While you might usually associate Tooting with Wolfie Smith and his popular front, I was about to discover that this quirky South London neighborhood had another hidden gem—Sri Lankan cuisine at the iconic Apollo Banana Leaf.
Said establishment was recommended to me after what can only be described as a rather productive day—first securing a same-day passport, and then meeting up with my fellow LetsBuyAnIsland.com owners down in Tooting for a few sherbets. And you know what? It was a bit of alright…
What the Tooting Broadway?
Tooting Broadway isn’t exactly the first place you think of when considering a culinary pilgrimage. But let me tell you—this place has evolved. Once known for being a bit rough around the edges, it has developed a proper food scene, blending old-school British boozers with some of the best South Asian cuisine in the city. And yes, there’s still a distinctively South London grittiness to it, but that’s exactly what makes it worth the trip.
We had originally convened at the Tooting Tavern, a classic London pub. You know the type—worn-out carpet, sticky tables, and enough character to make up for it. It’s the kind of place where the locals have their ‘usuals,’ and the bartender doesn’t need to ask what you’re drinking. I settled in with a pint, exchanging stories with my fellow island owners, before the call for food became too strong to ignore. Tooting was known for its curry houses, and we were about to find out if Apollo Banana Leaf lived up to the hype.
Click to read about English street food.
What the Apollo Banana Leaf?
Apollo Banana Leaf is one of those places that could only exist in London. Situated on a slightly dodgy street, it has all the hallmarks of a proper backstreet hidden treasure—flickering lights, a no-frills interior, and a vibe that screams ‘we focus on the food, not the decor.’
Founded years ago by Sri Lankan immigrants, Apollo Banana Leaf has built a reputation as one of the best spots for authentic Sri Lankan cuisine in the city. I was there with my YPT colleague Morgan, and together we stepped into what can best be described as a gloriously chaotic eatery. The menu was extensive—filled with classic Sri Lankan curries, roti, seafood, and a few dishes that looked like they had been thrown on for the drunk Brits who had accidentally wandered in.
You wouldn’t take a date here unless you knew they were really into their food, but that’s precisely what makes it so great. No pretentiousness, no nonsense, just solid Sri Lankan cuisine in a setting that reminded me a bit of actually being in South Asia – save the weather….
What to Eat at Apollo Banana Leaf?
Sri Lankan cuisine is a bit of a mystery to most people. Sure, it shares some similarities with South Indian food, but it has its own unique character. Coconut-heavy curries, spiced meats, and a love of hoppers (a type of bowl-shaped pancake) make it stand apart. Having been here once before, I knew we were in for a proper feast.
The menu had all the usual Sri Lankan staples, and we decided to go for a mix of classics and some wildcard options. First up was a Sri Lankan take on a pizza—which was more like a flavored big bread without the toppings. We followed that up with Lamb Kottu, a dish made from chopped-up roti, stir-fried with egg, meat, and spices. Now, I’d love to say it was mind-blowing, but to be honest, it was a bit of a letdown. Maybe it was a bad batch, or maybe we had set our expectations too high, but it just didn’t hit the spot.
The surprise winner of the night? Deep-fried cauliflower. I know, I know—it doesn’t sound like the kind of dish that should steal the show, but this was different. Perfectly crispy, packed with flavor, and just the right amount of spice. Proof, once again, that sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.
For drinks, they had all the usuals—Cobra beer, your standard selection of spirits—but I went for a big bottle of Cream Soda Aida. Now, if you haven’t had a proper cream soda with your curry before, you’re missing out. Sweet, refreshing, and the perfect way to cool down after a spice overload.
And for ourselves a least this was a good dry run for me and Morgan who will both be running a Sri Lanka by Train Tour this summer…..
Where is Apollo Banana Leaf?
Apollo Banana Leaf is located at 190 Tooting High Street, London SW17 0SF. It’s about a five-minute walk from Tooting Broadway Station, which is on the Northern Line. If you’re coming from central London, it’s an easy trip—just jump on the Tube, head south, and prepare yourself for some seriously good food.
Is it worth the journey? Absolutely. Just be ready for a bit of a wait, a bit of chaos, and one hell of a meal. And if you happen to find yourself in Tooting on a Monday night? Well, you might as well start at the Tooting Tavern, sink a few pints, and make a proper night of it. After all, that’s what South London is all about.