Destination Dining: Hoppers, London

Buriani, Acharu & Yoghurt. Photo / Facebook

77 Wigmore Street, St Christopher's Place, London

We arrived… for Sunday lunch, weaving down the narrow passage from Oxford St. We had booked ahead and chose the St Christopher's spot because it takes bookings, unlike its Soho counterpart up the road.

Hoppers London interior. Photo / Facebook

We chose here because…

our London friends – who are professional foodies – raved about it. It's the sister restaurant to the Michelin-starred Trishna Restaurant in Marylebone, which serves exceptional modern Indian. Hoppers is now doing the same, focusing on Sri Lankan cuisine.

Our first impression was… Yum! Everything on the menu looked excellent and the aromas wafting from the kitchen had us salivating instantly.

We started with… the signature hoppers, from which the restaurant takes its name. Hoppers are a type of pancake (made with rice flour and coconut milk) cooked in small, round pans to create a bowl, which you can then fill with all sorts of other delicious morsels, including various karis, sambols and chutneys.

String hoppers. Photo / Facebook

The highlight was… the chicken buriani, which arrives as an exotic green gift, wrapped in a banana leaf and tied in a bow. It was delicious, packed with soft, tender chicken and full of warm, aromatic flavours.

Dessert was… Not on the cards as we had filled our allotted time sampling the many savoury delicacies on offer. This is a popular spot and though you can book ahead, you will be moved on swiftly once you've finished your meal.

Sri Lankan style eggs. Photo / Facebook

Come here if… you're looking for a stylish yet affordable dining experience that offers more flavour and intrigue than your average bistro.

The bill… was a very affordable GBP90 for three people to enjoy a filling lunch, plus a round of soft drinks and service charge.