Karapincha in Tower Hamlets

I visited Karapincha 2 times during my stay at Canary Wharf. The food was good and fresh and served hot. What I am disappointed about is the billing system. There is nothing on the banners showing any prices for their dishes. The first time I went in we ordered 2 idlies and uttapam. On the way out, the lady at the cashier asked if we had paid for the uttapam. I came back to the restaurant after 10 minutes because I also was not sure if I had. A young lady at the counter checked the register and told me that I had paid. When I went in the next day, the cashier said that I had not paid for the uttapam — which I found very strange. I ordered lunch — a vegetarian rice and curry for which I was charged around 17 pounds (which does not make sense (noticed only after seeing my credit card bill). I was also charged for the uttapam — which was confirmed as paid, the day earlier. All this could be avoided if they had prices upfront on their bill boards and also provide receipts to the customers. Not one receipt was given to me. So I think that their billing practices are a bit dishonest.

Tiny portion, over-priced, under-cooked and did not serve what we ordered. Does the below look like paratha to you? Will not be going back. No wonder this is the quietest store in Spitalfields.

If you miss the street food market experience I highly recommend this place in Old Spitalfields Market. We shared 2 of their specialities: "Paratha with Spicy Lamb Curry" This was heavenly tasty. Loved the way they made the paratha fluffy bread in front of us, with a very artistic demonstration. "Kothu Roti" is a must try! Expect a flavoursome dish with meaty morsels of earthy spiced chicken dotted with small feathery slices of roti and bits of scrambled egg. First time trying Sri Lankan food and immediately fell in love with it.Both dishes were super delicious. Loved the combination of flavours from meat, coconut sauce, veggies and the fact they asked us before the level of spice we prefer. I like it hot.

Tuve que ir al bar y decirle al camarero que habíamos llegado, después de sentarnos en la mesa durante unos 5 a 10 minutos. Él solo vino después de eso. Luego, tuve que hacer lo mismo al final de la comida cuando queríamos pagar la factura. El lugar cobra automáticamente el cargo de servicio, molesto. . . . ¡pero para qué! ? Una de las camareras pasó toda la hora del almuerzo jugando en una computadora portátil, con una falta total de reconocimiento del cliente. La comida es muy sabrosa y auténtica, pero el mal servicio arruinó toda la experiencia. Es algo que realmente debe abordarse, ya que el mismo problema también ha ocurrido la 1 vez anterior que he visitado también.

The pub is standard AF. But, low and behold behind this average pub facade is the most incredible Sri Lankan food! I went with three Sri Lankans and outside East Ham they have struggled to find food that ‘tastes like home’. In a city where, unfortunately, Sri Lankan food is yet to take hold, this unassuming fullers pub, plays host to some twin sisters from Sri Lanka trying to bring the vibrant taste to the UK. Don’t be fooled by the standard pub exterior- the food here is worth a trip to soulless Canary Wharf. In fact, it’s places like this that redeem Canary wharf. Everything we had was full of flavour and prepared with dedication and love for the food. It could be possible that the surroundings let this place down. But when you try the food, you would forgive the surroundings more times than one could count. You must go here. Just do it. It’s worth it.

Karapincha is situated inside The Limehouse pub. You find a seat and order at the bar. Cutlery is brought to your table in minutes and the food is served quickly (within about 5 minutes) of receiving your cutlery. I had the Chicken Kothu Roti with Pineapple Pirattal (which seemed to be the pineapple equivalent of lime pickle) - priced at £11. My colleague had the String hoppers (very fine noodles) with prawn curry, Sothi and Pol Sambol priced at £11.50. Despite the good food, this is still basically a pub and it was noisy even during a relatively quiet lunchtime (Friday , 1pm) not helped by wooden flooring. So converstaion was a little strained with regard to hearing wach other.

For some strange reason, there were very few people at the restaurant when we visited, and such few reviews here as well. The restaurant is far more deserving of that with its interesting ambience of wood decor and dart board! And more importantly, incredibly tasty food. It's quite difficult to get dishes like Appams and stew outside of Kerala or Sri Lanka, but these guys do such a great job of it. The chicken curry is the best with Appams. Prawn not bad too.

Read about this place in the local newspaper. Had a hard time locating it:) It's hidden away inside a newly refurbished pub called 'Limehouse' on the Fisherman's Walk (just before the West India Quay bridge, next to the Merchant tavern). Mouth wateringly awesome Sri Lankan food consumed in the backdrop of some amazing music played by an in-house DJ:) prefaced by some awesome draft lagers and a free game of dart ! No queues yet to get a table, but try asap people as this place is going to become famous in no time (mark my words). Tried the string hoppers with prawn curry and the egg hoppers with chicken curry. Fresh, authentic, generous portions and reasonably prized. A great selection on the menu for both snack and main course. This for-now-hidden gem is such a beautiful addition to the food scene in Canary Wharf. Will aim to get there every month to enjoy their amazing food!

Had mixed veggie starter and chicken curry was absolutely amazing! I'm an avid curry fan and this was too notch one of the best ever! Try it you won't be disappointed! 2 cocktails for a tenner on Wednesdays!

Finally a place where the food is delicious, authentic and the surroundings pleasant too. The Stringhoppers, Hoppers,prawn and chicken curries where all as good as home cooked food. As Sri Lankans ourselves we know when the food tastes delicious!. We were so impressed we spoke to the chef Nafa and congratulated her. The portions and price were reasonable too. The service by Gin and other waiter was charming and attentive, Recommend highly.

Karapincha is a Sri Lankan restaurant based inside Limehouse Canary Wharf ✨ The food was amazing (Including presentation), the ambience was fantastic (shout out to @dj for the music 🙌🏾) and the service was great! We ordered: ➡️ String hoppers with prawn curry, sothi and pol sambal - My favourite Srilankan dish and this was exceptional! Taste just like home cooked food and I couldn’t get enough 🤤🤤 ➡️ Chicken kothu rotti with pineapple curry - This was absolutely fantastic! Very different to the usual Srilankan Kothu rotti get and the pineapple curry went so friking well with it 😍 ➡️ Chicken cutlets with sweet chilli sauce - I usually make fish cutlets so when I had the chicken version I was happily surprised. It was sooo delicious 😋 ➡️ Lamb rolls with sweet chilli sauce - This dish is a party & everyday favourite and if you know you know 😉 Being a Srilankan Tamil myself it’s so hard to find a good restaurant that serves original authentic Srilankan food. Karapincha hits the spot with truely mouthwatering food 🤤🤤 If you’re looking to try something different or craving some Srilankan food Karapincha is definitely your place! I cannot recommend if enough! 🙌🏾