Hoppers, bringing authentic Sri Lankan flavours to Soho and beyond!

Dear Munch Diaries,

Self care is what you make of it and a few Saturday's back for me, it was starting my day by running errands and making myself 'cute' before heading down to Central London to meet my mate Syeda for dinner. The occasion? A belated masters degree graduation celebration, and boy oh boy did our choice of location not disappoint!

Despite having never tried Sri Lankan food before, Hoppers instantly gives off a warm and strangely familiar feeling. Both their food and drink menu contain an incredibly handy glossary on the back page.

The hosts have mastered the perfect balance of being attentive without feeling overbearing, something I always notice when dining at good establishments. 

I arrived with a bouquet of flowers (for the graduate) and was seated at the bar whilst I waited for her.

After around ten minutes of me scanning the drinks menu I decided to order a Toddy Tapper, which was a sharp blend of Tapiato Tequila, Smoky Mezcal, Pineapple Bark, Fresh Lime, Coconut Blossom Pickle and Acharu.

The restaurant is named after a traditional Sri Lankan street food.
A Hopper is a large bowl shaped, paper-thin pancake which make perfect use for mopping up curry. Available in plain, cheese and egg. 

If that doesn't sound like your thing then you can choose the crispier, similar alternative of ordering a Dosa.

  

Alongside our Egg Hopper (£5.00) we also ordered; the ever so tender Mutton Rolls (£5.00) to start and a Vegetable Kothu Roti (£11.00) which arrived much larger than we imagined but, tasted SO fresh and fragrant as you gathered spoonfuls of shredded roti, spring onions and a great range of sliced vegetables.

The Mutton Rolls are most definitely a winner in my eyes. Coated in golden breadcrumbs the chunks of mutton meat were soft enough to demolish with no teeth - haha! They were served with a tangy tasting tomato based hot sauce which gently enhanced the roll flavours.

For our mains we shared a Prawn Kari (£9.50) and a String Seafood Kothu (£12.50) which Syeda loved. I picked through the Seafood Kothu for Prawns as I'm not a fan of Squid. The Prawn Kari is a king prawn curry whose favours were amazing despite only containing three king prawns in a tiny dish, we made sure to spread the sauce.

For our drinks I ordered another Toddy Tapper and I could of easily had another four they were so good! Syeda opted for a non-alcoholic drink called a Green Papaya Krush (£4.50) which she didn't enjoy and mentioned she found that it tastes like watered down, cucumber water. After trying it myself, I too could co-sign the overly "subtle" flavours.

Overall, I would like visit Hoppers again, ideally in a large group to try even more of their menu and would recommend visiting to try a new culture palette.

Vibe - Very quiet and chilled considered almost every table was occupied. A perfect vibe for conversations and meetings.

Munch - The food was an absolute delight, full of new flavours and fragrant combinations.

Triple R - I would love to visit the newly opened Kings Cross site and indulge more in the Sri Lankan food culture.

 My Hoppers Total Rating Score - 4/5

For more information;
Website - www.hopperslondon.com
Telephone - N/A
Instagram - @HoppersLondon

Calling all lovers...

Photo credit: @skylarmarshai on Instagram

February's here, which means the lovers holiday returns and so does my go to guide...

£ - ££

- Borough Market, if you and bae fancy doing something different, head down to Borough Market on the weekend for a food filled stroll.

- Japes, this ones for the pizza couple who don't want to break the bank. Located in busy bustling Soho.

- Yum Yum, Thai restaurant located in Stoke Newington. Cute decor and great cocktails.

- Cottons, if you are craving Caribbean food head down to Cottons who, are currently offering a 3 course set menu for only £32.50 per person, which also includes a Passionfruit bellini.


£££

- The Ivy Asia - If you're looking to celebrate love with an Insta-worthy photoshoot, look no further. Angles galore...

- Amazonico - Inspired by the Amazon, and recently opened in November of last year. Enjoy live DJ's in the evening and get your munch on with le bae.

- Circolo Popolare - A taste of Italy in the heart of Fitzrovia.  Snap that selfie besides the spirit bottle lined walls.

- The Sea Containers - For a romantic riverside view and Mediterranean food.

- Sushi Samba, home to the blend of Japanese, Brazilian and Peruvian cuisine. Feeling adventurous? Then get booking.

- 100 Wardour Street, are hosting a live performance from J Sol and Empire of Sound as you dine on a specially created 3-course menu at £85 per person.

- Duck & Rice, where Dim Sum meets a traditional British Pub. Duck & Rice is one to add to your "to-try list" for sure.

If none of these fit your brief, check last years Valentine's post here or drop me an email for further assistance with more recommendations.

Happy Valentine's in advance loves 💝

xx