About three years ago the restaurant had a revamp, and now it’s super stylish. The restaurant specialises in South Indian food, in particular, Kerela.  And the food is delicious!

Address: 114 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9NG
Website vijayakrishna.co.uk
Tel: 02087677688

Spice Village

Spice Village, in Tooting Bec, is well worth a mention serving North Indian and Pakistani food. The restaurant is bright, busy, and popular with local families.

Address: 32 Upper Tooting Road, London SW17
Website: Spice Village
Tel: 020 8672 0710

Lahore Karahi

Another favourite of ours, Lahore Karahi. This restaurant serves Pakistani food, and I can highly recommend the masala lamb chops and the chicken karahi. This is a bright bustling restaurant, with quick service and easy on the wallet.

Address: 1 Tooting High St, London SW17 0SN
Website: deliveroo.co.uk
Tel: 020 8767 2477

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Ranji Thangiah

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I'm Ranji! I am a food photographer, recipe creator, lover of Sri Lankan food which I want to share with you.

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That'll be a full Sri Lankan for me.​​​​​​​​​
@cynthia.uma I want to say good luck as you welcome your first guest to your new Sri Lankan restaurant @rambutan_ldn.

I know this project has been in gestation for a long time, and I can only imagine the excitement you are feeling as you welcome your first guests to dine with you. 

I also know you're going to smash this while putting Tamil Sri Lankan food on the map!

If you can't wait that long, grab a  copy of Cynthia's awesome cookbook Rambutan. 

This is the roasted butternut squash curry, perfect for soaking up fragrant spices that pack a punch. 

My husband and I, we are hooked on seeni sambol toasties. This was something my mum used to make, and you'll find it in the book. Think cheese toasties with an onion jam on acid! Try it, you'll be hooked too! 

πŸ€Good luck Cynthia, I'm rooting for you! πŸ‘ŠπŸΎ

Recipe: Sri Lankan butternut squash curry, recipe from Rambutan cookbook
Photography: Moi 
Food styling: Moi

#srilankanfoodrecipes #srilankanfoodphotograher #srilankanfoodlovers #srilankanfoodiesaroundtheworld #srilankantraveldiaries #srilankantravel #foodandflatlay #foodstylingandphotography #foodstylingphotography #foodphotographymagazine #restaurantphotographer #londonfoodphotographer #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale
My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve sucking up the last dribbles from my creative well.

I did a shoot for two recipes I had created. 

I loved the recipes, hot spicy traditional Sri Lankan curries, kalupol chicken and a side of sambar. The flavours that had depth, the kind of flavours reach into you and touch your soul! 

But, I hated the pictures.

It was frustrating. 

Even though I had meticulous planned my shots, they just didn’t work.

It sometimes happens, especially when you feel sapped of your creativity. 

Creativity is a muscle that has to be exercised, and then there are times when it simply needs a rest.

I gave my brain a break from food photography, and embarked of a photo walk in the fascinating company of @step_hen_les_lie, a brilliant and insanely knowledgeable street photographer.

I needed to engage and see the world, in a different way.

With street photography, the shot comes you. If that sounds easy? Think again. 

Street photography tests your mental sharpness, your power of seeing the out of the ordinary. 

It’s a case of walking, waiting and watching, waiting for something unusual, out of place or something just plain old god damn bonkers to happen. 

And you need a truckload of patience, and be ready to catch that shot! 

Check out my photographs and let me what you think. 
#streetphotographylondon #londonphotographer #documentaryphoto #londonrestaurantphotographer #foodphotographerlondon #visualstorytelling #candidstreetphotography #streetphotomag #streetlifeworldwide #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #capturestreets
We connected over fish. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
After connecting on Instagram and following her foodie adventures around the world across Australia and India, I finally got to meet Sohini, who runs the fabulous food account @smokeandlime.β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Sohini creates inventive menus for her line of supper clubs inspired by her Kolkata heritage.β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
We met, in South London, in the Elephant and Castle.I’ve worked around the Elephant for almost twenty years. With jobs that took me down the Aylesbury Estate; I’ve seen tea dances in the Elephant & Castle shopping centre where I played ten pin bowling when I volunteered with a cub troupe from Peckham. This was at a time when the Elephant was a no-go for gentrification.β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
How it has changed. Sprouting out of the earth like giant stalagmites are these huge glass towers with apartments commanding eye watering rents. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Like the old housing estates, the old carbuncle of a shopping centre has been bulldozed; In its wake are small eateries and boutiques. The big brands aren’t here yet, but it’s only a matter of time. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
At Sohini’s suggestion we met at a little Peruvian place, @saborperuano_elephant, just under Strata Tower in a brutalist concrete parade of shops. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
This restaurant is old school, no frills, white vinyl tablecloths, giant-screened TV. Yet the food is…..EPIC!β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
The ceviche, marinaded in tangy cheeksuckingly good leche de tigre, succulent beef hearts threaded on to skewers, fresh crispy deep fried squid, and I’m pretty sure we ate vegetables to. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
And, for two hours straight, we spoke about nothing else but food. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
It’s was great. And my heart is lost in Peru! β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
#londonfoodphotographer #Londonfoodie #restaurantphotographer #commericialphotographer #stilllife #stilllifephotography #stilllifestories
Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are ve Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are vegetables.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
That green, they look like little semi precious stones, or marbles, the ones I used to play with when I was a kid.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
I saw these in my local Sri Lankan grocers, and had to grab my phone and snatch picture!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
They're almost too cute to cook!​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
 #myediblecaptures monochromatic bliss by @andreakoever judge @eli_and_co sponsor @blueberrybackdrops ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#aubergines #stilllife #stilllifegallery #stilllifephotographer #raw_minimial #belightinspired #shotoniphone #foodstyling #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community
When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-styl When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-style crepes. And our topping was only ever lemon and sugar. πŸ‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹
​​​​​​​​
The American fluffy pancakes were, well exotic. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
We only ever saw them on American kids' shows. And they always seemed to have pancakes for breakfast. And they always covered them in syrup! I'd watch wide-eyed agog at these pile of delicious pile of pancakes.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
When I was a kid, pancakes were a once-a-year thing.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The excitement and build-up was almost too much as we approached Pancake day, aka Shove Tuesday, gobbling up all the good stuff before we headed into Lent and abstinence before we crack open the Easter eggs. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Now, I can make whatever pancakes I like. And I like to make fluffy American ones. Perhaps it reminds me of those Saturday morning American kids' shows, and those hearty American breakfasts, served by all-American moms to their all-American families.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
There's something indulgent about a pile of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, ready and waiting, drenched with something delicious and to be devoured by a brood of hungry mouths. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
What pancakes did you make this year? And more importantly, what was your topping? ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @foodphotoaward @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
February open theme #foodphotobiteswithritu @foodphotobiteswithritu @happytummybyritumbhara judge: @ferraronierica ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
American pancakes: Recipe @marthastewart, Food styling: Moi​​​​​​​​
Photography: Moi. Syrup: @lylesgoldensyrup​​​​​​​​
Inspiration: @louisehagger - an incredible food photographer with so much wit & creativity πŸ€©β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹
​​​​​​​​
#buttermilkpancakes #americanpancakes #pourshot #pancakeday #pancakeday2023 #foodstylistlondon #londonfoodphotographer #foodphotographylondon #londonrestaurantphotographer #commercialphotography #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines
Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a tradition. I like to make it about this time of year, you know, love and #Valentines and all that.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
The recipe I bake yields a hefty portion.  Love Cake is dense, it’s not designed to be wolfed down in a single session. It’s a cake to savour and relishes to cherish while sipping a cup of Sri Lankan tea.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Having made it so often it's only now that I am digging into its provenance.  Sri Lankan Love Cake has an interesting backstory of colonialism, culture, and personal stories of migration.​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
If you want to know more about the history of this delicious cake, hop to the Tooting Mama website, there’s a link in my bio. You’ll find the recipe there too. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
Because, the only way to experience Love Cake is to make it. ​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#lovecake #srilankancuisine #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines #raw_sweets #raw_sweets_
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That'll be a full Sri Lankan for me.​​​​​​​​​
@cynthia.uma I want to say good luck as you welcome your first guest to your new Sri Lankan restaurant @rambutan_ldn.

I know this project has been in gestation for a long time, and I can only imagine the excitement you are feeling as you welcome your first guests to dine with you. 

I also know you're going to smash this while putting Tamil Sri Lankan food on the map!

If you can't wait that long, grab a  copy of Cynthia's awesome cookbook Rambutan. 

This is the roasted butternut squash curry, perfect for soaking up fragrant spices that pack a punch. 

My husband and I, we are hooked on seeni sambol toasties. This was something my mum used to make, and you'll find it in the book. Think cheese toasties with an onion jam on acid! Try it, you'll be hooked too! 

πŸ€Good luck Cynthia, I'm rooting for you! πŸ‘ŠπŸΎ

Recipe: Sri Lankan butternut squash curry, recipe from Rambutan cookbook
Photography: Moi 
Food styling: Moi

#srilankanfoodrecipes #srilankanfoodphotograher #srilankanfoodlovers #srilankanfoodiesaroundtheworld #srilankantraveldiaries #srilankantravel #foodandflatlay #foodstylingandphotography #foodstylingphotography #foodphotographymagazine #restaurantphotographer #londonfoodphotographer #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale
My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve My creative juices are feeling drained, and I’ve sucking up the last dribbles from my creative well.

I did a shoot for two recipes I had created. 

I loved the recipes, hot spicy traditional Sri Lankan curries, kalupol chicken and a side of sambar. The flavours that had depth, the kind of flavours reach into you and touch your soul! 

But, I hated the pictures.

It was frustrating. 

Even though I had meticulous planned my shots, they just didn’t work.

It sometimes happens, especially when you feel sapped of your creativity. 

Creativity is a muscle that has to be exercised, and then there are times when it simply needs a rest.

I gave my brain a break from food photography, and embarked of a photo walk in the fascinating company of @step_hen_les_lie, a brilliant and insanely knowledgeable street photographer.

I needed to engage and see the world, in a different way.

With street photography, the shot comes you. If that sounds easy? Think again. 

Street photography tests your mental sharpness, your power of seeing the out of the ordinary. 

It’s a case of walking, waiting and watching, waiting for something unusual, out of place or something just plain old god damn bonkers to happen. 

And you need a truckload of patience, and be ready to catch that shot! 

Check out my photographs and let me what you think. 
#streetphotographylondon #londonphotographer #documentaryphoto #londonrestaurantphotographer #foodphotographerlondon #visualstorytelling #candidstreetphotography #streetphotomag #streetlifeworldwide #seedifferently #sonyalpha #sonyalphafemale #capturestreets
We connected over fish. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
After connecting on Instagram and following her foodie adventures around the world across Australia and India, I finally got to meet Sohini, who runs the fabulous food account @smokeandlime.β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Sohini creates inventive menus for her line of supper clubs inspired by her Kolkata heritage.β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
We met, in South London, in the Elephant and Castle.I’ve worked around the Elephant for almost twenty years. With jobs that took me down the Aylesbury Estate; I’ve seen tea dances in the Elephant & Castle shopping centre where I played ten pin bowling when I volunteered with a cub troupe from Peckham. This was at a time when the Elephant was a no-go for gentrification.β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
How it has changed. Sprouting out of the earth like giant stalagmites are these huge glass towers with apartments commanding eye watering rents. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
Like the old housing estates, the old carbuncle of a shopping centre has been bulldozed; In its wake are small eateries and boutiques. The big brands aren’t here yet, but it’s only a matter of time. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
At Sohini’s suggestion we met at a little Peruvian place, @saborperuano_elephant, just under Strata Tower in a brutalist concrete parade of shops. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
This restaurant is old school, no frills, white vinyl tablecloths, giant-screened TV. Yet the food is…..EPIC!β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
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The ceviche, marinaded in tangy cheeksuckingly good leche de tigre, succulent beef hearts threaded on to skewers, fresh crispy deep fried squid, and I’m pretty sure we ate vegetables to. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
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And, for two hours straight, we spoke about nothing else but food. β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
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It’s was great. And my heart is lost in Peru! β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €β €
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#londonfoodphotographer #Londonfoodie #restaurantphotographer #commericialphotographer #stilllife #stilllifephotography #stilllifestories
Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are ve Thai aubergines. It's hard to believe these are vegetables.​​​​​​​​
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That green, they look like little semi precious stones, or marbles, the ones I used to play with when I was a kid.​​​​​​​​
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I saw these in my local Sri Lankan grocers, and had to grab my phone and snatch picture!​​​​​​​​
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They're almost too cute to cook!​​​​​​​​
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#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus​​​​​​​​
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 #myediblecaptures monochromatic bliss by @andreakoever judge @eli_and_co sponsor @blueberrybackdrops ​​​​​​​​
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#aubergines #stilllife #stilllifegallery #stilllifephotographer #raw_minimial #belightinspired #shotoniphone #foodstyling #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community
When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-styl When I was a kid, we always made thin, French-style crepes. And our topping was only ever lemon and sugar. πŸ‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹
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The American fluffy pancakes were, well exotic. ​​​​​​​​
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We only ever saw them on American kids' shows. And they always seemed to have pancakes for breakfast. And they always covered them in syrup! I'd watch wide-eyed agog at these pile of delicious pile of pancakes.​​​​​​​​
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When I was a kid, pancakes were a once-a-year thing.​​​​​​​​
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The excitement and build-up was almost too much as we approached Pancake day, aka Shove Tuesday, gobbling up all the good stuff before we headed into Lent and abstinence before we crack open the Easter eggs. ​​​​​​​​
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Now, I can make whatever pancakes I like. And I like to make fluffy American ones. Perhaps it reminds me of those Saturday morning American kids' shows, and those hearty American breakfasts, served by all-American moms to their all-American families.​​​​​​​​
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There's something indulgent about a pile of fluffy buttermilk pancakes, ready and waiting, drenched with something delicious and to be devoured by a brood of hungry mouths. ​​​​​​​​
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What pancakes did you make this year? And more importantly, what was your topping? ​​​​​​​​
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#pinkladysnapsfeb23 @foodphotoaward @pinkladyappleuk @davidloftus ​​​​​​​​
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February open theme #foodphotobiteswithritu @foodphotobiteswithritu @happytummybyritumbhara judge: @ferraronierica ​​​​​​​​
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American pancakes: Recipe @marthastewart, Food styling: Moi​​​​​​​​
Photography: Moi. Syrup: @lylesgoldensyrup​​​​​​​​
Inspiration: @louisehagger - an incredible food photographer with so much wit & creativity πŸ€©β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹β€‹
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#buttermilkpancakes #americanpancakes #pourshot #pancakeday #pancakeday2023 #foodstylistlondon #londonfoodphotographer #foodphotographylondon #londonrestaurantphotographer #commercialphotography #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines
Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a Making my mother Sri Lankan Love cake has become a tradition. I like to make it about this time of year, you know, love and #Valentines and all that.​​​​​​​​
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The recipe I bake yields a hefty portion.  Love Cake is dense, it’s not designed to be wolfed down in a single session. It’s a cake to savour and relishes to cherish while sipping a cup of Sri Lankan tea.​​​​​​​​
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Having made it so often it's only now that I am digging into its provenance.  Sri Lankan Love Cake has an interesting backstory of colonialism, culture, and personal stories of migration.​​​​​​​​
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If you want to know more about the history of this delicious cake, hop to the Tooting Mama website, there’s a link in my bio. You’ll find the recipe there too. ​​​​​​​​
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Because, the only way to experience Love Cake is to make it. ​​​​​​​​
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#lovecake #srilankancuisine #srilankanfood #restaurantphotographer #londoncommercialphotographer #foodstylistlondon #saveurmag #bonappetit #londonfoodstylist #srilankanfoodphotographer #Londonfoodphotographer #editorialphotographer #beautifulfood #f52community #hautecuisines #raw_sweets #raw_sweets_
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About Me

Ranji Thangiah

PHOTOGRAPHER & BLOGGER

I'm Ranji! I am a food photographer, recipe creator, lover of Sri Lankan food which I want to share with you.

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