Karan grew up in Mumbai and moved to England in 2005 to study law at the University of Cambridge, later working as a Solicitor at a Magic Circle firm in the City of London. Even as a practicing lawyer, Karan’s passion for food and hospitality never faded and he spent time at professional kitchens in his spare time and on weekends. In 2012, he left his legal career to move back to India to reconnect with Indian food and pursue a career in hospitality. A year later, after marrying Sunaina Sethi, Karan moved back to London. The Sethi siblings and Karan opened Hoppers, a Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant on Frith Street, Soho in 2015, followed by a second site in Marylebone in 2017 and a third in King’s Cross in 2020. Karan now oversees back and front of house operations at all three restaurants.

Hoppers: The Cookbook, recipes, memories and inspiration from Sri Lankan home, streets and beyond by Karan Gokani

Serving up the best of Sri Lankan cooking, Hoppers: The Cookbook showcases signature recipes from the cult London restaurants, while also going beyond their four walls to explore the dishes, places and people that inspired them.

The book celebrates both home cooking and the food served at roadside shacks, kitchens and stalls across Sri Lanka. From spicy devilled dishes to Crab Kari (curry), crunchy deep-fried Mutton Rolls, Dosas and Sambols, Kalupol Chicken and satisfyingly rich Kothu Roti, Karan Gokani explores the classics as well as new recipes developed at Hoppers restaurants.

Stunning location photography, glorious food, warmth, personality and generosity suffuse the pages of this cookbook – join the Hoppers family in a personal and vivid journey exploring and celebrating the food from this extraordinary island.