London’s food scene is getting a fiery new addition as award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant Karapincha joins BOXHALL City’s Kitchen No.8, bringing traditional family recipes, bold spices and vibrant Sri Lankan flavours to the heart of the capital.
The restaurant officially opened at BOXHALL City on Monday 17 August, becoming the latest independent food concept to take over Kitchen No.8 – the venue’s rotating residency platform dedicated to showcasing some of the UK’s most exciting culinary talent.
From Colombo Family Recipes to London
Founded by twin sisters Vasanthini and Dharshini Perumal, Karapincha has its roots firmly planted in their family’s love of food.
Born in Kandy and raised in Colombo, the sisters grew up surrounded by their mother’s spice-rich cooking. Their family also famously owned one of Colombo’s popular vegetarian restaurants, giving Vasanthini and Dharshini a strong culinary foundation from an early age.
The name Karapincha comes from the Sinhala word for curry leaf – an ingredient that sits at the heart of the restaurant’s hand-ground spice blends and signature dishes.
Now, the sisters are bringing those authentic flavours to London, combining traditional Sri Lankan cooking with locally sourced meats and vegetables, creamy coconut milk and fiery chilli sambols.
What to Eat at Karapincha
The new BOXHALL residency offers diners the chance to discover Sri Lankan favourites alongside Karapincha’s own contemporary take on the cuisine.
Highlights include Devilled Chicken, served with fragrant fried rice and pomegranate seeds, alongside rich and comforting Kothu Rothi, made with shredded roti.
There are also crispy lamb rolls and soft, buttery Paratha, served alongside a delicious vegan curry, making the menu an option for both meat lovers and plant-based diners.
The result is a menu that celebrates the depth and versatility of Sri Lankan cuisine while remaining rooted in the dishes the sisters grew up eating.
Kitchen No.8 Continues to Champion Independent Chefs
Karapincha is the latest concept to take over Kitchen No.8, BOXHALL’s rotating chef residency designed to give independent food traders and emerging culinary talent a platform in London.
The concept regularly introduces new menus, bold flavours and limited-edition dining experiences to BOXHALL City, giving visitors another reason to return and discover something different.
The latest arrival follows other Kitchen No.8 concepts, including Jamaican fusion restaurant PATOIS, which previously brought its Caribbean-inspired dishes to the BOXHALL kitchen.
Vasanthini and Dharshini Perumal, Co-Founders of Karapincha, said:
“We’re so excited to be joining BOXHALL and bringing a little taste of Sri Lanka to the community.”
The sisters added that Karapincha has always been about sharing the food they grew up with and the flavours they love, describing the new BOXHALL location as an opportunity to introduce even more people to Sri Lankan food.
Luther Dyer, General Manager at BOXHALL City, said Karapincha’s focus on family recipes, bold spices and quality ingredients makes the restaurant a natural fit for Kitchen No.8.
Where to Find Karapincha at BOXHALL City
Located inside the historic Metropolitan Arcade, BOXHALL City has established itself as one of London’s go-to destinations for food, drink and entertainment, bringing independent kitchens together under one roof.
With Karapincha now serving at Kitchen No.8, visitors can add Sri Lankan cuisine to the venue’s ever-changing line-up – whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch, an after-work meal or a full evening of food and drinks.
Find Out More About Karapincha at BOXHALL City
