Let’s Catch Up: Sri Lankan Feasts, Big Wins, Hidden Gems and Cookbook New!
I was taking down our Christmas decorations, thinking about not wishing the year away and taking time to savour days, hours, and moments. Because before we can take a breath, the next thing is upon us. Only the other day, at my local supermarket, I spotted Valentine’s Day cards.
Sometimes we just have to clamp the brakes on life, take out the busy, and slow down to reflect on the good things that have come our way.
Last year, there were many moments worthy of relishing.
💌 Moved to Substack
I moved my email newsletter to this platform, Substack.
My newsletter had been trudging along quite nicely—dropping into your inboxes. (I am thankful that you let me have space in your precious inboxes and take the time to read my posts 🫶🏾.)
Substack is a way to share and connect with you and others about Sri Lankan food, heritage, and culture. Now that Sri Lanka is topping lists of places to visit, I hope this piques people's interest in food, culture, and our people—on the island and in the diaspora.
🇱🇰 Getting the message out about Sri Lankan food
I’m a natural introvert. Going out to network and schmooze doesn’t come naturally. Honestly, I wish it did. Last year, I battled my nerves to go out and connect.
I am part of a group of amazing Sri Lankan women who are trailblazers in their areas of expertise, smashing through ceilings to achieve incredible things. Whether that’s music PR, heading up one of London’s top theatres, running an award-winning boutique hotel while single-handedly shifting the narrative about Sri Lanka, a boutique travel experience company, building a fashion brand, an award-winning creative agency—it’s an honour to be among them. Some will be featured in upcoming podcast episodes.
I’m also part of a brilliant organisation called Be Inclusive Hospitality, which raises awareness of diversity within the hospitality industry—I’m both an ambassador and mentor for them. And I’m part of Women in Food. I’ve also been in the press—BBC Travel and New Lines Magazine. The word is spreading!
This year, I aim to go out more, connect more, and share the message about Sri Lankan food, heritage, and culture with more people. We have a lot to be proud of!
🎙️I launched a podcast
I love listening to podcasts—when I’m walking the dog, I pop on my headphones and tune into something inspirational, informative, or entertaining.
A recent listen that left its mark on me is How to Fail and Elizabeth Day’s interview with Sir Chris Hoy. It's moving and uplifting to hear how he’s dealt with his recent cancer diagnosis and his wife’s multiple sclerosis.
To wind down and entertain, Loftus Media’s Terribly Famous is a hoot.
Since starting the podcast Tea with Tooting Mama there have been nine episodes and over 1,000 downloads, which is mind-blowing. Your top three listens are:
🏝️It was a summer of Sri Lanka
In the summer, along with Rosh—founder of Hop and Roll, Thana, founder of Ruci Foods, and Kirsh, founder of MUVs ALLDAY and Arevery, we won a grant from Wandsworth Council to celebrate South Asian Heritage Month. Thus, the Sri Lankan Culture Collective was born.
We created a digital program that ran during South Asian Heritage Month itself: three podcasts, a playlist of global modern Sri Lankan tunes created by Indy Vidyalankara, and a short documentary by Jei Palanivel.
Our celebrations culminated in a sell-out one-day festival celebrating modern Sri Lankan culture through food, fashion, comedy, and music.
🍽️ Discovering more Sri Lankan restaurants
Last year, I managed to get out and eat at some Sri Lankan restaurants—notable ones worthy of a visit, in no particular order:
Kolamba East is a stone’s throw from Liverpool Street station. Visit if only to try their hot butter soft-shell crab, king prawn string hopper biryani, and roasted pineapple curry.
Nilly’s Flowers in Harlesden: In my twenties, Harlesden was known as a notorious no-go area. That’s all changed now—it’s far more bougie. Nilly’s Flowers is a florist run by Nilly and her son Adeesha. The florist shop has a café serving brilliant home-style Sri Lankan dishes.
Everest Curry King in Lewisham: Enormous portions served in clay pots, with curries spiced to levels that my late dad would approve of. Expect to sweat!
Karapincha, after much delay, I finally made it to this small chain of restaurants and street food stalls. I visited their branch at Mercato Metropolitano near Elephat and Castle. If you’re in the area, drop in and have a curry—it’s good, authentic flavors.
Kothu in Tooting, having spent a spice-free Christmas in Norfolk, I craved the comfort of a hot curry. Kothu came to the rescue with its fine selection of freshly made short eats and their string hopper kothu.
Finally, a shoutout to Gabriella Suresh from the Little Sambol supper club. I believe supper clubs are where the most inventive food is, where aspiring chefs can be creative, and where we can dine in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
🗓️ What about 2025?
More recipes—starting again next week. More podcasts landing in February. I want to sample more Sri Lankan restaurants, supper clubs, and street food stalls. My camera has been out of action recently, but once it’s up and running, I’d like to create more photo stories.
And finally, drum roll! I'm writing a cookbook! More details to follow, but at the moment, I’m scoping out concepts, themes, and recipes. This is a long-term project and a big undertaking. I will keep you updated on my progress.
Until next time, happy eating!
Ranji