Indian restaurants are extremely common in the UK, with the vast majority of them offering identikit versions of the same familiar dishes tailored to the British palate. Sri Lankan food, however, is far less represented – and this simple no-frills canteen hidden in amongst a non-descript row of shops near Lewisham is one of my favourite places to get a spice fix. Sri Lankan food is fantastic if you’re a vegetarian – select from a colourful daily selection of curries and dahls on display to have with rice. The meat and fish-based curries vary day by day too, and what’s great is you can mix and match them with the veggie options.
The snacks and starters on offer are perfect as a starter or a spicy little bite to fill a gap, consisting of small patties, mutton and veg rolls, onion bahjis and more. Also, I’d highly recommend the Kothu – a Sri Lankan classic street food dish not often found in London – it’s chopped up roti stir fried up with onions, veggies and mutton. Ask for it spicy and you get it laced plenty with green chilies so be warned – it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
by
"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
by
"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
by
In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
by
They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.
by
Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.
by
The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.
by
With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.
by
"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!
by
"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!
by
222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 222 Insider Tips