Cynthia Shanmugalingam is a British-Sri Lankan chef and author dedicated to bringing authentic Sri Lankan cuisine to London. Her culinary approach is deeply rooted in her family's heritage and experiences in Sri Lanka.
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Last updated: 9/19/2026, 4:39:00 AM
Key Information
Rambutan is a Sri Lankan restaurant located in the heart of Borough Market, London. It specializes in diaspora Sri Lankan cooking with an emphasis on open-fire preparation.
Customer Perception
Customers praise Rambutan for its authentic Sri Lankan cuisine and its location within Borough Market. The open-fire cooking method is a notable aspect of their culinary approach.
Best Sri Lankan restaurant I’ve been to in London. Loved the mutton rolls, squid burger. The pongol rice is a must order. The kottu roti was nice but there wasn’t a lot of crab on it for the price (£31). Regardless I can’t wait to come back as the menu changes monthly
Lunch at Rambutan! 🇱🇰 The Sri Lankan cuisine absolutely deserves the spotlight, and Rambutan knows exactly how to showcase it. The Saffron Chicken Pongal rice is amazing, but just as good are the drinks, don’t sleep on them. The Pandan Cream Soda, the Rambutini, and my favorite: mango with clarified tamarind and soda. Thanks, team! Also bought the cookbook thanks to this visit!
5
Great experience overall. Watermelon acharu is a bold choice if you like your watermelon sweet. Gundu dosa is a filling starter, but recommended for something different to usual dough alternatives in other restaurants. Peach curry was very vibrant and lively in terms of flavours while lamb and jarusalem artichoke was more on the intenser side with its sophisticated flavour. Cocktails are worth trying although we got with the no alcohol ones and even they were very tasty and original.
We didn't have any issues with finding a table although we went there on a weekend day without reservation. Staff was kind and quick.
5
Small plates, great cocktails, and the beef & bone marrow rolls and saffron chicken pongal rice that I’m still thinking about. Sri Lankan food done really, really well.
Good food, good company, good night!
Also devoured: gundu dosas,
Highland beef rump red curry, kottu rotti with Devon crab, fried okra yoghurt pachadi.
I made sure not to order the hot hot 🔥 dishes, but a cheeky little 🌶️ got through!
#BoroughMarket #SriLankanFood #LondonEats #LondonFoodie #LondonRestaurants
5
Really lovely place. Great service and lovely atmosphere. The grilled prawns were really delicious and so was my fresh pulped mango and tamarind cocktail! Despite the cuisine the chilli level is fairly low, even the sambals were delicious but fairly mild.
