By Panchali Illankoon
Pictures by Pradeep Dilrukshana (12th August)

The siblings behind The Chinwag bring together their latest venture - Natter & Nosh, a fusion cuisine restaurant set right along Gregory’s Road in Colombo 7. The name itself is a playful nod to British slang and captures exactly what the space intends to be: “Natter” for an informal chat and “Nosh” for food. Natter & Nosh - an easy, informal hangout where good food meets good company. 

The restaurant strikes a cosy balance between casual and intimate, with indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoors, guests can sit under a string of fairy lights and enjoy the evening breeze in an open-air setting, while indoors the mood shifts towards softer lighting and a more intimate feel that’s perfect for groups, couples and anyone looking for a quiet time. They also have a private dining room for groups that want a more exclusive space. 

The menu at Natter & Nosh is all about fusion food where the West meets the East. Everything on the menu is something the siblings have tried, tested and perfected themselves with house-made elements and food free of added flavourings like stock powder or MSG.  

“Natter & Nosh is a place that welcomes people to hang out casually, relax and enjoy some good food”, shared co-founder Hashanthi Madugalle. 

DRINKS

Drinks at Natter & Nosh are simple with a few specialities, drawing on both local fruit and tea. The Butterfly Pea Iced Tea arrived at our table in a brilliant shade of purple made with a butterfly pea tea, sugar syrup and ice.  Their speciality, Curd & Lemongrass Cooler, was delightfully refreshing; the coolness of the curd was rounded off with a zing of the lemongrass.  There is also a range of hot and cold coffees and fresh juice for those who want something more familiar, and BYOB if you’re in the mood for something stronger. 

FOOD 

They’ve got a brunch range for those who love their breakfast meals any time of the day. This is where Western dishes meet a local Eastern twist, like Sri Lankan Eggs Benedict and Thai Coconut Shrimp Tacos.  We tried their Sri Lankan Eggs Benedict with Bacon delivered to the table with two well-poached eggs (dreamily runny yolks), hollandaise, pol sambol, caramelised onions, and crispy bacon served on toast with a small side of fresh cherry tomato and spinach. Pol Sambol elevates almost any dish, and this was no exception. The runny yolk and creamy hollandaise paired beautifully with the gritty textures of coconut sambol and crispy bacon. 

For mains, we started with a simple Thai Carrot Salad with Prawns added on. Carrot ribbons tossed in sesame oil, soy sauce and lime with peanuts and grilled prawns were nutty, crunchy and smoky.  For anyone who wants a light dish or a clean meal, this is a go-to.

We got their Mutton Sliders with two toasted buns filled with a thick house-made mutton patty and topped with shredded cheese and harissa mayo. The mutton patty is made kofta style, spiced and grilled with a dry texture, and the dish is served with a side of salad and fries. 

We were told that their Hot Butter Cuttlefish is a favourite among their diners, and we could see why. HBC is a Sri Lankan staple, but not everyone knows how to get it right. Getting a crispy, crunchy outside with soft cuttlefish inside that doesn’t taste like rubber is a gif,t and the chef at Natter & Nosh nails it just right. 

They also do a very good Grilled Barramundi, well-seasoned with crispy skin on a bed of cilantro rice and a drizzle of coconut curry sauce, together with a ‘temparaduwa’ made of crispy onion, garlic and cashew.  Just the perfect pairing and a fantastic meal. 

They also have Lamprais available for dine-in and takeaway with chicken, pork and vegetarian options. Flavoured rice with a chunky piece of chicken, brinjal, cutlet and sambol all steamed in a banana leaf. The rice was a little dry in ours, but the flavours were spot on. 

OVERALL 

Natter & Nosh presents fusion cuisine without the pomp; it’s about serving good food with interesting flavours and elements without making a fuss. It’s a casual place where everyone is welcome to come and talk as much as they come to eat. The dishes are comforting, the service is friendly, and the vibes are laid-back enough to keep you around for another round of natter.  

Address: 27, 07 R.G. Senanayake Mawatha, Colombo 07
Opening times: Tues-Sun (11.30 am – 10 pm) Open for Lunch & Dinner
Reservations: 075 262 9999
BYOB