The founders behind one of Bristol’s best-loved Indian restaurants are opening a new venue serving Sri Lankan and Tamil cuisine in the heart of Stokes Croft.
Nadu is the latest opening from local restaurateur Raja Munuswamy, who opened the award-winning Indian restaurant Nutmeg in Clifton in 2016, and acclaimed executive chef, Saravanan Nambirajan. The new restaurant will be situated in the space in Stokes Croft most recently occupied by Masa + Mezcal.
‘Nadu’ means ‘land’ or ‘place’ in Tamil and the concept is inspired by both Raja and Saravanan’s Tamil heritage. Nadu will be a celebration of the flavours and spirit of Tamil culture including the history, mythology, the people and the cuisine, drawing on influences from both Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state of India, which have deep historical and mythological connections.
Tamil food is based on the concept that food shapes the personality, mood, and mind, and Nadu’s menu has been created with this in mind by Head Chef Saravanan Nambirajan, who has previously worked in several Michelin starred kitchens across the world. The menu will use the best in local ingredients and will showcase a wide range of vegetarian and vegan small plates, alongside fish and meat dishes, all of which can be enjoyed alongside a punchy cocktail menu showcasing one of Bristol’s largest collections of rums and the traditional spirit Arrack.
Speaking about the new opening, co-founder Raja Munuswamy said:
“We’re very excited to be bringing the food and drink of our ‘nadu’ to Bristol and look forward to sharing dishes from our childhoods including bone marrow curry, spring hoppers, coconut stew and – above all else – the share and tear dosa.”
Nadu will be opening officially on Friday 4th December and will then be open for all day dining throughout the week.