Soul food fusion brand to disrupt “whitewashed” London food scene with new eatery

A new food business aiming to bring soul food to South London is set to launch later this month.

Bando Belly has announced plans to open the doors of its new venue at cultural and social hub Peckham Levels next week.

Founded by London-based entrepreneurs Naz Ramadan and Alex Situnayake, Bando Belly aims to take inspiration from the capital’s multiculturalism to create London’s very own soul food “with a twist”.

Bando Belly co-founder and head chef, Naz Ramadan commented: “London is the world’s biggest melting pot and living in the capital means that fusion is everywhere - from the food, to the music, to the people.

“How many places in the world would an English, Turkish and Indian man all know the appropriate response to wagwan?!

“At Bando Belly, we are taking that exact energy and putting it on a plate with a menu that highlights a diverse selection of flavours from all around the globe to reimagine London’s soul food.”

Bando Belly Co-Founder and Creative Director, Alex Situnayake added: “We wanted to create a bold and culturally relevant brand to disrupt the traditionally Euro-centric and often whitewashed London food scene.

“Bando Belly is a nod to everything that inspires us about London - including all the nitty gritty parts! We don’t sell natural wine and pizza - we make food that we’ve grown up with and dishes we’ve enjoyed on our journey to where we are now.

“We wanted Bando Belly to represent us as founders as much as it represents the food that we create which is why our personal tastes in music and fashion are so important to the overall brand aesthetic.”

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