Kothu is the Sri Lankan answer to fried rice — roti bread is chopped and stir-fried with meat and vegetables. The mutton version features dense, moist chunks of spiced mutton throughout. Reviewers call it surprisingly satisfying despite its simplicity, with just the right amount of heat. Multiple reviews cite it as particularly nice.
Tips from diners
Mutton Kothu is the signature dish — reviewers specifically call it out as particularly nice. The meat is always moist and properly spiced.
A luxurious main where whole crabs are cooked in a warm, richly spiced sauce with coconut. Reviewers note that unlike many curry houses, the seafood quality here is excellent — meat is always on point. Warning: it's as messy to eat as it is delicious. The richly spiced sauce and proper technique set it apart.
Tips from diners
Order the Crab Masala for the mains — reviewers note that unlike many curry houses, the seafood is actually on point here. Messy to eat but worth it.
Crispy on the outside, these hand-held starters are packed with dense, chunky strands of moist mutton meat. Reviewers describe them as interesting and delectable, with lightly fiery heat balanced by the potato filling. At £0.85 per piece, they're a bargain.
Tips from diners
Order multiple — they're only £0.85 each and the meat is always properly cooked and well-seasoned. Great to share.
A traditional South Indian breakfast item made from chickpea flour, deep-fried until golden and crispy, then steeped in sambar (spiced lentil broth). The texture contrast between crispy exterior and soft interior is key. Reviewers appreciate it as an authentic starter.
Tips from diners
Sambar vadai is one of the 'short eats' (Sri Lankan street-food snacks). Break pieces of the vadai and let them soak in the lentil gravy before eating.
Bite-sized cauliflower pieces fried until perfectly crispy and golden. Packed with flavour from the spiced batter and just the right amount of heat. Simple but executed with care. Reviewers praise it for texture and seasoning balance.
Tips from diners
Even non-vegetarians praise this — the crispness and spice balance is excellent. A good option if you want something lighter.
Operating since 2004, Apollo Banana Leaf is a no-nonsense Sri Lankan spot that's become a Tooting institution. The BYO policy keeps bills low — full meals average £13-15 per person. Known for rich coconut curries, meat-heavy kothu (shredded roti), and crab dishes where the meat is always on point.
It's BYOB — bring your own wine or beer. This policy means full meals cost £13-15 per person, not £20-25. Makes a huge difference.
Apollo Banana Leaf is humble and unfancy, but the authenticity and meat quality are what matter. Everything is properly executed.
Unlike many curry houses, the meat and seafood quality here is excellent. Ask if they have any daily specials for cuts or whole animals.
Located a five-minute walk from Tooting Broadway Station. No reservations needed but expect waits on Friday-Saturday evenings.
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