Hoppers

Another Bib Gourmand today, as I ventured out to King's Cross to try the Sri Lankan hotspot that is Hoppers. Hoppers had been on my radar for a while, and after a recommendation on r/finedining for the bone marrow varuval, I decided to pay them a visit.

The restaurant - as is usually the case, it seems - was packed. Servers were rushed off their feet, so I was quite fortunate to get a seat, albeit at the high counter. The restaurant is dimly lit, with Sri Lankan decor (all ceremonial masks and dark wood), and the one specials board can go somewhat unnoticed dependent on where it is that you're sat. Despite the crowd, it didn't take long at all for my food to arrive.

I ordered the bone marrow varuval with roti, and the lamb Kari along with a hopper (Sri Lankan bowl-shaped fermented rice and coconut milk pancake) and idli (steamed rice cake). 

The bone marrow varuval (pictured top) left much to be desired. A pitiful helping of bone marrow and a sauce that was thin and one dimensional left me wishing I had not have bothered. The roti, meanwhile, was perfectly fine.

While the bone marrow varuval didn't make the meal, the lamb kari absolutely did. Thick, rich and complex, with a hint of spice, the lamb soft and tender, the Kari was one of - if not the - best I've had in London thus far. The hopper was also a very nice accompaniment, though I wonder where they're getting £6 for such a simple dish. The idli was slightly cold, but I didn't have a problem with this, as it made it all the easier to each with my hands (this meal was most certainly not a knife and fork affair, for the most part).

Overall I'm glad I visited Hoppers, if only for the lamb kari. It's a must-try.

Value for money? This is where it gets tricky. It was £42 including service for the food listed, which is a lot for the amount of food you get. The quality of the lamb kari is much deserving of its £13.75 price-tag though. For my meal, it was a lot, but if you're able to get quality dishes rather than duds, then it will probably provide good value. You just might not be full on £40, especially when you compare that to the last restaurant I visited, Farang, where you get at least triple the amount of food for the same price.

Would I return? I would return for the kari, but really only if I'm in the area and have a craving.