Top Eastern European food spots
by Sasha, from Ukraine, studying Global Crime, Justice and Security (MSc)
Edinburgh is a multicultural vibrant city and it’s certainly been reflected in the variety of cuisines it offers. As a Ukrainian studying abroad, I can’t help but miss Eastern European cuisine, the taste of which immediately transports me home. Eastern European food is quite a broad category that encompasses foods from various countries and cultures. On this occasion, I will share my two absolute favourite Ukrainian places and one very unique Georgian restaurant.
The Square
This vibrant little cafe near St Andrews Square is a wonderful spot to start your journey of exploring Eastern European cuisine. It offers a whole range of traditional Ukrainian dishes starting from borscht (the beetroot soup) to curd cheese dumplings served with sour cream and jam. You can expect to be greeted by incredibly welcoming staff who can always help you navigate through the cafe’s exhaustive menu. My go-to order is crêpes with cabbage and mushrooms along with a hearty borscht. Moreover, the array of breakfast food options makes it just an ideal spot for a quick early bite before lectures or work.
Minami Sushi Bar
What does sushi have to do with Ukrainian cuisine, you might ask? Well, Ukrainian sushi is a new take on the Japanese classic. Sushi places are extremely popular in my home country, hence I was thrilled when the two amazing Ukrainian businesswomen opened a first-ever Ukrainian sushi bar in Edinburgh. The menu features unique sushi sets with mango, Philadelphia cheese, pear and dorblu cheese. The variety of extraordinary taste blends will undoubtedly impress even the biggest foodies. Moreover, its cozy relaxed atmosphere makes it a perfect place for lunch meet-ups with friends.
Hungry Wolf
If you have never tried Georgian food, you are missing out. Georgian culture is very rich and so is their food. Hungry Wolf serves the best khachapuri, a traditional dish comprised of dough with a cheese filling and topped up with an egg. It is guaranteed to make you full for the rest of the day. However, if you are willing to indulge further, you might want to go for lovely Georgian dumplings known as khinkali. Needless to say, all the food is prepared in the open kitchen by the chef and owner himself. With such a warm and homey atmosphere, this place is simply perfect for a casual dinner with friends or family.
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