Lankan Tucker
If you want to get your hands on a famous biriyani burrito or cheesy roti you’ll have to be fast, as the store only opens twice a week.
Overview
Lygon Street scores another hotspot with Lankan Tucker, the much-loved Sri Lankan eatery, finding its new home in Carlton after the closure of its West Brunswick store at the end of 2024. While the new store will have a stronger focus on catering and wholesale the cafe will be open on Fridays and Saturdays to bring back popular favourites.
Established by partners in both life and business, Nerissa Jayasingha and Hiran Koon, Lankan Tucker has become a beacon of Sri Lankan cuisine in Melbourne. Initially set up as a catering service, the pair sold lunch packs to friends and coworkers before expanding to markets and events, and finally founding their first brick-and-mortar venue in 2016.
People flocked to the eatery for its Sri Lankan dishes imbued with a signature touch of Melbourne. So it's a good thing the popular menu has resurfaced in Carlton. The roti wrap with hash, bacon, egg and tomato relish is a strong contender for a fan favourite, as are the pan rolls (or, as they refer to them, Sri Lankan Chiko Rolls). While the biriyani burritos with melted cheese, spiced rice, chicken curry and raita were originally a staff-only dish, they are now one of the most popular menu items. And while it sounds simple, the cheesy roti has proven to be an irresistible menu item to many.
However, you'll have to be lucky to snag a spot, as the Carlton store only opens its doors to customers between 8am and 2pm on Fridays and 10am and 3pm on Saturdays. If you miss out, don't panic because the fridges will be full of take-home meals such as curries, biriyanis, butter chicken pies, stringhoppers and rotis.
Nerissa says "This move is about growth. Catering and wholesale allow us to share Sri Lankan food with more people than ever, but the cafe keeps us connected to our community. Carlton gives us space to do both."
Images: J Shevan Photography.
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