Summer is Served

WITH CYNTHIA SHANMUGALINGAM

This summer, we’ve asked some of our favourite foodies to share a little of their expertise with us, as we celebrate the sunniest season with a series of mouthwatering recipes, adventures and more.

Cynthia is the brilliant author, cook and founder of Rambutan, her British-Sri Lankan restaurant tucked away in the iconic Borough Market. Cynthia’s recipes, drawing on Sri Lankan cuisine, filled the pages of her book Rambutan, which won Debut Cook Book of the Year at the Food & Drink Awards in 2023. She has a passion for all things barbecue, from the grilling to the condiments to enjoy along with it, and loves to rustle up something delicious from her terrace overlooking bustling Borough Market scenes - which is where we spent some time with Cynthia, learning more about what food means to her, especially when the summer sunshine starts to appear.

“My favourite summer memory is when the Tamil uncles and aunties would put on a big Sri Lankan picnic. Our mums would make these amazing spreads — spicy fish croquettes, crispy patties, and pineapple upside-down cake — the dads would drink whisky and tell terrible jokes, and the kids would all run around the meadow playing games.”