How to Eat Vegetarian in Edinburgh

While it can seem that all Scottish fare is meaty breakfasts and fried food, there are some great vegetarian eateries in Edinburgh. You just have to know where to look. From loca, organic meals to delicious meat-free Indian food, Scotland's capital has a decent variety of vegetarian options.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Map of Edinburgh
• Cash

1. As with any type of food that needs to be prepared specially, it's always a good idea to prepare it yourself, at least occasionally. There are many grocery stores in and around Edinburgh that carry fresh produce and a good selection of ready-made vegetarian and vegan meals. Grocery stores in Edinburgh include Tesco, Sainsbury's, Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Morrison's.

2. Check local websites to get up-to-date information on new restaurant openings and any changes in hours. This is also helpful if you are not staying in the city center and need some help finding vegetarian restaurants.

3. It's always nice to be served a nice, wholesome, veggie meal. If you're on a budget, a good bet is the Baked Potato Shop on Cockburn Street in Edinburgh's Old Town. For less than 5 quid, you can get a baked potato with cheese, vegan baked beans, veggie haggis or dozens of other veg-friendly toppings. In addition, they serve vegan soups and desserts, as well as salads, spanakopita, hummus and pita, and veggie samosas. Be forewarned that the spuds can be pretty massive, so ask for a smaller one if you're not up for a large meal.

4. Another option in the Old Town is Ann Purna, located in St Patrick's Square, which offers a delicious selection of vegetarian Indian fare. The food is Gujerati Indian, and even meat-lovers hardly take notice of the lack of it. A family-owned and run establishment, Ann Purna gives the other non-vegetarian Indian restaurants in Edinburgh a run for their money. Kalpna is another Indian vegetarian option and is within throwing distance of Ann Purna; Kalpna has garnered a lot of positive word-of-mouth for their South Indian dosas.

5. Henderson's Salad Table and Bistro are both located in Edinburgh's New Town. The Salad Table offers a more cafeteria feel vegetarian food, with a variety of freshly made salads, home-made chutneys, cheeses, and hot entrees. The Bistro is a cozier feel and has daily specials, including home-made soups, veggie burgers and nachos. Henderson's Bistro also offers gluten-free, wheat-free and dairy-free dishes. Henderson's usually stocks delicious organic wines.

6. For a more upscale vegetarian dining experience, visit David Bann Restaurant off the Royal Mile. The food is inventive and impressive, preparing such dishes as goat cheese tarlets, grilled vegetable and potato salad, toubaleh salad and homemade hummus.

7. Other highly recommended vegetarian eateries in Edinburgh include Beanscene, a coffeehouse with light snacks and sandwiches; Susie's Diner, described as veggie comfort food; The Engine Shed Cafe, a cafe run through a charity organization, which offers tasty veggie snacks and meals; and Forest, a simple, inexpensive, volunteer-run cafe near Edinburgh University.

Tips & Warnings

• Check opening hours before heading over to any of these restaurants, many may not open until 5 p.m.
• Even if you're not a vegetarian, these restaurants have something for everyone and are definitely worth trying!
• Many pubs and non-vegetarian restaurants serve breakfasts that include tasty vegetarian haggis and sausages.

Resources

• Eating & Drinking Guide

[mrsmac]

on 11/23/2009 I love Indian food it is what I miss most about Scotland, food wise