For a different Burns Night, the Simon Howie Chocolate Haggis provides a tasty, melted brownie experience. It requires some effort to unpack, but the result is a rich chocolate puddle. A competitive price point makes it a solid dessert choice.
Eat your fill with food and drink in Edinburgh
Ah, a favourite subject of ours! When it comes to food and drink in Edinburgh, the city is just brimming with restaurants, cafes, bistros, gastro pubs, pizzerias, chippies and just about everything else to tickle your fancy.
If you're looking to dine out, Girdy & Birdy are gradually eating their way through the 'Burgh and updating their restaurant experiences regularly, both on the blog, and - more frequently - through social media.
You don't even have to eat out, either! You can order in, with many delivery services (such as JustEat, Deliveroo and UberEats) happy to bring exactly what you want straight to your door. Food and drink in Edinburgh is always a delight!
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Review: Bandits Burgers, Leith Walk
Now in the old Kilted Donut unit, Bandits serves up hearty comfort food. From the titular Bandit Burger to buffalo wings and churros, the menu is packed. It’s family-run, warm, and offers a great alternative to the city’s many smash burger joints.
Review: Piggs – A Spanish Tapas Triumph in Bruntsfield
Finally visited Piggs Bruntsfield and it didn’t disappoint. A fantastic mix of wine bar energy and serious tapas. The ‘3 tapas per person’ rule works well here. Booking is essential for this 5-star Spanish experience. Highly recommended.
Review: Vieve Protein Bar (Strawberry Blondie)
I wanted to love the Vieve Strawberry Blondie. The stats are solid: 157 cals and high fibre. The taste is natural strawberry. But the “armour-plated” coating and dry centre make it a chore to eat. A functional snack, not a pleasure.
Review: Thillai Pandia’s, a South Indian restaurant on Great Junction Street
A solid addition to Leith, Thillai Pandia’s offers great value South Indian food. The menu is specialised, with standout biryanis and curious “Scottish” hybrids. While the venue feels a bit clinical, the food quality and friendly service make it a winner.
Review: Chola Highlands, an Indian restaurant on Duke Street
Chola Highlands on Duke Street is a rough-around-the-edges Indian restaurant serving exceptional South Indian staples like idly and dosas.
Review: Smittens – vegan sweets
Girdy tries Smittens, the new budget range from Candy Kittens. Are they worth it? He thinks so! They are a third cheaper and still taste great. The sour ones are tangy but mild.
Review: The Queens Arms – a city centre basement pub
Atmospheric New Town cellar bar with a unique book-lined interior. Good for pints and pub grub, though popular dishes often sell out. Great for photos, but the stairs make it tricky for those with mobility issues.