Hop & Spice

We went here for a big birthday bash – this being one of the few nice Sri Lankan restaurants in London. The first thing i noted was the beautiful decor – really an ideal place for a group of friends as nice big tables but still with an intimate feel.

I ordered the samosas which were freshly made – having tasted many of these types of starters, i thought the price was high but had to admit these were very tasty (if a little pricey in my opinion!). For my main, i chose the coconut lamb which was still very hot, despite saying mild, accompanied by the sag spinach and the aubergine salad (outstanding dish of the night). The food was very hot but id say ask the waiters for their opinion on what is mild etc if you are worried. You also can have the option of having thali style – ie a selection of curries, though i wasnt adventurous for this. The other people in the group scoffed down their meals but seemed to really enjoy the food too, preferring the much hotter dishes.

Pricewise – its high (£25 for starters and mains per person) but the food was of a very high standard and i loved having an authentic taste of Sri Lanka again! It also may not be so politically correct but would have been nice to see more Sri Lankan staff, to get more of a knowledgeable opinion on the dishes – however the service we had on the night was excellent. If the place wasnt so far away from where i live, id certainly be a regular, though i will definitely recommend it to my south london friends!

Very good restaurant, relaxed with a smokey atmosphere and serene lighting. Food was exceptional, not too spicy as much Sri Lankan food is but very flavoursome all the same. I was very impressed with the menu selection, encompassing all regions of Sri Lanka and for those that want it enfuse, a Western twist on certain choices. The Wattillupum (a traditional Sri Lankan desert) was by far the best I have had anywhere; being Sri Lankan myself and having travelled to Sri Lanka numerous times, I think that is saying something! The coconut lamb (kottu rotti) was exceptionally well prepared, my mother very much enjoyed the brilliant vegetarian dishes and side dishes on offer. I would definitely come here again.

Hop & Spice is a rare (if not unique?) concept, partnering curries – served as tapas – with some great beers. Be under no illusion, however, this restaurant is all about the food. The flavours are similar to Indian curry – and not surprisingly South Indian cuisine. They are not over-powering, but very tasty indeed.

The beers are a bonus, and to wash down my wonderful spicy meal with a bottle of St Peter's Bitter was a treat!

Don't leave without trying the Sri Lankan pudding – a custard (not dissimilar to creme brulee) with mango & cashew nuts.

A buzzy atmosphere, good service, and overall very good value for money. I'd rate this as one of the best restaurants in Balham.

Hop & Spice is an outstanding neighbourhood restaurant. If you're looking for wholesome tasty curries, that are not too overbearing then this is the place for you. H&S refreshingly serve their dishes as tapas and they recommend 6 curries between 2 – they have set plate combinations for the confused(!). The result is a delicious balanced meal. The beers are lovely too – an Erdinger Weiss beer combined with my rich beef curry beautifully. It's marvelous value, and at about £20 per head including drink and service, it's not somewhere you really need to think too hard about. Service is warm and attentive.The ambience is lively, although it can get busy and a touch loud – It's best to book.