Rambutan

Rambutan brings the warmth, soul, and deeply spiced character of Sri Lankan cooking to the vibrant streets of Borough Market. The debut restaurant from author and chef Cynthia Shanmugalingam, it draws inspiration from her Tamil heritage and journeys across northern Sri Lanka, crafting a menu rich in regional flavours and bold, home-style cooking. The space itself is an elegant blend of green marble and terracotta, anchored by an open kitchen where rotis puff, curries simmer, and vibrant sambols are made to order. From its gundu dosa with coriander dipping sauce to the signature Jaffna crab curry, every dish celebrates a sense of comfort, memory, and culinary storytelling — a true expression of diaspora cuisine in one of London’s most storied food destinations. Critics have praised Rambutan for its lively, confident food and joyful atmosphere, with SquareMeal highlighting the “wave after wave” of soulful dishes and Michelin Guide noting its “well-balanced spicing and satisfying flavours.” The downstairs cocktail bar adds to the experience, offering a cozy space to linger over drinks that complement the richly textured menu. This all-day restaurant serves continuously from 12pm, making it ideal for anything from a quick lunchtime roti to a romantic dinner over curry and cocktails. Rambutan is a welcome addition to central London’s dining scene — intimate yet buzzing, boldly spiced yet comfortingly familiar, and always full of heart.