When Masterchef Judge Jay Rayner visited Everest Curry King

From Hidden Tamil Gem to Foodie Hotspot: How a Chance Visit Changed Everything for Everest Curry King

Sometimes, fate works in the most unexpected ways. A last-minute change of plans led renowned food critic and MasterChef judge Jay Rayner straight to Everest Curry King in South London in 2023—and the rest is history.

This humble Tamil-run eatery, founded by husband and wife duo Sivarajah and Rani in 1998, was already a beloved spot for Lewisham locals craving authentic Sri Lankan and South Indian flavours. But when Rayner’s glowing review was published in The Observer Magazine, an insert in The Guardian Newspaper, Everest Curry King was suddenly on every food lover’s must-visit list.

Rayner had originally planned to review a restaurant in Northern Ireland, but when that fell through, he set his sights on Chef Cynthia Shanmugalingam’s Rambutan in Borough Market—until flooding forced a last-minute change. By sheer luck, a fellow food writer pointed him toward Everest Curry King, and what he discovered left a lasting impression.

In his review, Rayner raved about their beetroot curry:

“At Everest Curry King in Lewisham, they serve a beetroot curry that should silence even the most intimate of conversations… There’s the texture, which has both bite and softness, and the sweet-savoury depths that come when liberal spicing and coconut milk are cooked down together. It has an all-engrossing, soothing power.”

With a sudden surge of interest, Everest went from being a neighbourhood favourite to a nationwide sensation. The small takeaway, known for its comforting, home-style dishes, was soon serving customers non-stop from 10 AM to 11 PM. Sivarajah worked the daytime shift, while Rani took over in the evenings.

And yes, we can confirm—the beetroot curry is a game changer. Paired with their rich Jaffna-style mutton curry and an array of vibrant vegetable dishes, it’s a meal packed with flavour and tradition.

In 2024, Everest Curry King took things to the next level. Due to overwhelming demand, their son Dinesh has opened a brand-new dine-in restaurant next door, giving customers an even better way to experience the Everest magic.