The hidden Brunswick West cafe has moved to Carlton, but the offering still packs a punch.
Even after eight years on a main road in Brunswick West, Lankan Tucker – Nerissa Jayasingha and Hiran Kroon’s cafe that pioneered Sri Lankan-style brunch – remained a hidden gem. The original Albion Street cafe closed last December, but the sense of discovery for diners looks set to continue at its new home, in an even more tucked-away location.
Lankan Tucker can now be found off Lygon Street in Carlton, within the College Square apartment complex. Despite scaling back the opening hours to only two days a week – Friday and Saturday – and running with an abridged version of the menu, the offering still packs a punch.
All the heavy-hitting items are here. The biryani burrito − which started out as a staff meal but quickly ascended to signature status − is a combination of spiced rice, chicken curry, melted cheese, red onion and raita. It’s rolled in fresh, flaky roti that’s handmade to Lankan Tucker’s specifications, with two optional add-ons available: hot chips and dipping gravy, for a saucier experience.
Other longtime favourites include pan rolls, deep-fried savoury crepes filled with spiced veg or beef, and kotthu roti, a street-food staple of shredded roti tossed with egg, chopped vegetables and chilli. There’ll be regular specials, perhaps roast chicken and Laughing Cow cheese kotthu roti.
Want to visit this venue? Save it in the Good Food app.
Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox.
