Machang (Nawala).

Machan is something of a godsend if you don’t reside within happy proximity to Colombo’s more central drinking establishments (see O! Bar, Sugar, Castle Hotel, Floor by O!, Dream Land) – tukking up to Fort or Colpetty from the lowly ‘burbs can be an expensive, exhaust-filled drag. Machan’s also a godsend if you’re reluctant to lay too much of your hard earned rupee at the altar of the amber goddess – it’s one of the least dodgy options for purchasing some really, really cheap beer.

Seriously. A mug of the leonine lager costs just Rs. 90, a pitcher Rs. 450 (1.5 ltr) and a tower Rs. 900 (3 ltr). While some of the Machan outlets have the disadvantage of serving only Lion’s finest, Nawala sells it all: spirits, wines, even beer cocktails. And it’s all affordable.

The food is rather wonderful as well. We’ve failed to note down the prices, but we can vouch for its excellence. Hot butter cuttlefish, fried rice, devilled pork – these are the perfect boozy bites. The cuttlefish turns up all crispy and golden on a plate, sprinkled with flakes of chilli and lined with thick, soft slices of onion and crunchy circles of capsicum. A bite of this and a swig of beer – ’tis a consume-mation devoutly to be wished. This is what’s good on a Friday.

Machan somewhat straddles the dodgy/non dodgy line – while it’s actually quite a nice venue, the crowd tends to be rather male (surprise, surprise). There’s also an issue of smokiness. Unlike most venues where the smokers lounge consists of a little nook hidden away somewhere, at Machan its the inverse. The non-smokers have a small corner room to themselves while the rest of the upstairs is fully smoker friendly.

But smoky haze aside, the Nawala Machan is a great bar. Where else can you get a mug of beer for Rs. 90? This is a good, cheap alternative to the central Friday night drinking spots. We recommend.

Share on facebook
Share on twitter
Share on whatsapp

Highlights.

Latest.

KAMU.

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo

Iftar delights at The Banyan, Heritance Negombo Written by Fathima Rukaiya, Mad Dogs Bodega, Banyan

Highlights Kamu

Budget-friendly Iftar spots 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya, In our previous article, we highlighted some exquisite and upscale Iftar

Highlights Kamu

Iftar Buffet Round Up 2024

Written by Fathima Rukaiya As Ramadan arrives, a warm feeling of reflection and community fills

Highlights Kamu

Discovering Pasta Paradise: The Pasta Factory, Galle Fort

In the historic Galle Fort, The Pasta Factory brings a taste of Italy to Sri

Highlights Kamu

A Home for Desi Dreams – Bombay Nights by Radisson Colombo

As we stepped into the ‘Dine’ in Radisson Colombo, our senses were immediately tantalized by

Highlights Kamu

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

Trending.

Experience the Elegance and Excitement of RTC Tourism Race Day in Nuwara Eliya

RTC Nuwara Eliya will hold its RTC Tourism Race Day on 30th March 2024 at

Trending

“85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim” by SLASU held at the Mount Lavinia Hotel Beach

The "85th Annual Mount Lavinia 2-Mile Sea Swim" organized by Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union

Trending

Sheraton Colombo Hotel celebrates International Women’s Day with empowering insights

Sheraton Colombo Hotel, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of over 30 extraordinary brands, marked International

Trending

Anantara Kalutara Presents an Elevated Gastronomic Journey to Italy

Kalutara, Sri Lanka - March 14, 2024 - Anantara Kalutara Resort is delighted to announce

Trending

List of Party Venues 2024

By Fathima Rukaiya Finding the perfect place to host a party can be a hassle.

Highlights Trending

LCY Unveils Debut ‘LCY for Her’ Collection, Redefining Women’s Polo Wear with Strength, and Sophistication

Thursday, 14, March, 2024, Colombo: LCY, a brand synonymous with manufacturing high-quality men’s polos of

Trending

Yamu Guide.

Steak Bar: A Grand Sunday Brunch at Kingsbury, Colombo

Written by Shamrina C Welcome to the ultimate brunch experience! Nestled in the heart of

Highlights Kamu Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Him

By Fathima Rukaiya Are you trying to find the perfect way to show your special

Highlights Yamu Guide

9 Special Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Her

Written by Fathima Rukaiya The season of love is upon us once more, and opinions

Highlights Yamu Guide

Romantic Dinner and High Tea date spots for Valentine’s Day  2024

Written by Shamrina C 1. Via Torino Indulge in a fine dining exclusive 3-Course meal

Highlights Yamu Guide

BYOB Bliss: 16 Places to you can Bring Your Own Bottle!

Written by Shamrina C 1. Giovannis Indulge in Italian flavors, grooving music, pet friendly, and

Highlights Yamu Guide

Unveiling Ramada’s Festive Christmas High Tea Extravaganza!

Written by Shamrina C Mark your calendars for the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of December,

Highlights Yamu Guide