It’s hard to believe it’s five years since we all queued up on Frith Street for the arrival of Hoppers, the smash-hit Sri Lankan restaurant opened by JKS with chef Karan Gokani at the helm. Now it feels like part of the restaurant establishment, with branches in Marylebone and Kings Cross too –with Social Sundays and Gokani, now director, leading regular research trips back to Sri Lanka to develop the menu.
Today is Hoppers’ fifth birthday, a cause for celebration, especially in these straitened times, but more than that, it is choosing today to launch its new adventure – a “Cash & Kari” retail shop. Bottled cocktails, spices, ‘kari home’ meal kits such as Kalupol chicken (pictured), Hopper merch and more will be on sale from today for collection from the restaurants and – hurrah for those not in London – nationwide delivery too.
As Gokani says, “Just like Hoppers was inspired by the toddy shops and street food stalls in Sri Lanka and South India, Cash & Kari emulates the small family-run shops in towns and cities across the region – selling their own blend of spices, batters, snacks and homemade drinks. We are very excited to bring a taste of Hoppers into homes across the country, at a time when not everyone can enjoy the pleasure of dining out.”
To read more industry news, click here