About
Welcome to Va-nak-kam Restaurant, nestled in the heart of East Grinstead at 186 London Rd, RH19 1EY. This hidden gem invites you to an authentic Sri Lankan culinary experience, made even more special by the warm, inviting atmosphere and hospitable service. Contact them at +44 1342 774753 for reservations or inquiries.
From the moment you step inside, you are enveloped in a cozy ambiance, enhanced by the soft melodies of Sri Lankan music. The charming Maitre d', Krish, greets you with a smile and is eager to guide you through the menu, showcasing the pride of family tradition and craftsmanship behind each dish. As you explore the menu, the aroma of coconut milk wafts through the air, hinting at the delightful flavors awaiting you.
For starters, treat your palate to a selection of short eats that includes the delightful Mutton Rolls and crispy Isso Vadais. Both are crafted with care and showcase the vibrant spices commonly found in Sri Lankan cuisine. The Mutton Rolls, shaped like cylinders and coated in breadcrumbs, are a nostalgic nod to traditional Sri Lankan snacks, while the Isso Vadais boast a crispy texture with the unique use of chickpeas, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but a true representation of the country’s culinary heritage.
Moving on to the main courses, one cannot miss the heavenly Kozhi Curry, a succulent chicken dish simmered in a rich coconut milk gravy, or the Attu Erachi Curry, a mutton curry that embodies deep flavors and spices. Vegetarians are equally spoiled for choice with vibrant options like Paruppu Curry, a creamy lentil blend infused with aromatic spices, and Kizhangu Curry, where potatoes meld beautifully with coconut milk and gourmet herbs.
The rave reviews reflect the joy of patrons. Customers have lauded the restaurant for its fresh, flavorful dishes and attentiveness of the staff. With each plate served, you can feel the passion and authenticity resonating from the kitchen, where chef Dino creates culinary masterpieces, each enriched with familial secrets and traditions. It’s not surprising that many diners have declared it a must-visit spot, with varied menu options that cater beautifully to both vegetarians and meat lovers alike.
In summary, Va-nak-kam Restaurant stands out not just for its food but also for its atmosphere—perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners, or casual outings with friends. Once you've had a taste, you’ll find yourself planning your next visit back to this fabulous place that brings Sri Lanka's flavorful warmth to East Grinstead. Don't forget, there’s convenient parking across the road that becomes free after 8 PM, making it easier than ever to indulge in an unforgettable dining experience.
“ What a fabulous restaurant! A hidden gem The maitre d' was friendly and very helpful indeed. His mother is in the kitchen making the food. It’s all authentic srilankan food. Made with coconut milk - no dairy. My vegetarian friend was delighted with all the menu choices she had! And we both loved loved the dishes that we chose. Definitely recommend this restaurant. Treat yourself to something new and refreshing. The ambiance was great, service splendid and food was delightful! Photo’s of the food don’t do it justice as it was all delicious, so much so that we already starting eating one before the pic was taken and forgot to take anymore pics! ”
“ The food was delicious and the fact you are asked how spicy you want your dish indicates everything is cooked from fresh. It certainly tasted that way. Super friendly, attentive yet gentle service. Relaxed atmosphere. Very reasonably priced. Went on a Friday night with a couple of girlfriends and it was full. It obviously has a good local reputation. ”
“ Had a fabulous evening with a group of 12 tonight at this restaurant. We shared various dishes for starters and for the mains and it was a wonderful culinary experience. The food was delicious all round. The staff were super helpful and friendly too. The restaurant itself is nicely decorated and comfortable. I will definitely go back and I highly recommend it! And just to mention it .... the car park across the road was great too as we only had to pay to 8pm and it was free after that. ”
“ If I could give more than 5 stars I would. Krish is front of house and was warm, friendly, great with recommendations for food and quietly attentive. His brother Dino is an amazing chef who was also serving the delicious fresh dishes. We are planning to visit Sri Lanka and he chatted to us about it and has strengthened our desire to go there. We visited the restaurant after seeing the 5 star reviews on trip advisor and we’re so glad that we did. We don’t live in the area but would go out of our way to come down here again just to visit this fabulous place . It’s cosy, nicely buzzy, Sri Lankan music playing softly in the background. Would be great for families, couples and friends. The food which I can’t begin to describe was out of this world. See pictures for beautiful food. Strongly recommend if you love freshly cooked flavourful food. The veg rolls and aubergine curry in particular are to die for... ”
“ Amazing dosa, fab special dishes, and really great value. There was so much on the menu that looked appetising it was really hard to choose! If we'd been hungrier we would have gone for the "small portion of a few dishes" option, which looked really interesting and great value. Super authentic food, so glad we stumbled upon this place, as we were out of area and needed to eat. Staff were lovely, and the atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming. They have a TV showing South East Asian pop videos that was really entertaining! Sounds weird but it really added to the atmosphere and wasn't too loud at all. I suffer with noise sensitivity, especially after a long day (which it had been) and often find restaurants overwhelming but this place was perfect! We live out of area but will bear this place in mind and will return if ever anywhere nearby. Worth a drive out. Parking opposite as well in a pay and display that's free in the evening. ”
“ Fantastic 1st time experience at this restaurant. Superb and interesting new foods to try...delightful husband and wife serving us. Very informative about the food and their country. Highly recommend! ”
“ This is one amazing restaurant. The food was top notch and authentic. Hands down the best food in this area. Got quite a lot of variety and amazing taste to each one of them. The service was amazing. They were very attentive and made our order perfect without any issues. The food kept coming as we ordered. By far this is one of the best restaurant I have dined in U.K. in the last 8 years. ”
“ I’ve been here 3 or 4 times now— the food is amazing and the staff have always been lovely. They couldn’t be more accommodating, especially considering each time dining was with a fairly large party. Such an underrated East Grinstead gem. ”