Tea with Tooting Mama

About Tea with Tooting Mama

Join Ranji Thangiah, also known as Tooting Mama, as she sits down with chefs, cookbook authors, restaurateurs, hoteliers, and food entrepreneurs to explore Sri Lankan cuisine. In each episode, guests share personal stories, food memories, and their favorite Sri Lankan dishes. Expect laughter, life lessons, and even heartbreak, as they reflect on identity, family, and rediscovering their roots. Whether you’re after insights into authentic Sri Lankan recipes, connecting with the vibrant Sri Lankan food culture, or hunting for the best Sri Lankan food spots, Tea with Tooting Mama is your perfect podcast companion. tootingmama.substack.com (https://tootingmama.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Ranji Thangiah a.k.a Tooting Mama

Category

arts · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 May 2024

Latest episode

15 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   15 Jun 2026

   Samosas to Sigiriya: Urvashi Roe's guide to Gujarati snacks and her four-week Sri Lankan food trip

   If you're planning a trip to Sri Lanka, go grab your cuppa, this is the episode for you! I met Urvashi a year ago. We attended the same food writing course, held at the British Library. During the course we got chatting and Urvashi revealed she was about to embark on a four-week journey through Sri Lanka, exploring its food culture.  I knew right away Urvashi would have to be a guest on my show. At the time of recording Urvashi was fresh from a month in Sri Lanka, we talk about the highlights of her trip including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Knuckles, Ella, Yala, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Hiriketiya. We talk about the differences between Sri Lankan and Indian food, including coconut use, tempering methods, rice-based accompaniments, condiments, and dried fish culture, plus standout meals like Priyamali Gedara and Ministry of Crab. Urvashi is a former Great British Bake Off contestant. She entered the show as part of a challenge to prove that her middle years would not be boring! And post bake off, ger life has been far from that! She left her career in financial services, is now a successful food writer and cook book author and has also run a community café. Biting, Biting is Urvashi’s debut cookbook which features fast and easy,100% vegetarian and vegan snacks using leftovers and store-cupboard ingredients. Urvashi takes you into the world of Gujarati-style snacking, where nothing is wasted and every recipe can turn into a whole range of snacks. She shows you how to turn a simple potato shaak ( curry) into a samosa, or serve it up on toast with an egg, or stuffed into a parotha or flatbread. Urvashi shares her roots leaving Tanzania to her early childhood in Tooting and Southall. She explains dhokla (a steamed savory cake) and how her book modernised Gujarati recipes, think barfi a fudgelike Indian sweet made from milk powder and ghee reimagined as millionaires shortbread. 00:20 Meet Urvashi Roe 01:26 Bake Off origin story 06:46 From finance to food writing 10:49 Gujarati roots in Britain 12:59 Farsan and zero waste 15:43 Dhokla explained 19:03 Modern Gujarati leftovers 20:09 Why Sri Lanka for a month 21:30 Road trip and car hire 23:43 Cultural Triangle highlights 26:32 Sigiriya and mountain retreat 29:11 Ella tourism reality check 31:29 Tea factory and heading south 32:03 Yala Safari Reality Check 33:36 Gloriosa Flower Highlight 34:12 Kirinda Villa and Wild Beaches 35:34 Hiriketiya Foodie Beach Vibes 37:14 Galle Fort Food Crawl 38:39 Arak Tasting with Sanjay 39:34 Hikkaduwa Tsunami and Snorkel Stop 41:14 Local Innovation and Sri Lanka Pride 43:20 Sri Lanka Not the New Bali 44:00 Sri Lankan vs Indian Food 51:36 Gujarati Dinner Party Menu 54:35 Urvashi’s Standout Restaurants 56:13 Next Trip Plans and Tips 57:54 Where to Follow Urvashi Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   9 Mar 2026

   Love Loss & Legacy: Sav Perera

   In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama I'm talking to Sav Perera, former MasterChef Australia contestant and judge on MasterChef Sri Lanka. We talk about her food memories, identity and how MasterChef changed her life. Sav shares moving to Adelaide at 18 amid Sri Lanka's civil conflict, while acknowledging the privilege she had as a Sinhalese Buddhist, and reflects on growing up with checkpoints, bomb threats, and a dispersed family. We talk about her late mother Chandrika, a long-time and well-loved Sri Lankan Airlines cabin crew trainer, and how cooking helped her process grief after her mother's death in 2017 and revisiting her mother's steamed egg curry on MasterChef. Sav explains her love of Sri Lankan flavours, breaks down what real lamprais is, describes Australia's evolving Sri Lankan food scene, and outlines her work in pop-ups, content creation, diabetes advocacy, and bringing her experience as a former MasterChef Australia contestant to judging the new MasterChef Sri Lanka series. Sav restaurant recommendations Kurumba, Surry Hills Hoppers Joint, Melbourne Many Little Bar, Melbourne Ella, Darwin 00:00 Welcome 00:11 Meet Sav Pereira 01:47 Moving to Australia 03:44 Civil War Childhood 06:25 Privilege And Diaspora 08:18 Lessons From Mum 12:48 Grief And Cooking 14:37 Steamed Egg Curry 17:40 Modernizing Tradition 21:27 Sri Lankan Food Australia 26:37 MasterChef Pressure Cooker 31:22 Purpose And Mum Energy 32:05 Cooking In Your Bones 32:42 Ninety Minute Lamprais 35:05 What Lamprais Really Is 38:04 Flow State And Food Lineage 41:57 Building A Food Career 45:45 Why Not Me Mindset 49:35 MasterChef Sri Lanka Impact 53:02 Dream Dinner Menu 56:33 Jaggery Pudding Breakdown 57:57 Best Sri Lankan Restaurants 01:00:29 Where To Follow Sav And Wrap Sav restaurant recommendations Kurumba, Surry Hills Hoppers Joint, Melbourne Many Little Bar, Melbourne Ella, Darwin Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, and join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b), and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com). Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Sri Lankan Travel Stories: Curating Transformative Journeys in Sri Lanka

   Sam Clark from Experience Travel Group discusses with Tooting Mama his early travels to Sri Lanka and how they inspired him to create bespoke travel itineraries that promote sustainable tourism and transformative experiences.

4. 

   18 Sept 2025

   Heritage On A Plate: Jack Lury, On Reimagining Sri Lankan Cuisine

   Host Tea with Tooting Mama interviews Chef Jack Lury about his restaurant Lury in Hastings, exploring the fusion of Sri Lankan heritage with classical culinary techniques and his journey from pop-ups to establishing roots in the community.

5. 

   24 Jun 2025

   Baobab: How Jollof Rice and Biryani are building a new Sri Lankan-West African fusion lifestyle brand

   Zaynab Zubair discusses how her Sri Lankan-West African heritage informs her writing and inspires Baobab, a brand celebrating cultural fusion through food, fashion, and wellness in this interview.

6. 

   21 May 2025

   From cancer survivor to MasterChef (and more!)

   In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama, I’m talking to Laura Hicks about her remarkable life story, starting at age 17 with her battle against a rare form of bone cancer. She discusses how her illness led to a deep passion for cooking, taking part in MasterChef. Laura is a dual heritage British Sri Lankan. We talk about how this affected her growing up, how she brought Sri Lankan food to Masterchef, and how this experience led her to a career in food and reconnecting with her Sri Lankan Dutch Burgher heritage. Laura has done a lot to showcase Sri Lankan food on mainstream TV, but this wasn’t without controversy as trolls questioned her right to identify herself as Sri Lankan. Laura highlights the influence of her family's hundred-year-old cookbook, created by four generations of women, the challenges of balancing motherhood with her restaurant career, and how she hopes to publish her family’s cookbook. At the time of recording, Laura was pregnant with her third child. I’m delighted to say Laura has since given birth to her gorgeous son, Billy Hynes. 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 00:18 Battling Cancer at 17 00:54 Chemotherapy and Its Aftermath 01:27 Discovering a Love for Food 03:16 Journey to MasterChef 04:04 MasterChef Experience 06:57 Sri Lankan Heritage and Family 09:06 Identity and Cultural Challenges 12:31 The Hundred-Year-Old Cookbook 13:23 Exploring the Family Cookbook 13:51 Generational Cooking Stories 14:12 Diverse Culinary Heritage 15:27 MasterChef and Culinary Career 16:10 Supper Clubs and Popups 19:40 Balancing Family and Career 21:50 Favourite Sri Lankan Dishes 24:52 Nostalgic Restaurant Memories 25:58 Future Plans and Aspirations Laura Hicks Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/lauraspicekitchen/) The Scrandit (https://www.instagram.com/thescrandit/) The Kandyan, Bristol (https://www.thekandyan.co.uk) Beach Wadiya (http://beachwadiya.com/home.php) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, and join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), or Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b), and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com). Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

7. 

   12 Mar 2025

   The Friday Sari Project: Mehala Ford on Fashion, Heritage & the Future of Ethical Style

   In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama, I welcome Mehala Ford, the founder of the Friday Sari Project. We talk about how we first met at Mehala's unique concept store in Dulwich, which showcased innovative clothing and jewellery from contemporary designers in India and Sri Lanka. Mehala shares her journey of rediscovering her Sri Lankan heritage, which inspired her to create the Friday Sari Project, a platform dedicated to promoting contemporary South Asian fashion and culture. We dive into topics such as the significance of Tropical Modernism in Sri Lankan architecture, the burgeoning creative scene in Sri Lanka, and the intersection of ethical fashion and sustainability. Mehala discusses her plans for the Friday Sari Project and her focus on promoting ethically conscious, craft-oriented designs. We also explore Sri Lanka's vibrant and health-conscious food culture. Mehala shares some of her recent food discoveries, the brunch she would prepare for friends, and her favourite Sri Lankan restaurant. We wrap up the episode by looking ahead to the future of the Friday Sari Project and its role in bridging South Asian traditions with contemporary global culture. Go grab your cuppa and let's talk fashion, sustainability, and food. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:33 The Friday Sari Project: Origins and Inspirations 01:32 Exploring Tropical Modernism and Cultural Reconnection 07:27 The Concept Store and Modern South Asian Design 14:27 Sustainability and Ethical Fashion in Sri Lanka 22:40 Food and Fashion: A Fusion of Cultures 31:42 Future Plans and Final Thoughts Fashion and culture Friday Sari Project (https://www.fridaysariproject.co.uk/) Arc en Ciel (https://www.instagram.com/arcencielbatiks/?hl=en-gb) Barefoot (https://barefootceylon.com/)and Barbara Sansoni (https://www.ft.com/content/bbbaca3a-6209-474c-bea6-7d972b37d287) Beerlu Lace  (https://thedesigncollectivestore.com/the-origins-and-process-of-beeralu-lace-weaving-a-disappearing-ancient-craft) Cherub (https://www.instagram.com/cherub.srilanka/) Geoffery Bawa (https://geoffreybawa.com/) Kur (https://notjustalabel.com/kur-collection) Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (https://www.mbfwsrilanka.com/) Old Railway (http://theoldrailwayshop.com/) Rice and Carry (https://www.riceandcarry.eu/en/) Sri Lankan Design Festival (https://www.srilankadesignfestival.lk/) Restaurants Sri Lanka Cafe Kumbuk (https://www.cafekumbuk.com/) Dine and Sip (https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g612380-d24993144-Reviews-Dine_n_Sip-Weligama_Matara_Southern_Province.html) Galle Face Hotel  (https://gallefacehotel.com/) Life’s Good Kitchen (https://www.instagram.com/lifesgoodkitchen/?hl=en) Seed Cafe  (https://www.instagram.com/seedcafesl/?hl=en) Restaurants London Rambutan (https://www.rambutanlondon.com/) Kolamba (https://www.kolamba.co.uk/) Oru Space (https://oruspace.co/) Hopper classes and spice blends Hop & Roll (https://www.hopandroll.co.uk) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, and join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss),Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b), and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com). Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

8. 

   13 Feb 2025

   From Refugee to Socially Conscious Entrepreneur

   Our family gatherings with the small clutch of relatives we had in the U.K. would always happen on a Sunday. That gave my parents enough time for a round trip to the Sri Lankan grocery store to stock up on curry leaves, and a big bunch of fresh coriander, a bundle of garlic and ginger, Maldive fish, and cheaper-than-the-supermarket vegetables. And enough time for my mum to make the chicken curry (https://tootingmama.com/sri-lankan-red-chicken-curry/), pork curry, aubergine curry (https://tootingmama.com/super-tasty-super-healthy-aubergine-curry-2/), green beans, cabbage mallung (https://tootingmama.com/sri-lankan-cabbage-mallung/), dhal (https://tootingmama.com/south-indian-dhal/), white rice, and yellow rice. And probably devilled potatoes. (https://tootingmama.com/devilled-potatoes-spicy-potato-curry/) Standard fare for a Sunday family gathering. Once we’d piled all the food on our plates, sat and devoured, us kids were swept upstairs to play while the grown-ups sat in the living room to sort out Sri Lankan politics. Inevitably, the conversation would drift towards food—how great our collective mothers and aunties were at cooking, how the food was so much better than the restaurants we frequented in the late ’70s and ’80s. Wouldn’t it be great if we opened a restaurant? Perhaps not realising that those restaurants weren’t aimed at skilled and knowledgeable home cooks but at people who just wanted a basic bhuna and a beer. In my podcast, I am talking to Vibushan Thirukumar, the co-founder of Oru Space, and this recollection is something we touched on—the first generation’s immigrant desire to set up a restaurant to showcase their food. I remember this conversation coming up time and time again in my family. But, of course, come Monday, we were back at school, my dad and uncles were back at work, and mothers and aunties were back in the kitchen. But Vibushan not only opened a restaurant, Trincos, inspired by his Sri Lankan heritage, he also co-founded Oru Space, a co-working space with wellness and community at its heart. In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama, Vibushan shares his journey from arriving in the U.K. as a Sri Lankan refugee to establishing a successful co-working and wellness concept in East Dulwich and Sutton. He discusses his early life challenges, educational journey, and career shift from accounting to entrepreneurship. He delves into the inspiration behind Oru Space, the integration of his Sri Lankan heritage, and the impact of his family’s experiences. Our conversation also covers his venture failures that led to his eventual success, his innovative approach to business, and the plans for Oru Space. 00:00 Introduction to Vibhishan Thirukumar and Oru Space 00:47 Vibhishan's Early Life and Education 01:52 Struggles and Career Shifts 07:36 Finding Passion in Retail 08:55 Transition to Accountancy 10:52 The Birth of Oru Space 15:43 Challenges and Adventures in Sri Lanka 23:21 A Dangerous Encounter in Trincomalee 24:11 Abandoning the Sri Lanka Project 24:29 Starting Fresh in London 26:13 Incorporating Wellness into Coworking 28:24 The Birth of Trinco Restaurant 28:46 Reflecting Heritage in Oru Space 37:19 Expanding OruSpace to Sutton 38:31 Future Plans and Community Focus * Oru Space (https://oruspace.co/) * Rambutan (https://www.rambutanlondon.com/) * Everest Curry King (https://www.instagram.com/everest_curryking/?hl=en) * That Jay Rayner Review (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/may/21/restaurant-review-jay-rayner-everest-curry-king-london-a-simple-place-but-oh-so-good)  (https://www.theguardian.com/food/2023/may/21/restaurant-review-jay-rayner-everest-curry-king-london-a-simple-place-but-oh-so-good) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, and join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple Podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss),Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b), and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com). Tooting Mama is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

9. 

   14 Dec 2024

   A Decision That Changed Her Life Forever: Mahesha Rice's Incredible Story

   In this episode, I talk to Mahesha Rice, a Reiki master and EFT practitioner, to unravel her incredible journey from a happy childhood in Sri Lanka to a new life in France. At the age of six, Mahesha made a life-changing decision that led to her adoption by an aunt in France.  She faced many challenges, including language barriers, cultural differences. Mahesha's story is a profound testament to resilience and determination. Mahesa was incredibly brave opening up to me about her life story, and I really wanted to hold space for Mahesha as we talked about her past. Throughout our conversation, Mahesha shares candid memories of her childhood, the difficulties of feeling isolated, the abuse she faced and the ways in which she found hope and inner strength through building a network of friends who supported her.. Mahesha’s story is one of resilience, determination, and searching for hope when  you think there is none, and finding the light. The episode also touches on her passion for Sri Lankan cuisine, highlighted by her cookbook on simple Sri Lankan recipes. As a trigger warning, this episode includes discussions about abuse. Join us for an inspiring story of hope, healing, and finding light in the darkest of times. 00:00 Introduction to Mahisha Rice 01:23 Early life in Sri Lanka 02:55 The decision to move to France 06:20 Adjusting to a new life 12:02 Building resilience and finding support 20:04 Healing and embracing therapy 30:30 Writing and cooking 34:45 Future plans and final thoughts Tooting Mama Substack (https://tootingmama.substack.com/) Mahesha Rice website (https://mahesharice.com/) Reiki and EFT Tapping    (https://mahesharice.com/services/) Mahesha’s cookbook (https://amzn.eu/d/d1t7BJu) Mahesha’s restaurant recommendations Colombo 16 (https://www.colombo16.co.uk/) Moonstone (https://moonstonesrilankanrestaurant.co.uk/) Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

10. 

    12 Nov 2024

    Jayaflava: The cookbook with the rockstar recipes of Sri Lankan cuisine

    In this podcast episode, I interview Tasha Marikkar about her new cookbook, Jayaflava (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8631/9789356996243), which dives into the rich and diverse world of Sri Lankan cuisine. I loved talking to Tasha who shares her passion for Sri Lanka food, our legendary aunties of Sri Lankan cooking and the unique blend of heritage, ethnicity, and religion that is reflected in Sri Lankan food. Tasha tells me how she selected 80 recipes out of 200, shares her favorite places to eat in Sri Lanka and the UK, discusses the cultural significance of dishes like ribbon cake and how Felix Buxton (https://www.instagram.com/p/C6mXgXoMIkd/?hl=en&img_index=1) of the band Basement Jaxx (https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20111119/288664753505732?srsltid=AfmBOoqO2zscWR-tmcLxkzkcNtu5vaSFRnZdoAw48eLnMylr2I9VOxVo) (https://www.pressreader.com/sri-lanka/daily-mirror-sri-lanka/20111119/288664753505732?srsltid=AfmBOoqO2zscWR-tmcLxkzkcNtu5vaSFRnZdoAw48eLnMylr2I9VOxVo)helped inspire the cookbook’s title: Jayaflava. Tasha also hints at an upcoming TV series that will further explore Sri Lankan culinary traditions. 00:00 Introduction to Tasha Marrikar and her cookbook 00:31 A deep dive into into Sri Lankan cuisine 01:30 Tasha's background and family heritage 03:14 Exploring the diversity of Sri Lankan food 05:30 The journey of writing Jayaflava 10:48 Choosing Jayaflava’s rockstar recipes 21:14 Fusion recipes 23:48 Tasha's dinner party and restaurant recommedations 28:01 Upcoming projects and where to buy Jayaflava (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8631/9789356996243) You can buy Jayaflava here (https://uk.bookshop.org/a/8631/9789356996243). Tasha’s favourite restaurants in Sri Lanka and the UK Sri Lanka * Gini (https://www.instagram.com/gini_outdoor_kitchen) * Ministry of Crab (https://www.ministryofcrab.com/colombo/) * Renuka City Hotel (https://www.renukacityhotel.com/dine-and-drink/palmyrah-restaurant/) * Smoke and Bitters (https://www.instagram.com/smoke.bitters/?hl=en) London * Hoppers (https://www.hopperslondon.com/) * Jaffna House  (https://www.jaffna-house.co.uk/) * Rambutan (https://www.rambutanlondon.com/) * Paradise Soho (https://www.paradisesoho.com/) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eda1fbbb-c1a2-4c96-8fef-25852f60b786/eat-capture-share---a-podcast-for-food-bloggers)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b) and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com) Why not take a screenshot of the podcast and post it on your  Instagram stories (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) and let’s spread the word about this podcast and the fantastic stores we have to share within the Sri Lankan community. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

11. 

    8 Oct 2024

    From Global Childhood to Sri Lankan Artisan Brands: Sarah Baldwin talks Travel, Culture, Food

    Sarah Baldwin is the founder of Serendip It’s a business inspired by Sarah’s love of travel, and a childhood spent living in several different countries including Sri Lanka. The ethos of Sarah's business is to source artisan products that are handmade in Sri Lanka - and you’ll hear about the efforts Sarah goes to, to track down true artisan makers. In our conversation we talk about the brands Sarah has sourced and how as a child she became accustomed to living in different cultures and getting used to different foods. Sarah will give you her recommendations for restaurants in Sri Lanka and here in the UK. Go grab your tea and settle in as I talk to Sara about her childhood, her business, Sri Lanka and most importantly food. Serendip (https://serendipcrafts.co.uk) The Kandy Esala Perahera (https://kandyesalaperahera.com) Rice and Carry (https://www.riceandcarry.eu/en/) Barefoot (https://barefootceylon.com) Hop & Roll (https://www.hopandroll.co.uk) Little Sambol (https://www.instagram.com/littlesambol/) Everest Curry King (https://tootingmama.substack.com/p/no-small-plates-at-lewishams-everest?utm_source=publication-search) Rambutan (https://www.rambutanlondon.com) Empire Cafe, Kandy (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089956452149) Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

12. 

    16 Aug 2024

    Curry, Culture, and Connection: Krisha Puwanarajah’s story about MUVs ALL Day

    In this South Asian Heritage Month edition of Tea with Tooting Mama, I’m talking to Krisha Puwanarajah, the co-founder of MUVs ALL DAY. Originally MUVs started out as curries delivered to customers in jars, then became a cult supper club. Krish is now on her journey to transform MUVs. We discuss why Krish started a food business, how she used food and stories to connect people to her Sri Lankan culture and her heritage recipe. We talk about how working in Sri Lankan food has freed her to be herself. Grab your cuppa and tune into this podcast. This mini-edition of Tea with Tooting Mama is supported by Hera Project X Sri Lanka and Wandsworth Council. * MUVs ALL Day photo story (https://tootingmama.substack.com/p/photo-story-muvs-allday) * MUVs ALL DAY (https://muvsallday.com) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eda1fbbb-c1a2-4c96-8fef-25852f60b786/eat-capture-share---a-podcast-for-food-bloggers)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b) and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com) Why not take a screenshot of the podcast and post it on your  Instagram stories (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) and let’s spread the word about this podcast and the fantastic stores we have to share within the Sri Lankan community. Tooting Mama is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

13. 

    13 Aug 2024

    Chutney, pickles and sambols: Tasting your way through Sri Lankan Culture

    In this South Asian Heritage Month edition of Tea with Tooting Mama, I’m talking to Thana Sivasambu, the founder of Ruci Foods. You may remember Thana from a previous episode of Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/p/rebuilding-sri-lanka-with-chutneys). We discuss Thana's motivation for starting a food business, how she uses food to connect people to Sri Lankan culture and her heritage recipe. A recipe she loves and one she would want to pass on. Free to be me is the theme for this year’s South Asian Heritage Month. We talk about how working in Sri Lankan food has freed her to be herself. Thana’s response might surprise you! Grab your cup of tea and tune into this podcast. This mini-edition of Tea with Tooting Mama is supported by Hera Project X Sri Lanka and Wandsworth Council. * Rebuilding Sri Lanka with chutneys, pickles and sambols (https://tootingmama.substack.com/p/rebuilding-sri-lanka-with-chutneys) * Ruci Foods (https://www.rucifoods.com) * Thana’s heritage recipe (https://www.kannammacooks.com/vendhaya-kuzhambu-recipe/#google_vignette) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eda1fbbb-c1a2-4c96-8fef-25852f60b786/eat-capture-share---a-podcast-for-food-bloggers)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b) and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com) Why not take a screenshot of the podcast and post it on your  Instagram stories (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) and let’s spread the word about this podcast and the fantastic stores we have to share within the Sri Lankan community. Tooting Mama is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

14. 

    8 Aug 2024

    Sri Lankan hopper making kits and culinary mastery: Rosh Olivelle's Sri Lankan success story

    South Asian Heritage Month seeks to raise the profile and help people understand the richness and diversity of South Asian culture in Britain today. The 2024 celebrations focus on the theme, free to be me. For this special edition of Tea with Tooting Mama I’m talking to the women behind the Sri Lankan Culture Collective: Rosh Olivelle, Thana Samasambu and Krish Puwanarajah. It’s a platform to showcase modern Sri Lankan culture and identity in the UK. You’re going to hear from Rosh Olivelle, the founder of Hop and Roll. Rosh sells hopper making kits which allows customers to make Sri Lanka’s iconic dish at home. As well as this, Rosh runs hopper making classes and caters for events. And she has just gone on to win a Great Taste Award for her Sri Lankan roasted curry powder. As you will see Sri Lankan food is a big part of Sri Lankan culture. Making food central to our lives has helped Rosh, Thana and Krish be free to be themselves. Join me as I dig deeper into their stories, their Sri Lankan heritage and identity, and find out why food plays such an important role in their lives. Hop & Roll (https://www.hopandroll.co.uk) Hop & Roll Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hop_roll/) Buy Hop & Roll Hopper kits (https://www.notonthehighstreet.com/hopandroll) South Asian Heritage Month (https://southasianheritage.org.uk) Sri Lankan Culture Collective Boutique Festival (https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/sri-lankan-food-and-culture-festival-part-of-south-asian-heritage-month-tickets-946790434677?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=1) Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eda1fbbb-c1a2-4c96-8fef-25852f60b786/eat-capture-share---a-podcast-for-food-bloggers)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b) and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com) Why not take a screenshot of the podcast and post it on your  Instagram stories (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) and let’s spread the word about this podcast and the fantastic stores we have to share within the Sri Lankan community. Tooting Mama is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

15. 

    12 Jun 2024

    Rebuilding Sri Lanka with chutneys, pickles and sambols

    Shownotes Ruci Foods (https://www.rucifoods.com) Paradise Soho (https://paradisesoho.com) Rambutan (https://www.rambutanlondon.com) MUVS ALLDAY (https://muvsallday.com) Larry Jeyasekara (http://larry_jayasekara) Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

16. 

    16 May 2024

    You just got to start!

    In this episode of Tea with Tooting Mama, I am joined by Dee Gibson, a highly sought-after British Sri Lankan interior designer. We talked about a pivotal holiday in Sri Lanka that changed her life resulting in Dee becoming a hotelier through the creation of her boutique hotel, Kalukanda House, which has been featured in HIP Hotels and Conde Nast Traveller. Kalulanda House is more than just a hotel. It has become the foundation to start a new conversation to shift the narrative of Sri Lanka. Her new initiative, HERA Project X, is a curated programme of events, retreats, and cultural exchange to champion women’s creativity and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka and the global diaspora. Dee is looking out for like minded retreat leaders with impact who can offer enticing options and are able to provide reciprocal scholarship places to local HERA Project X beneficiaries. During our conversation Dee revealed her favourite Sri Lankan restaurant in London and the way she has weaved Sri Lankan food into her bicultural family’s lives. Shownotes: * Discover Kalukanda House (https://www.kalukandahouse.com/) and HERA Project X (https://www.instagram.com/heraproject_x/?locale=en_GB%2Cen_GB) in HIP Hotel (https://www.hiphotels.com/stories/kalukanda-house-presents-hera-project-x-a-paradigm-shifting-retreat-for-creative-female-leaders) and  Conde Nast Traveller (https://www.cntraveller.com/article/best-places-to-go-in-the-world-2024) * Find out more about Dee’s successful interior design practice Velvet Orange (https://velvetorange.co.uk/) * The restaurants we discussed: Kolamba restaurant (https://kolamba.co.uk/), Jaffna House (https://www.jaffna-house.co.uk/), MUVS ALLDAY (https://muvsallday.com/) Tooting Mama is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. I just want to say a big thank you to Dee who, over the last few months, has been gently prodding me to get this podcast off the ground. Whether you are building a hotel or launching your podcast: You just got to start! Dee Gibson, Founder of Kalukanda House and HERA Project X Grab my free guide to Sri Lankan cooking, join the Tooting Mama community by signing up for my weekly newsletter here (https://view.flodesk.com/pages/5fa86c5d699634728277c82a?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYEE20h9DWXXihvOD3u0xEr5ykZ9wfi7Zj7L7K9NvXmghVawzqrqygfj7M_aem_3I51sq9tXQCrJvGXAzoKcg). Find my recipes here (https://tootingmama.substack.com/). Check out my Instagram here (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) Never miss a single episode by subscribing to the podcast on Apple podcasts (https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/2120654/private/c4443421-fc74-4ba9-a88e-773c4bf378e2.rss), (https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/eda1fbbb-c1a2-4c96-8fef-25852f60b786/eat-capture-share---a-podcast-for-food-bloggers)Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/63IfuSJ5DIhleKQqAfrLxi?si=f31c967be7404c0b) and tell your friends about Tea with Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com/podcast) and my Stubstack Tooting Mama (https://tootingmama.substack.com) Why not take a screenshot of the podcast and post it on your  Instagram stories (https://www.instagram.com/tootingmama/) and let’s spread the word about this podcast and the fantastic stores we have to share within the Sri Lankan community. Get full access to Tooting Mama at tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe (https://tootingmama.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Who has been a guest on Tea with Tooting Mama

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Sam Clark
• Jack Lury
• Zaynab Zubair

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 9 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

5

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Tea with Tooting Mama

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.