"Ask anyone about Sri Lankan food in London and they’ll probably mention Hoppers. The mini chain has buzzy restaurants dotted around (there’s one in Marylebone and a more group-friendly one in King’s Cross), but Soho is the original. The menu is filled with enticing things but you should make sure the incredibly satisfying lamb kothu roti and the bone marrow curry, that we’re pretty sure has its own Instagram stan account, are on your table. Plus the Kalupol roasted half chicken, which comes with a rich curry sauce for dipping, is an excellent dinner for two. The dishes are up there with some of the best Sri Lankan food in the city. photo credit: Hoppers It’s a busy, always-lively kind of place, perfect for snug dinner catch-ups or dates when you’re 100% comfortable with each other. But it’s worth knowing that the pokey space means getting a reservation isn’t for the disorganised. Some tables are kept for walk-ins so you may very well get a last-minute Saturday night spot, but you might have to sit uncomfortably close to a couple of strangers. We’d choose the Marylebone location over this one if we haven’t already got a booking. Food Rundown photo credit: Karolina Wiercigroch Egg Hopper These paper-thin hoppers are tasty on their own, but they’re even better when used to mop up curry. Always order sambal and chutney on the side. Mutton Rolls Even with hot sauce, these rolls can be a little on the dry side, so we’d skip and order one of their other snacks like the fiery devilled paneer. photo credit: David Loftus Bone Marrow Varuval We’re going to go ahead and say this is one of the best dishes in London. It’s basically animal butter doused in curry. A better combination of words in the English language does not exist. Lamb Kothu Roti There’s good reason why we once ate this lamb kothu roti twice in one week. Shredded roti is cooked in a meaty lamb broth, and mixed with small pieces of onions and beautifully tender lamb. photo credit: Marcus Cobden Kalupol Roasted Half Chicken We’d happily come to Hoppers just for this roasted half chicken, with beautifully charred skin and tender meat. It arrives in a gold tray and feels like a Man v. Food challenge. We love getting this spicy chicken—with a hint of sweetness from the coconut and a thick tomatoey sauce—to share with some vegetables on the side." - Rianne Shlebak
