British Airways has partnered with Hoppers to create a limited-edition food and drink menu marking the launch of its new route between London Gatwick and Colombo.
From 23 October, customers travelling in Club World on the new Sri Lanka service will be offered a menu developed with the London-based Sri Lankan and South Indian restaurant group.
The collaboration draws on dishes and flavours associated with Hoppers’ restaurant menus and Sri Lankan food culture.
The starter will be yoghurt vadai, a soaked lentil fritter served with yoghurt, tamarind and coriander chutney and crisps, taking inspiration from snacks sold around Galle Face Green in Colombo.
For the main course, passengers will be able to choose between Kalupol-spiced chicken with lemon rice and beetroot curry or Pollichathu Cod.
The cod is marinated in tomato and chilli paste, cooked in banana leaf and served with coconut rice and spicy pineapple curry.
Dessert will be Watalappam bread pudding with spiced crumble and malt cream, combining elements of the Sri Lankan dessert with a British-style bread pudding.
A Hoppers cocktail will also be available in British Airways’ Club Lounge at London Gatwick before departure.
The Ceylon Pearl combines Tanqueray Rangpur gin, lychee and pink citrus tonic.
Mark Brega, British Airways’ Executive Chef said: “It was a pleasure to work with the talented team at Hoppers to bring the vibrant flavours of Sri Lanka to our customers at 35,000 feet. Food is such an important part of experiencing a destination, and Sri Lanka has a rich culinary heritage that we wanted to celebrate. Working together, we set out to
create dishes that capture the spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality to transport customers to the streets and shores of the island, before they even touchdown.”
Hoppers opened its first restaurant in Soho in 2015 and was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand within its first year.
The group has subsequently expanded across London, with restaurants in Marylebone, King’s Cross and Shoreditch.
Karan Gokani, founder of Hoppers said: “It’s long been a dream to serve Hoppers food in the skies, so we were thrilled when British Airways approached us about this partnership. For the past decade, we’ve brought some of our favourite memories and flavours of Sri Lanka to our restaurants in London, and taking them back to Colombo feels like a wonderful full-circle moment. Working with Mark and the team, we’ve created a menu that celebrates the flavours of Sri Lanka through a uniquely British lens, all with the unmistakable Hoppers touch.”
British Airways will launch the new route on 23 October 2026, operating three times per week between London Gatwick and Colombo during the winter season.
The service will offer World Traveller, World Traveller Plus and Club World cabins.