Nosh box — Restaurant in Portsmouth

Coming back from just over a week long stay in France where I had a fair share of mussles and wine, I came back to the UK with an urge to nuke my pallette with something spicy as all hell. I got a taxi from the ferry to Portsmouth and Southsea train station, and just across the street was the Nosh Box.

Walking in I felt a great vibe. The place is colourful and it smells alive. The menu was easy to navigate and the staff were friendly and quick to greet me. I picked out a classic BBQ jerk chicken box, but I was tempted by the jackfruit option. At the till I saw a can of Jamaica ginger beer and rum, and although I didn't want a drink at first, I couldn't say no...

I wasn't waiting for the food long at all. I was absorbed by the atmosphere completely. Some classic Reggae jams and even a couple b-sides kept me bouncing around whilst drinking my ginger beer and rum. I looked around at the decor and noticed a number of gig posters. Most notably one of Bob Marley and George Harrison from back in 1975. What a show that must have been.

Someone came out to hand over my food and pointed me in the direction of hot sauces and wooden cutlery. I shimmied over, and it made me happy to see one of the beautiful staff members dancing and singing along with me to 'Now That We've Found Love' recorded by The Third World, which will forever remind me of my trip to the Nosh Box, and give me a reason to go back.

With food in head I headed to catch my train. Once on board (and safe from seagull attacks), I dug in. You can tell the chicken has been marinaded for over 48 hours (as the menu states this is a minimum for them) - Paired with a proper banging scotch bonett sauce, my jerk box made for an intense, but exciting experience since I never really tasted jerk this good. The chips and slaw complemented the dish, and I was glad to get a few pickles too.

Like a good book, this is one meal you wanna enjoy bite to bite because you'll sure be sorry when it's gone. I have no doubt that no trip to Portsmouth is complete without a little reggae party over at the Nosh Box. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu on...

Was unaware of Nosh Box until this afternoon when we wandered past.

Really glad we found this place.

Amazing food at an unbelievably reasonable price - we had 2 coffees, a portion of topped tots, one Vegan Posh Nosh Bun, and a Big Nosh Bun (one for the carnivore).

Coffee was delicious, and far superior to the Costa over the road. Plus they had lots of plant-based options for people with dietary requirements.

To top it off, the guys were super friendly, and really engaging. Up there with the best service we've ever had.

If you are looking for fresh tasty coffee and delicious food you have to try...

Nosh Box is a phenomenal coffee and food gem super close to Portsmouth and Southsea railway station, it's the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before heading off to work or exploring the city.

I was absolutely thrilled with the wide range of plant-based options on the menu. It can be a challenge to find eateries that cater to vegans, but Nosh Box goes above and beyond.

The breakfast was phenomenal, would highly recommend, they know how to pair ingredients for a superior taste.

Their coffee was smooth, rich, and expertly brewed.

Lovely positive staff, highly...