Hoppers

"There are three things you need to know about Hoppers. Firstly, this cupboard-sized Frith Street spot is always busy. That means bookings should be made in advance. Secondly, it’s one of the best Sri Lankan restaurants in London. And thirdly, the lamb kothu roti is a must-order. The bone marrow varuval curry is also (rightly) popular and the tender roasted kalupol chicken is perfect for sharing. Come with one other person for your best shot at a walk-in, but we prefer this place in a small group to get a little bit of everything. " - jake missing, rianne shlebak, sinead cranna, daisy meager

"Much like if you went to see Paul McCartney and left before he sang Blackbird, going to Sri Lankan spot Hoppers without getting the the huge egg hopper would be a big mistake. This paper-thin pancake-like dish is perfect for mopping up karis, chutneys, and sambols. As well as having some tasty food on offer, the restaurant’s whole exposed brick and warm light glow thing makes it a go-to for a low-key Soho date or a proper catch-up with your favourite person and lime-heavy cocktails. Book ahead to avoid having to share a table with a couple of strangers. " - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, sinead cranna, rianne shlebak

"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

"Street food inspired by Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka features at this fun little spot from the Sethi family, who also own Trishna and Gymkhana. The 'hoppers' – bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice and coconut – are ideal with a creamy kari. The ‘short eats’ and the prices are great too." - Michelin Inspector

"A Sri Lankan feast is on the cards if you order the Kalupol Chicken Kit from Hoppers’ online store Cash & Kari. At £45, it promises to feed up to four people with mutton rolls and hot dipping sauce, a whole marinated chicken ready to roast, a selection of sambols and garnishes, banana chips, pol roti dough, and two chocolate-coco biscuit puddings to share." - heidi lauth beasley, jake missing, rianne shlebak