Warnaka Mendis, affectionately known as ‘Wara,’ embarked on his culinary journey in Australia 15 years ago. After earning his Diploma in Hospitality, Warnaka gained valuable experience working in various restaurants and a local pub in Bright, Victoria. These experiences provided him with a diverse skill set and exposure to a variety of cuisines.
In the early days of his career, while juggling part-time work and studies, Warnaka landed a job as a kitchen hand in a small restaurant. It was here that he learned to make hoppers, a beloved Sri Lankan street food that is also popular in South Indian cuisine. This initial experience ignited his passion for Sri Lankan culinary arts.
After his stint at the pub, Warnaka moved to Melbourne and decided to start his own catering business. This led to the creation of Melbourne’s first Sri Lankan food truck, the ‘Little Food Cart,’ which specialized in hoppers and Sri Lankan curries. Despite the challenges of running the business alone with his wife while working full-time, Warnaka’s dedication never wavered. Eventually, he sold the food truck and took a break from the business.
However, Warnaka’s passion for cooking could not be suppressed for long. He resumed catering in his leisure time, offering his services for small parties. His portable hopper station became a hit, making party hosting more convenient with less cleanup required. As his reputation grew, so did the demand for his services.
In 2023, Warnaka decided to expand his business, hiring staff and taking more orders each week. His famous hopper batter and seasoned pans are now in high demand throughout Melbourne. He plans to expand to other states in Australia and dreams of opening his own restaurant in the near future.
Warnaka also caters to several Sri Lankan restaurants in Melbourne, including Berwick Brick House, Ceylonese by South Ceylonese, Prince of Yaz, Sina’s Kitchen, Heritance Restaurant, and Mood Lift Cafe. These establishments offer the best of Sri Lankan cuisine to their customers.
Warnaka Mendis is passionate about providing Sri Lankans in Australia with authentic flavors from their homeland while introducing other ethnic groups to the delights of Sri Lankan street food. His hoppers, known as ‘crispy crepes’ that pair perfectly with curries, are gaining popularity among Australians. Additionally, he offers ‘Kiri Appam’ for his special South Indian customers, further expanding his culinary repertoire.
Through his dedication and passion, Warnaka Mendis continues to bring the rich and vibrant tastes of Sri Lankan cuisine to a broader audience, making a name for himself in the culinary world.
