ABOUT US
Kannan's Kitchen
Kannan’s Kitchen aims to provide an authentic experience of Sri Lankan food, bringing the rich flavours and traditions of Sri Lankan cuisine to North London. We grew from our family-owned Sri Lankan grocery store Kannan Stores which was established over 28 years ago by my father, who journeyed from Jaffna to London.
Our Origins
The origins of Kannan’s Kitchen are deeply rooted in the culinary heritage of Jaffna, where my grandfather was a respected baker. He owned a popular bakery that was well-known for its traditional Sri Lankan baked goods, including Roast Paan, Malu Buns, Kimbula Buns, Mutton and Vegetable rolls, and more. My father inherited these skills and the passion for creating delicious baked goods, which he brought with him when he opened Kannan Stores.
Initially, Kannan Stores gained fame for offering a variety of ethnic products from Sri Lanka and India, attracting a diverse customer base that extended beyond Sri Lankan and South Indian communities. Over time, our customers included people from Mauritius, Afro-Caribbean backgrounds, and even Europe, who all appreciated the quality and authenticity of our products.
Our Journey
Eight years ago, responding to popular demand, my father decided to expand our offerings by building a fully functioning kitchen within Kannan Stores. This allowed us to start producing and selling freshly made Sri Lankan short eats and bakery goods, which quickly became a hit among our customers. Encouraged by the success and the growing interest in our cuisine, we introduced a wider range of dishes, including Kothu Rotti, Pol Rotti, various Rice & Curry dishes, and Dosa.
The reception to our expanded menu was overwhelmingly positive, leading to frequent requests for catering services for events such as birthdays, gatherings, and celebrations. Recognising this opportunity, we began regularly catering for small to medium-sized events, further embedding Kannan’s Kitchen as a beloved fixture in our community.
Today, Kannan’s Kitchen continues to honour the legacy of my grandfather and the culinary traditions of Sri Lanka, offering our customers an authentic taste of our heritage. Our journey from a small ethnic grocery store to a well-loved provider of Sri Lankan cuisine is a testament to our commitment to quality, tradition, and the vibrant cultural tapestry of North London.