• About Tooting Mama
    • About Tooting Mama
    • PR & Disclosure statement
    • Privacy policy and terms & conditions
  • Food Photography
  • Sri Lankan recipes
    • Recipes
  • Contact me
Logo
  • Home
    • Sidebar Version
      • Classic Layout
      • Grid Layout
      • List Layout
      • 1th Classic than Grid
      • 1th Classic than List
    • Fullwidth Version
      • Classic Layout
      • Grid Layout
      • Masonry Layout
      • List Layout
      • 1th Classic than Grid
      • 1th Classic than List
  • Features
    • Categories
      • Vegetarian
      • Food & Health
      • Delicious
      • Sugar-Free
      • Travel
    • Post Formats
    • Post Styles
      • Style 1
      • Style 2
      • Style 3
      • Style 4
      • Style 5
    • Widgets
    • Typography
    • Sidebars
      • Full Width
  • About Me
  • Contacts
Logo
Logo
Travel

7 inspirational ideas for you when visiting the French Basque country

Tooting Mama
54 Comments
April 30, 2017
4 Mins read
516 Views

This year we have decided to explore a bit more of France. For our Easter break we hopped on a train from Paris and five-and-a-half hours later we arrived in the Bayonne in the heart of the French Basque country.  The French Basque country has it all, beaches, mountains, amazing food and with Spain is just an hour away, it’s two holidays in one! Looking for ideas for your next holiday? Why not check out South West France? Here are seven inspirational ideas for you when visiting the French Basque country.

7 inspirational ideas for you when visiting the French Basque country

1. Lose yourself on beautiful beaches when visiting the French Basque country

In the French Basque country, we were really spoilt for choice when it came to beaches. Miles of golden sand line the Bay of Biscay. We squeezed in three beaches during our short stay, Anglet,  Biarritz and St Jean de Luz. All were superb.

It was April and we didn’t have to fight for a spot on the sand. But I can imagine, at the height of summer, you have to navigate through a sea of sunbathing bodies to find a patch of sand!

2. Take an amble through stunning villages and towns when visiting the French Basque country

I just love to take a wander through a village, town or a city when I am travelling. I enjoy roaming the streets, admiring buildings, pressing my nose up against shop windows, sipping a coffee while watching the world go by.

There are plenty of beautiful towns and villages in the French Basque country to do this.

  • St Jean Pied de Port sits at the bottom of the Pyrenees. It is a charming village. We took a walk along the ramparts which gave us a good tour of the village. St Jean Pied de Port is the last stop in France for walkers on the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.
  •  Bayonne is the capital of the French Basque country and is a really beautiful town. The old town is littered with half-timbered buildings painted in bright colours. It gives Bayonne a really unique feel.  There seems to be a high concentration of chocolate shops. Not unusual in France I hear you say. Bayonne is where the story of chocolate began in France. The chocolate making skills were introduced to France by Portuguese Sephardic jews fleeing the 17th-century inquisition.
  • St Jean de Luz is a chic, little coastal town attached to the fabulous La Grande Plage. We had a quick stroll through the town, and pretty little streets are filled with cute chi-chi shops.
  • And for a bit more glitz, there is Biarritz.  In its heydey, Biarritz was a holiday hot spot for Europen Royalty. Napolean III and his Spanish wife Eugenie kicked off the trend. Biarritz is a little tired, the Belle Epoque buildings hint to the city’s days of former glory.

3. The French Basque country is a surfer’s paradise

If you love surfing, want to learn to surf, the French Basque country is the place to be. On every beach we went to there were surfers riding the waves, surfing lessons on the beaches and surf schools lined the coast. The rugged coastline along the Bay of Biscay and the force of the Atlantic ocean make this coastline a surfer’s paradise.

4. Eat your way to foodie heaven

Food and France are a match made in heaven. One could simply live off the bread, wine and cheese.

The French Basque country has some wonderful food, and you can taste the Spanish influence in the cooking. Check out my post on how I literally ate my way through the French Basque country.

Bayonne is famed for its ham and chocolate. Cherry trees at the foothills of the Pyrenees yield a delightful black cherry jam, and the Piment d’Esplette, a chilli pepper is a speciality of the region and the French Basque sheeps’ cheese is to die for!

5. The panoramic views will take your breath away

One of the highlights of this trip and the kids’ favourite outing was La Rhune.

La Rhune is the name of a mountain, and the petit train will take you on a 35-minute picturesque ride to its summit. If you prefer, you can walk to the top, it takes around two-and-half-hours.

 

At the top, our eyes feasted on a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view. It was breathtaking. In the distance we could see the Pyrenees and turn around, we could see the coast.

If you are planning to come to the French Basque country, you must take the petit train to the top of La Rhune. Book your tickets in advance, this little train to the summit of the La Rhune is really popular!

6. And, Spain was only an hour away

From where we were staying, just outside Bayonne, Spain was an hour’s drive away. We had to do it.

We love Spain and we loved San Sebastian, it is hard not to fall in love with San Sebastian.

San Sebastian has everything: A picture postcard beach, an old town lined with cobbled streets, restaurants bursting with pintxos screaming “Eat me!”

We spent the day in San Sebastian: Soaking up the sun on the beach; watching the kids dig holes in the sand; took a wander through the streets and worked off our pintxo feast with a walk up Monte Urghull.

7. Hang on Basque country? Wasn’t there a spot of bother there?

peace sign for the basque country

Founded in 1959, ETA is the organisation that had been fighting a campaign for a Basque homeland. The Basque country is the area that reaches across from North East Spain to South West France. On Saturday 8 April 2017 the organisation had taken a major step towards peace by handing over its weapons to France. We arrived in Bayonne on that Saturday and saw the final celebrations of ‘Disarmament Day’.

Save this pin

visiting_the_french_basque_country

 

Dear Bear and Beany

Brilliant blog posts on HonestMum.com

Keep Calm and Carry On Linking Sunday
MummyTravels

WanderlustKids

Cuddle Fairy
France French Basque country Holiday ideas Travel
Shares
54 Comments
  1. Cath - BattleMum

    May 30, 2017 2:39 pm

    Wow, French Basque sounds like it has everything. I love the idea of getting that train up the mountain for the views. They must have been breathtaking. And the food! I would be in heaven. Thanks for linking up to #wanderlustkids

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      June 1, 2017 9:01 pm

      Thank you, it was a perfect holiday for the kids, so much to see and do!

      Reply
  2. Kate Eccles

    May 12, 2017 8:37 pm

    It looks like an amazing part of the world! Love your photos 🙂 #KCACOLS

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 14, 2017 3:45 pm

      Thank you!

      Reply
  3. Tracey Bowden

    May 12, 2017 11:07 am

    You have got me wanting to book a holiday there now! It looks so beautiful and definitely a place I would love to see at some point #kcacols
    Tracey Bowden recently posted…The All New Beauty and the Beast Belle DollsMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 14, 2017 3:46 pm

      It’s a fabulous place to visit. I just love the French-Spanish mix, in the food and culture. I hope you do pay a visit sometime soon!

      Reply
  4. mainy

    May 11, 2017 5:25 pm

    How interesting to hear so many facts. I didn’t really have it in my mind that it was a surfing area, shows how little I know. I really enjoyed this post:)
    Mainy
    #KCACOLS

    Reply
  5. Amie

    May 11, 2017 2:35 pm

    Looks like such a beautiful place! #KCACOLS
    Amie recently posted…Stay At Home vs. Working MumMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Kelly-Anne | Mimi Rose and Me

    May 7, 2017 4:50 pm

    Oh wow these looks amazing, I love the little villages, just so beautiful. #KCACOLS
    Kelly-Anne | Mimi Rose and Me recently posted…The Baby Feeding Series with Mum From BrumMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 10, 2017 7:25 pm

      Thank you, it’s such a beautiful place.

      Reply
  7. Corey at fifi + hop

    May 5, 2017 2:07 am

    The French Basque country really does seem to have it all. We often take about visiting France soon. We were going to go to San Sebastian from Barcelona this summer, but we’re going to Majorca instead so I’m thinking we plan a trip to SS and France for next time! #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 5, 2017 12:28 pm

      Oh you must take a trip to SS and drop into France, it’s fab. Have a great holiday in Majorca.

      Reply
  8. Baby Loves Travel

    May 4, 2017 4:01 pm

    We are flying into Biarritz later this year – hopefully we will be able to make some time to visit some of these places #wanderlustkids

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 4, 2017 10:16 pm

      Enjoy! It’s fabulous. Try and get to the mountains, it’s spectacular there!

      Reply
  9. Vyki from Museum Mum

    May 4, 2017 12:15 pm

    Wow, La Rhune looks like a brilliant day out – what a stunning view! And the teenager will be glad there’s a train 😉 It sounds like it has all the ingredients for a great family holiday. Will definitely add it to my wishlist. #citytripping

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 4, 2017 10:17 pm

      It was a brilliant place to take the family. I would highly recommend it. There’s something for everyone!

      Reply
  10. Lauren The Helpful Hiker

    May 4, 2017 9:15 am

    I’ve never been to the French Basque country, it looks amazing with so much to do. Love your photo of the panoramic views. #BloggerClubUK

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 4, 2017 10:17 pm

      Thank you. It’s such a fab place, so worth making the effort to get down there.

      Reply
  11. Chelsea Elizabeth

    May 3, 2017 8:45 pm

    France looks like an amazing place to visit. I’ve heard so many food reviews. I think I’d spend my full holiday sampling all of the delicious cheeses!

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 9:15 pm

      Oh yes, the cheese! I just can’t help myself. Add the Frech bread, and the wine and I am sunk!

      Reply
  12. Heledd @ yummyblogger

    May 3, 2017 8:05 pm

    Ooh I’ve never really looked into this area before, looks amazing – the beaches, towns and villages! One day…. #citytripping
    Heledd @ yummyblogger recently posted…REVIEW: Bristol airport parking – is parking on-site better than off-site?!My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:27 pm

      It’s fabulous, if you are thinking of France for a holiday, do check out the Basque country!

      Reply
  13. Cathy (Mummytravels)

    May 3, 2017 4:54 pm

    I rather liked Biarritz but Bayonne has just shot up my list of places to visit – chocolate, cherries and lovely streets to wander round has me sold. The whole of South West France seem a to have such unusual history and so much of its own culture, it’s one of my favourite parts of the country.
    Cathy (Mummytravels) recently posted…City Tripping #74My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:23 pm

      We only really touched on the history but I just loved that French Spanish cross over. It makes the area so distinct. I do hope you get to Bayonne. Biarritz is lovely too.

      Reply
  14. Laura - Dear Bear and Beany

    May 3, 2017 9:14 am

    You are so lucky to have this all available to visit. I think it’s amazing that you can just hop over to another country so easily. What a wonderful way to spend the Easter break. Thank you for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
    Laura – Dear Bear and Beany recently posted…A Day In The Life Of…The Incidental ParentMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:22 pm

      We are making the most of France while we are here. When we get back to the UK we’ll be staycationing!

      Reply
  15. Tracy Morgan

    May 3, 2017 7:20 am

    Oh, it looks stunning, definitely my kind of place. I am always on the look out for fantastic beaches but also pretty little places to visit, too! Great review! x

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:21 pm

      I hope you get there! And check out Bayonne and it’s chocolate shops they are amazing!

      Reply
  16. Musings of a tired mummy...zzz...

    May 2, 2017 11:56 am

    Great list of ideas 🙂 thanks for sharing, I love the idea of wandering around the streets and taking in the atmosphere and culture
    Musings of a tired mummy…zzz… recently posted…Lego Duplo set 10833 PreschoolMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:20 pm

      I completely agree, for me, that’s the best part, I love wandering, looking buildings, soaking up the atmosphere and culture of a new place while blocking out the little voices moaning “I’m bored!”

      Reply
  17. Ana De- Jesus

    May 1, 2017 11:17 pm

    Well considering I am both a fan of beaches and foof French Basque souhds amazing to me. Beautiful photos x
    Ana De- Jesus recently posted…Say No To Animal Testing With LimecrimeMy Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:18 pm

      It’s a gorgeous part of the world, and perfect for foodies!

      Reply
  18. the frenchie mummy

    May 1, 2017 9:06 pm

    Taking a wander through the streets is so French! We even have a word for it ‘flâner’. Lovely post and I want to buy some of this food now!

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:17 pm

      I love that word flaneur, something I am trying to embrace!

      Reply
  19. Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too

    May 1, 2017 8:05 pm

    I could definitely lose myself on those beaches, simply stunning

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:16 pm

      It’s a fabulous place, who can resist a beautiful beach!

      Reply
  20. Katy - Hot Pink Wellingtons

    May 1, 2017 7:07 pm

    We visited France every other year when I was a child, but this is one area that we never visited at all. It looks absolutely stunning – I love a little village to potter around, and to mix that up with great beaches sounds like the perfect combination. Thanks for joining us at #SharingtheBlogLove
    Katy – Hot Pink Wellingtons recently posted…Living Arrows 18/52My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 3, 2017 8:15 pm

      It is a stunning part of France, I guess that it is so out of the way it gets a little forgotten. But so worth discovering!

      Reply
  21. Sara

    May 1, 2017 5:20 pm

    Oh wow! This looks amazing – those little villages… and those beaches! And the panoramic view. Just what I’d love for us to get out of a holiday. Looks and sounds just perfect! Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope to you again next time!

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 5:52 pm

      If you get the chance to do, it’s a brilliant part of France to visit.

      Reply
  22. Emma

    May 1, 2017 1:30 pm

    Oh my goodness, these look like such amazing places to visit.

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 5:53 pm

      It’s simply fabulous. If you are thinking of France for a break – check out the Basque country!

      Reply
  23. Laura

    May 1, 2017 1:22 pm

    These photos are just stunning. I actually started at St Jean Pied de Port and walked over the Pyrenees into Spain but didn’t do the whole route to Santiago. It’s a beautiful area.
    Laura recently posted…Philosophy Series: Can suffering ever make you stronger?My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 5:54 pm

      Wow that must have been simply amazing. I’d love to visit more of Northern Spain.

      Reply
  24. Newcastle Family Life

    May 1, 2017 12:16 pm

    This looks such an amazing part of France to discover, I would love to visit myself someday. xx
    Newcastle Family Life recently posted…Thing’s I Have Loved – April 2017My Profile

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 12:46 pm

      It’s a beautiful spot. Well worth a visit if you get the chance.

      Reply
  25. Lyndsey O'Halloran

    May 1, 2017 11:55 am

    I do love a lovely little village when I’m away! You get some great finds

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 12:46 pm

      I agree with that.

      Reply
  26. kristin mccarthy

    April 30, 2017 10:07 pm

    What an amazing place for the soul.

    #KCACOLS

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 8:50 am

      Thank lovely!

      Reply
  27. Kelly-Anne | Mimi Rose and Me

    April 30, 2017 9:45 pm

    Those beaches look amazing, great post lovely. #kcacols

    Reply
    1. Tooting Mama

      May 1, 2017 8:50 am

      Thank you, they are rather fab beaches!

      Reply
Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

Previous Post

Eating my way through the French Basque country, a paradise of food

Next Post

Our all-time 5 favourite parks in Paris for children

About Me

Ranji Thangiah

PHOTOGRAPHER, FOOD WRITER RECIPE DEVEPOER

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

Social Icons
InstagramTwitter
Most Popular

How to make an authentic South Indian dhal, my ultimate comfort food

dhal_aubergine_1

A spiced leek recipe that’s deliciously fragrant and delightful

A quick and easy spiced leek recipe perfect for a mid-week supper

Quick and easy leftover chicken recipe – chicken biryani

easy chicken biryani recipe
Follow me on Twitter
My Tweets
Instagram
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! 

🍀Good luck Cynthia, I'm rooting for you! 👊🏾

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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sohini creates inventive menus for her line of supper clubs inspired by her Kolkata heritage.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How it has changed. Sprouting out of the earth like giant stalagmites are these huge glass towers with apartments commanding eye watering rents. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At Sohini’s suggestion we met at a little Peruvian place, @saborperuano_elephant, just under Strata Tower in a brutalist concrete parade of shops. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This restaurant is old school, no frills, white vinyl tablecloths, giant-screened TV. Yet the food is…..EPIC!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And, for two hours straight, we spoke about nothing else but food. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s was great. And my heart is lost in Peru! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#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. 🍋​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
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 🤩​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#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_
Follow
You might also like
takenwtours
Travel

Taken with Tours, travels through the Loire Valley, France

5 Mins read
November 17, 2016
review-2
Reviews Travel

Review: Street art walking tour with Paris Polaroid Tours

5 Mins read
October 12, 2016
Titanic2
Travel

A Titanic trip to Belfast, ships, cranes, countryside and cushions

3 Mins read
January 8, 2017
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! 

🍀Good luck Cynthia, I'm rooting for you! 👊🏾

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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Sohini creates inventive menus for her line of supper clubs inspired by her Kolkata heritage.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
How it has changed. Sprouting out of the earth like giant stalagmites are these huge glass towers with apartments commanding eye watering rents. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
At Sohini’s suggestion we met at a little Peruvian place, @saborperuano_elephant, just under Strata Tower in a brutalist concrete parade of shops. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
This restaurant is old school, no frills, white vinyl tablecloths, giant-screened TV. Yet the food is…..EPIC!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
And, for two hours straight, we spoke about nothing else but food. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It’s was great. And my heart is lost in Peru! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
#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. 🍋​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
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 🤩​​​​​​​​
​​​​​​​​
#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_
Follow on Instagram
Lifestyle Blog & Magazine WordPress Theme
Logo
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Contacts
Logo
  • Home
  • About Tooting Mama
  • Contact me
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.

Most Popular

How to make an authentic South Indian dhal, my ultimate comfort food

dhal_aubergine_1

A spiced leek recipe that’s deliciously fragrant and delightful

A quick and easy spiced leek recipe perfect for a mid-week supper

Quick and easy leftover chicken recipe – chicken biryani

easy chicken biryani recipe
Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: cookie policy
I accept use of cookies