A Much Loved Impresario At Home In London's Holland Park
London, like any big city, is full of anonymous faces, but behind each of them is a story. If you visit Yogi’s Kitchen in Camden Passage, you’ll meet chef Yogi and be greeted by his big smile and warm hospitality. But behind that smile lies a remarkable tale of resilience, bravery, and hope.
In 2007, Yogi was forced to flee his native Sri Lanka, leaving behind a life torn apart by violence and conflict. His journey to safety in the UK was long and difficult. For four years, Yogi lived on the streets, sleeping in Charing Cross and Waterloo stations. During this time, he contracted DVT, which led to heart failure and a deep depression. After an attempt on his own life, Yogi was hospitalized for three months. It was in this darkest moment that his life began to change.
The charity Freedom From Torture stepped in to help Yogi find accommodation, offering him the first bit of stability he’d experienced in years. Through another organization, Migrateful, Yogi began learning to cook. This new skill sparked something in him, and after being granted asylum, Yogi was finally reunited with his wife and daughter after 14 long years of separation.
Determined to build a new life, Yogi continued his training in hospitality. He landed a job at the British Museum and later worked at the prestigious five-star Park Plaza Hotel. With his newfound passion for cooking, Yogi took a leap of faith and started his own venture—Yogi’s Kitchen, where he serves authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, inspired by his mother’s recipes.
What makes Yogi’s story even more inspiring is his commitment to giving back. Despite the challenges he has faced, Yogi remains dedicated to helping those in need. Each day before closing his kitchen, he donates any leftover food to the homeless, refusing to waste a single meal. In addition, Yogi has taken part in numerous charity events, including raising money alongside British icons Ian Hislop and Joanna Lumley at the Great Street Feast, where his food helped fund vital services for the homeless.
Yogi’s journey from sleeping rough to running a successful restaurant is a testament to his determination and the support of the Camden Passage community. As he looks to the future, his plans are just as ambitious: he hopes to open a larger restaurant while continuing to support refugees and the homeless through his charity work.
For Yogi, cooking is more than a livelihood—it’s a way of spreading hope and kindness to those who need it most. And with every dish he serves, Yogi reminds us all that no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, there’s always a way to rebuild and give back.
