Hoppers: Sri Lankan Food in London

Word of Mouth plus a strong foundation are vital ingredients for a popular dining spot as well as a successful one. Hoppers in Frith Street, Soho is run by the same group who run Gymkhana and Trishna and upon this strong foundation, I was very confident that I would enjoy this experience. This plus a glowing endorsement by friends and family meant that when the opportunity arose for myself and Laura to go we jumped at the chance.

Chilli shrimp

Hoppers provides you with Sri Lankan street food, in a sharing vibe. The staff warned us that the food would come at different times when it was ready, like wagamama.

Our order went in and we went for Mutton Rolls, Buffalo Biryani, chilli shrimp, a hopper each and Guinea fowl Kari. It sounds a lot and it was but it was just right. Laura was stuffed and it was enough for me.

I asked Laura for a few words on our Hopper experience and she said: "Different, new experience, good vibe with a nice homely environment". Wise words as always. I hope the pictures above and below compliment these amazing words.

Mutton Rolls

Buffalo Biryani

I would recommend all the dishes from Hoppers that we ordered. Ideally i would have the Hopper come first, however, due to the cooking method it took the longest and came last. The Hopper came with some condiments of Sambol and chutney. The fact that our Kari (curry) of Guinea Fowl came with the hopper made it better.

The hopper - a pancake like batter made into a bowl, it is there almost as a substitute for bread. Tear off pieces off the hopper and dip into the Sambol, make yourself a mini wrap and even use it to eat the Kari.

The Biryani stood out for me and its company of yogurt, duck egg kari and Brinjal Moju (eggplant) are amazing. A delightful dish with a great depth of flavours, from the buffalo itself (in plenty of supply) and then the herbs which have a strong hint of aniseed as well as some of the usual characters.

Hoppers brings the spice of Asia with it, it tickles the senses whilst ensuring that your taste buds are not neglected and are greeted with warmth, variety and the full repertoire of happiness. A great restaurant to go and share food as a couple or as a group of friends. Go there, take your time and enjoy your meal