Ceylon Wok Brings Authentic Sri Lankan Flavours to Wrexham’s Dining Scene
A new family-run restaurant in Wrexham is introducing diners to the depth and variety of Sri Lankan cuisine while also offering familiar Chinese-inspired dishes.
Ceylon Wok, located in the Queens Court Complex on Queensway in Caia Park, has been welcomed as a refreshing addition to the local dining scene. The restaurant is owned by Sri Lankan couple Ransi Nilupa and Shanaka Rathnayaka, who have lived in Wrexham for the past 16 years.
A review by Joe Robinson, published in The Leader on 27 September 2026, praised the restaurant’s food, friendly atmosphere and unusual combination of Sri Lankan and Chinese dishes. The reviewer said he left “thoroughly impressed”, describing Ceylon Wok as a restaurant offering something genuinely different in Wrexham.
A family business rooted in Sri Lankan hospitality
Ceylon Wok represents an important step for the Rathnayakas, who bring considerable hospitality experience from Sri Lanka to their new restaurant in North Wales.
Before opening Ceylon Wok, Ransi and Shanaka had worked in several high-class restaurants in Sri Lanka. Shanaka was a chef for 15 years, while Ransi worked in management and administration within the same hospitality sector.
Speaking to The Leader before the opening, Ransi explained that the restaurant was their first official business of this kind in the UK. However, she had already been cooking and catering for events and functions in the area, helping to raise awareness of Sri Lankan culture and cuisine among the local community.
The restaurant therefore builds on work that had already introduced many local residents to Sri Lankan flavours. It also creates opportunities for the couple to share their heritage through food, hospitality and community engagement.
What makes Sri Lankan food special?
For readers who may be less familiar with Sri Lankan cuisine, the menu at Ceylon Wok offers an approachable introduction to a food tradition known for its fragrant spices, coconut-based flavours, fresh herbs and varied textures.
Sri Lankan curries are not defined simply by heat. As the review noted, the curries at Ceylon Wok are built around depth and warmth, with layers of flavour that do not overwhelm the palate. Rice provides the perfect accompaniment, absorbing the sauces and allowing diners to enjoy the full combination of spices and ingredients.
One of the highlights is the hopper, a traditional Sri Lankan bowl-shaped pancake. Hoppers are made from a fermented rice-based batter and are cooked in a rounded pan, creating a light, delicate centre with a crisp edge. They are commonly served with curries, coconut sambol and lunu miris, a spicy onion and chilli relish.
At Ceylon Wok, the hoppers were singled out for their light, crispy texture and their ability to complement the restaurant’s curries and sambols. They provide a distinctive taste of Sri Lankan home cooking and are an ideal choice for diners trying the cuisine for the first time.
Sri Lankan and Chinese dishes in one menu
The restaurant’s concept combines authentic Sri Lankan food with popular Chinese-style dishes. While the combination may initially appear unusual, the review found that the two parts of the menu work remarkably well together.
The Sri Lankan dishes provide the restaurant’s strongest point of difference, with curries, hoppers and rice meals offering a rich selection for adventurous diners. At the same time, the Chinese-inspired dishes give customers familiar options, including generous noodle dishes and well-seasoned fried rice.
This balance makes Ceylon Wok suitable for groups with different preferences. Some diners may want to explore new flavours, while others may prefer a noodle or fried rice dish they already know. The menu allows both choices to sit comfortably alongside one another.
The fried rice dishes can also work well with the restaurant’s signature curries, giving diners the opportunity to create their own combinations across the menu.
A friendly community atmosphere
The review described Ceylon Wok as having a friendly, community feel. That atmosphere is an important part of the restaurant’s appeal.
Rather than presenting Sri Lankan food as something distant or unfamiliar, Ceylon Wok offers it in a relaxed local setting. The restaurant’s location in the Queens Court Complex makes it part of the Caia Park community, while its family-run approach gives the business a personal and welcoming character.
For British Sri Lankan families living in North Wales, the restaurant also provides a place to enjoy familiar flavours and introduce younger generations to dishes connected with their heritage. For other local residents, it offers an opportunity to discover Sri Lankan cuisine in an accessible setting.
The opening is another positive example of Sri Lankan people contributing to the UK’s hospitality industry and strengthening cultural connections through food. Across Britain, Sri Lankan restaurants, caterers and food businesses are helping to broaden the public understanding of the island’s culinary traditions.
Sunday buffet and dining details
Ceylon Wok is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with both dine-in and takeaway options available. The restaurant’s Sunday offering includes an all-you-can-eat buffet.
According to the review, the buffet costs:
- Adults: £17.99
- Children: £7.99
The buffet is popular, and the restaurant does not have a large number of tables. Pre-booking is therefore recommended through the Ceylon Wok Facebook page or by calling 01978 532193.
Diners should also note the restaurant’s food-waste policy. A £5 charge applies if food is left on plates, so customers are advised to begin with sensible portions and return for more rather than overfilling their plates.
Opening hours, buffet availability, prices and booking arrangements can change. Readers are advised to confirm the latest details directly with Ceylon Wok before travelling.
A promising addition to Wrexham’s food scene
Ceylon Wok’s main strength is its clear sense of purpose. The restaurant is not simply combining two cuisines for novelty. It is introducing authentic Sri Lankan flavours to a new audience while providing familiar Chinese-inspired choices for local diners.
The Leader review found that the quality of the food lived up to expectations, particularly among the curries and hoppers. The generous noodle dishes and fried rice options add flexibility, while the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere supports its wider community role.
For Sri Lankan families in Wales, Ceylon Wok is a reminder of how food can preserve heritage and create new connections. For Wrexham residents and visitors, it is an opportunity to try fragrant curries, crisp hoppers, sambols and other dishes that may be new to them.
Whether diners are looking for a Sri Lankan meal, a Chinese-inspired dish or a buffet experience with plenty of choice, Ceylon Wok offers a distinctive new option in North Wales.
Practical information
Restaurant: Ceylon Wok
Location: Queens Court Complex, Queensway, Caia Park, Wrexham
Cuisine: Sri Lankan and Chinese-inspired dishes
Dining options: Dine-in and takeaway
Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday
Sunday: All-you-can-eat buffet
Buffet price: £17.99 for adults and £7.99 for children
Telephone: 01978 532193
Booking: Pre-booking is recommended, particularly for the buffet
Readers are encouraged to contact the restaurant directly to confirm current opening hours, buffet times, prices and availability.
Original sources
- Review: I tried the buffet at Wrexham’s new Ceylon Wok – The Leader, 27 September 2026
- Sri Lankan and Chinese style restaurant opening in Wrexham – The Leader, 26 July 2026
- Ceylon Wok official website