Welcome to the enchanting city of Edinburgh, where every cobblestone street tells a tale, and each corner you turn reveals a culinary gem waiting to be discovered. As a city steeped in rich history and vibrant culture, Edinburgh is a destination that promises an authentic and unforgettable dining experience. From the warmth of its cosy pubs to the sophistication of its Michelin-starred establishments, each restaurant tells a unique story of commitment, passion, and vision. This guide will take you on a gastronomic journey through Edinburgh’s top 10 dining destinations, offering a taste of the city’s diverse and inspiring culinary landscape. So, buckle up, food enthusiasts, because we’re about to embark on an exciting adventure filled with mouthwatering delights that will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your imagination!
Lian Pu Express
Lian Pu Express is located a five-minute walk from the University of Edinburgh GS Campus. Its cuisine is mainly Sichuan and hot pot. The recommended dish is the grilled fish, which is full of flavour and variety, making it an excellent meal for two people. You can add celery, fungus, bean curd, broad noodles, konjac, etc. Lian Pu Express also has a variety of beef brisket with rice, and his brisket is very soft and evenly cooked, so the related dishes are all delicious. The brisket rice noodles and the potatoes and brisket over rice are especially recommended! The dry-pot and stir-fried vegetables are also excellent, and the garlic cabbage is a favourite!
China Red
China Red is an honest-to-goodness buffet restaurant in Edinburgh, which could be described as a Chinese food book. It has everything from hot pots to roast meats to various dishes and desserts. There are also pancakes, meat buns, spring rolls, prawn dumplings, siu mai and other Chinese noodle dishes. There’s nothing you can’t think of, nothing you can’t eat at China Red! No matter what city you come from in China, you will find the taste of your hometown here. If you want to get a taste of China in Edinburgh, come to China Red!
Sichuan House
During the pandemic, Sichuan House was the most-ordered Chinese restaurant by international students in Edinburgh. The restaurant’s location is good, within a minute’s walk from GS Campus. The owner is from Beijing, and the flavour of the restaurant is authentic, whether it’s northern or Sichuan food. And it can be said that it is the number one Chinese food restaurant in Edinburgh. Recommended dishes are boiled beef, chicken gizzard in dry pot, fat intestines in dry pot, hairy blood wanton, and bone in soy sauce. Although Sichuan House is a bit pricey, the portions and flavours are good. Besides, its desserts, such as sago desserts, are also very authentic and worth a try.
Numi Food
Numi Food is located on South Clerk St in Edinburgh and is a simple restaurant with a student discount. The format of the restaurant is like a university canteen, depending on the price. You can choose vegetarian and meat dishes that have already been fried daily, with a nutritious mix of meat and vegetables. The prices are reasonable, and the flavours are sweet. The restaurant can also order rice, small noodles and other fried dishes. The Shredded Pork with Fish over rice and the Black Pepper Beef are to be recommended and are delicious. Also, Numi Food is one of the best, brightest, and cleanest dine-in environments, so feel free to eat!
Saigon Saigon
Saigon Saigon is a word-of-mouth restaurant on Princes Street in Edinburgh and one of the must-eat restaurants whenever I visit Edinburgh. The ambience is high-class, and the service is good. Although it has a Vietnamese name and the whole shop’s decoration is very Southeast Asian, this restaurant is generally a little bit more on the Chinese side. Saigon Saigon has Northeastern, Szechuan, Cantonese, Southeast Asian and Cantonese morning tea and desserts. There’s also a buffet at lunchtime, and its stir-fried string beans are rumoured to be the best in Edinburgh! Booking in advance is highly recommended as this restaurant does very well!
Xiangbala Hotpot
Xiangbala Hotpot is a buffet Szechuan hotpot restaurant with a branch in Glasgow. The buffet has a great selection of seafood, including breaded crabs, razor clams and scallops. The restaurant also has homemade sauce, steak, and lamb chops. Besides, the flavour is delicious, and the price is not very expensive, but the value for the money is still very high! Many Sichuan and Chongqing friends in Edinburgh say its hot pot is still relatively authentic! In addition to the spicy hot pot, the sweet and sour tomato pot is also very good. Your hot pot stomach, do not miss this restaurant!
Tea House
The Tea House restaurant is in a good location, close to the GS campus, a 5-6 minute walk. The restaurant is similar to Numi in that it is a simple restaurant. Tea House is called “Edinburgh University Canteen” by many international students, and it is a place where you can eat if you don’t want to cook. The owner is from Qingdao and gives enough food for two girls to share. The daily menu includes scrambled eggs with tomatoes, braised pork, chicken wings with cola, map tofu and various vegetables. The only downside is that the restaurant is not very big and sometimes more seats must be reserved.
Tasty Noodle
Tasty Noodle is in a great location, just a minute’s walk from the Main Library. The restaurant specialises in hot and sour noodles and beef udon. Tasty Noodle is tiny, with only three tables in total. The owner is the chef and cleans after the dishes, so it’s a “one-man noodle shop”. The beef udon noodles are small but delicious and perfect with a fried bun. The hot and sour noodles are also a big hit in the restaurant. They are still far from the authentic Sichuan style, but you can try them in Edinburgh.
FAQ
Each restaurant on our list has been handpicked for its authentic flavours, innovative dishes, and commitment to providing a unique dining experience. They are known for their exceptional service, welcoming atmosphere, and delicious Chinese cuisine.
Absolutely! These Chinese restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan options, ensuring everyone can enjoy the rich and diverse flavours of Chinese cuisine. However, we recommend checking with the restaurant beforehand to ensure they can cater to your dietary needs.
While walk-ins are usually welcome, we recommend booking a table in advance, especially during weekends or holidays. This ensures you won’t miss out on your gourmet journey through some of Edinburgh’s finest Chinese restaurants.
