Hoppers?
The hopper, more widely known as the ‘Appa (ආප්ප)/Appam(ஆப்பம்)’, is a thin, bowl shaped pancake with crispy edges made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk. The name ‘Hopper’ is taken from the British mispronunciation of the word Appa.
Our Story
The story of Golden Hoppers starts with a young girl, Yvonne, squatting next to her grandmother watching her making hoppers over a wood fire flame. The tody risen batter is poured on to a sizzling hot pan, then baked in a warm embrace of flames stacked above and below. Yvonne, later learned the technique of cooking hoppers and started making them at home; helping her mother sell them for some extra cash.
Yvonne, her husband Bandusenna and her two young children migrated to Australia in 1992. In 1996, with the arrival of Godewatte family's youngest daughter Yvonne stopped working in the hospitality industry and became a stay at home mum. It was during this time she started a part time role at the Zodiac restaurant in Dandenong as a hopper maker. She refined her grandmother’s recipe whilst working there to suite modern cooking practices.
With an overwhelming demand for her hoppers, Yvonne and Bandusena, began Golden Hoppers catering service. Their household was always filled with children’s laughter and the warm, toasty smell of fresh hoppers on the stove. Their kids grew up with the tradition of making hoppers and the memory of their parents’ hard work and hospitality.
Our family is one that has continuously grown with the business and believes there’s nothing better than being in the company of loved ones and the feeling of a satisfied belly after a meal made with love.
Meet the Family
Golden Hoppers is a family business owned and operated by Mr & Mrs Godewatte. For over a decade their children too have been an intricate part of this journey.
Yvonne and Bandusena Godewatte
Co-founders and Owners
Yvonne, one of 9 siblings, inherited her culinary prowess from her grand mother. She still recalls these memories fondly when ever she cooks.
Bandusenna grew up in the country as a son of a farmer with 11 other siblings. He has an appreciation for fresh produce, sustainability and family atmosphere.
Segar Godewatte
Managing Director
As the eldest son of the Godewatte family Segar has been part of the business from the age of 16. He shares his parents love of food and Sri Lankan flavours.
Sherin Ranasinghe
Operational Manager
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Angela Godewatte
Development Manager
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