The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 6 letter word BUFFET
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
B
U
F
F
E
T
More clues leading to the result BUFFET
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Cold food/batter" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case cold food/batter = buffet.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does BUFFET mean?
BUFFET noun- A counter or sideboard from which food and drinks are served or may be bought.
- Food laid out in this way, to which diners serve themselves.
- A small stool; a stool for a buffet or counter.
- A blow or cuff with or as if with the hand, or by any other solid object or the wind.
- To strike with a buffet; to cuff; to slap.
- To aggressively challenge, denounce, or criticise.
- To affect as with blows; to strike repeatedly; to strive with or contend against.
- To deaden the sound of (bells) by muffling the clapper.
- A low stool; a hassock.