International Eating Take your tastebuds on a culinary journey

The Pakora Bar Down the Hatch

A Culinary Journey

You don’t need to leave Edinburgh to experience authentic flavours from around the world. Ailidh Forlan aka @plateexpectations shares her favourite spots for international eating right here in the city…

THE PAKORA BAR

Three brothers and their parents run Pakora Bar on Hanover Street and the fact it’s a family business is clear: the recipes are mum’s and a painting of grandad hangs proudly on the wall. In fact, such is the warm, welcoming vibe that each visit to this Punjabi street food haven feels like you’re being welcomed into the family’s home. It’s never not tempting to pop in for a mixed pakora platter or kathi roll, especially after a night out. The haggis pakora is particularly brilliant. www.pakorabar.co.uk

DOWN THE HATCH

Neil Davies, nicknamed Moose, launched Down The Hatch in 2015 to satisfy his own North American tastebuds. Year on year, what started as a go-to destination for a bowl of proper poutine accompanied by a cheeseburger has only got filthier. Now there’s triple decker burgers bigger than your head, giant breakfast skillets, ridiculously naughty shakes and a daily special (posted to Instagram) that’ll get you drooling. You can get your fill of quality Canadian fare at Antigua Street and the South Queensferry branch. www.downthehatchcafe.com

Locanda de Gusti Maki & Ramen

LOCANDA DE GUSTI

Naples born Rosario Sartore imports artisan produce from Italy and combines it with fresh Scottish seafood and meat for an unforgettable Italian dining experience. Everything’s made from scratch, including the pasta, and a super hospitable, all Italian team serves it. I’d recommend the Scialatielle pasta from Sorrento tossed with Scottish mussels, clams, king prawn, massive langoustines and calamari in olive oil, garlic, white wine and a touch of chilli, but ask for a starter portion to save room for dessert. www.locandadegusti.com

MAKI & RAMEN

There’s now six Maki & Ramen branches across Edinburgh such is the demand for their comforting bowls of Japanese homemade noodles. Teddy Lee’s empire is a well-oiled machine, though each venue works carefully to maintain an independent feel. The signature 8-hour broth boasts a depth of rich umami flavours and with most corners of the city covered by either a restaurant or delivery, your next fix is just a stone’s throw (or click) away. www.makiramen.com

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SPITAKI

It’s in one of Edinburgh’s slightly more residential areas, but this Greek taverna, painted like the country’s flag, is well worth the venture. In traditional Greek style the menu is centred around sharing which conveniently means you can sample all 10 of the meze, with a couple of dips too. I’d recommend the grilled octopus, and don’t you dare leave before you’ve tried the homemade baklava. www.spitaki.co.uk

VIETNAM HOUSE

Inside Grove Street’s Vietnamese restaurant, it feels a little like you’re in the owner’s living room, in a good way. Nga Nguyen makes outstanding deeply fragrant pho alongside a moist and glutinous rice, pimped with shredded chicken and caramelised shrimps which is steamed, and served in a lotus leaf. www.vietnamhouserestaurant.co.uk

Tupiniquim

TUPINIQUIM

If you live or work near Edinburgh’s Quartermile you’ll know how irresistible a jam-packed gluten free Brazilian crepe for lunch is. Husband and wife team, Fernando and Gardenia, make these to order cramped into one of the two square metre original police boxes. What’s particularly special is their feijoada, Brazil’s national dish made with black beans and pork, accompanied by rice, greens, toasted cassava and slices of orange. Swing by on a Saturday for a portion. www.tupiniquim.co.uk ORINOCO

Home to the only arepas in Edinburgh, family-owned Orinoco on Leith Walk have mastered their country’s craft. These Venezuelan corn patties are piled high with pulled chicken, beef, plantain or black beans and they’re delightful, but the lesser-known highlight of Orinoco is the superb tequeños: fried cheese stuffed pastry fingers served with homemade garlic sauce. www.orinocolatinfood.co.uk

Vietnam House

Sister Bao

DUSIT

Pom wows guests with local produce enhanced with traditional ingredients and flavours of Bangkok at this Thistle Street restaurant. It’s absolutely unrivalled for authentic Thai food. Here, diners can kick off their meal with a taste of each starter before moving onto chef’s recommended rich and aromatic curries or wok fried delights. www.dusit.co.uk

STACK DIM SUM

In an unassuming, no-frills restaurant off Leith Walk you’ll find Edinburgh’s best dim sum. It’s small and always teeming with natives – a very good sign – so you’ll want to book ahead. The menu boasts crispy wontons, fried squid cake, and over 30 homemade dim sum to choose from and at very reasonable prices too (roughly £3.80 for 3 or 4). www.instagram.com/stackdimsumbar/

CHEZ JULES

Edinburgh institute, Chez Jules, is a basement bistro that’s always bustling. From start to finish, the experience is unapologetically French. Expect garlic drenched snails, knock-out French onion soup, mountains of fries, perfectly pink chargrilled steaks, flowing house wine, and a cracking lunch deal for just £7.90 for two courses. www.chezjulesbistro.com

SISTER BAO

Owned and operated by extremely talented women, Sister Bao on South Clerk Street is Scotland’s first dedicated bao restaurant. And they’re excelling in introducing us to unique, traditional Chinese street food and its culture. Definitely go for the fluffy bao, but don’t be afraid to stray; the Dan Dan noodles made with pork mince, Szechuan peppercorn, chilli and peanut butter are equally spectacular. www.sisterbao.com

TACO LIBRE

Taco Libre is a compact Taqueria “serving tacos as they should be” – cooked by Mexicans. So expect proper margaritas, Jarritos soda, mariachi on the speakers and a jovial atmosphere. It’s the place for long boozy evenings where you’ll inevitably work your way through the entire menu. The fish baja taco laden with battered cod, shredded slaw, chipotle mayo and cucumber is a firm favourite. www.tacolibre.co.uk

Taco Libre

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