A Culinary Journey Through Sri Lankan Flavors in London

Youtuber: Bon Appétit

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bonappetit

Restaurant Name: Paradise

Restaurant Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Hj6MQcGeecZKhjoh9

TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g186338-d19527299-Reviews-Paradise-London_England.html

Google Maps:

A Culinary Journey Through Sri Lankan Flavors in London

🌿 **Exploring Sri Lankan Cuisine**

Sri Lankan food is often recognized for its vibrant curries, pulses, dahs, and roti. However, at Paradise, a unique restaurant located in Soho, London, the chef and owner, Dom Fernando, aims to elevate and innovate elements of Sri Lankan cuisine. This restaurant is notably the only one in the world offering a dedicated Sri Lankan tasting menu, capturing the essence of traditional dishes while introducing modern twists.

👨‍🍳 **The Passion Behind the Kitchen**

Dom Fernando, driven by a deep love for cooking that started long before he transitioned from a corporate accounting role, brings heartfelt emotions to his culinary creations. He expresses his desire for every guest to leave Paradise wanting to book a flight to Sri Lanka, eager to explore the flavors behind the meals they've experienced.

🥥 **The Craft of Cooking**

Upon entering the kitchen at Paradise, the team, including the roti chef known as Mama and head chef Prrenav, work in harmony. The influence of colonial history is evident in the dishes, featuring influences from South India, Malaysia, the Dutch, and the Portuguese. One of the standout items on their menu is the Kimble Bunnish, a savory twist on a sweet dish inspired by family memories of cheese toasties.

🍞 **A Unique Preparation Method**

They begin preparing the dish by slicing croissants, which are baked and then allowed to stale slightly; this is crucial for soaking in the savory green chili custard later. The custard itself combines whole milk, double cream, egg yolks, and rocket chilies, achieving the desired thick consistency. The focus on freshness and quality takes precedence throughout the cooking process, particularly with the use of rich coconut flavors, which is essential for making the dish truly unique.

🌶️ **Spices and Aromatics**

Moving on to the next dish, the lobster ciri, the team emphasizes the importance of fresh spices sourced from Sri Lanka. Ingredients like cardamom, fenugreek, and fresh Sri Lankan cinnamon are toasted to release their fullest flavors. The light coconut milk-based gravy, known as kiri hoodie, serves as the base for this dish, ensuring a balance against the bolder flavors present in other offerings.

🐙 **Sustainable Practices**

Dom is also dedicated to minimizing waste in the kitchen. Utilizing every part of the lobster for flavor, the kitchen brigade exemplifies sustainable practices by incorporating lobster shells into their cooking. The preparation results in a rich, flavorful stock that enhances the overall dining experience, showcasing a commitment to flavor and sustainability.

🎉 **Managing the Restaurant**

Running a successful restaurant involves more than just cooking; it requires efficient management of operations. Dom pays close attention to performance metrics and food costs, enabling him to adapt and make necessary decisions for the business's success. The transition from an à la carte menu to a tasting menu has allowed for better forecasting and reduced waste, improving operational efficiency.

🔥 **The Experience of Service**

As service time approaches, the kitchen is abuzz with excitement. Cooking on wood, as is traditional in Sri Lanka, not only enhances flavors but also brings a sense of authenticity to the dining experience. The combination of coconut, cinnamon, and mango wood fuels the fire, creating an aromatic environment that tantalizes the senses.

In this small yet dynamic kitchen, the team prepares to offer an unforgettable experience, showcasing the true richness of Sri Lankan cuisine while bridging cultural influences through innovative cooking techniques.