3/3/22 - Updated with the opening date
It's been promised for a while, but Rambutan is finally gearing up to open. It's the latest step in chef, restaurateur and author Cynthia Shanmugalingam's journey of exploration of her Sri Lankan roots. The restaurant, which opens in Borough Market, follows the publication of a book of the same name which shines a light on Sri Lankan cooking with a focus on Cynthia's Tamil roots.
Born in Coventry to Sri Lankan parents, Cynthia has spoken about how following her original embarrassment over what the family ate at home ("our food was too spicy and too weird for my friends") she has now fully embraced her food heritage. Extensive travel in Sri Lanka gave her renewed love for the country's amazing food, which she's hoping will similarly inspire London restaurant goers.
The Borough restaurant takes over the space on Stoney Street previously occupied by Konditor & Cook. It's going to be a two-floored affair with a small bar in the basement (with cocktails, mezcal, cachaca and Sri Lankan arrack on the menu) alongside the ground-floor dining room.
As for the food, that's being described as "heritage dishes with an immigrant twist".
So there will be snacks, inspired by street food, like a Chicken Sambol Bun or Fried Mutton Roll. Larger dishes will include:
- Burnt Cabbage Varai, topped with crispy lentils, mustard and cumin seeds.
- Turbot heads with Sodhi broth, lemongrass, pandan leaves and fenugreek.
- Chicken Pongal, cooked slowly with saffron, coconut milk, poppy seeds and cinnamon.
The restaurant will feature artwork from independent Sri Lankan designers
Cynthia says “I believe I’m the first British-Sri Lankan female chef to open a restaurant in central London, and I’m just thrilled to be able to represent the extraordinary creativity and warm hospitality of all the Sri Lankan women who taught me how to cook."
More about Rambutan
Where is it? 10 Stoney Street, London SE1 9AD
When? 17 March 2023
Find out more: Follow them on Instagram @rambutan_ldn
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