From books to bites: Top student lunch spots around the Main Library
By Holly, from Manchester, studying MA Psychology and Business
POV: You’ve been in the library studying all day and are in desperate need of a pick-me up. You’ve been working hard (and definitely not getting distracted by TikTok every 10 minutes.) Surely you deserve a little reward?
As a final year student, I am always trying to motivate myself to stay in the library by treating myself to a delicious lunch (It’s a form of self-care, right?).
Here are some of my favourite places to grab a bite to eat around George Square. These are all places where you can get a filling lunch for under £15 – so definitely a special treat, but not a lunch that will break the bank.
Korean Munchies
Walking distance from the Main Library: 8 minutes
Student discount? 10% off when you show your student ID
Opening times: 12pm to 9pm every day
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? Yes
Korean Corn Dog at Korean Munchies
Discovering this place has been a slippery slope because I am constantly craving their food. They do amazing Korean food, from Tteokbokki to Bibimbap to Kimbap. The flavour of their food is the perfect blend between sweet, spicy, and salty – it definitely hits the spot every time.
My favourite thing to eat from here is their Korean Corn Dog with sweet chilli sauce and mustard. Since I usually go with my flatmate, we go all out and also split the Half and Half Dakgangjung (Korean Fried Chicken – half glazed with the sweet chilli yangyum glaze, half without).
Noodles Home
Walking distance from the Main Library: 8 minutes
Student discount? None
Opening times: 12pm to 9pm every day, except Mondays
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? Yes
Hand-pulled soup noodles on a cold winter day… It doesn’t get better than that! Everyone I have taken here has loved it. My parents always insist on eating here EVERY TIME they visit. Noodles Home specialise in Szechuan food. They do hand-pulled noodles, hand-sliced noodles, hand-mould noodles, udon noodles (basically any noodle you can imagine). They do stir fried noodles, as well as dishes with rice, super flavourful skewers and their infamous SPICY Szechuan soup noodles (Chongqing Spicy Noodles). They also have veggie options for almost all noodle dishes, making it a brilliant place to take your veggie friends!
My favourite thing to eat from here is the Chongqing Spicy Noodles with Beef Flank – super numbing, but great for clearing the sinuses! If I’m not in the mood for spicy food, I tend to go for the Chow Mein. The portions are very reasonable, so you definitely won’t leave hungry.
Bánh Mì Brothers
Walking distance from the Main Library: 13 minutes – but across the road from Evolution House (Edinburgh College of Art, Library)
Student discount? 10% off when you show your student ID
Opening times: 11:30am to 4pm every day, except Sundays
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? Yes
It’s time to say goodbye to your sad meal deal sandwich and upgrade to one of these! This place has the perfect lunch to sit in the meadows with. They do Bánh Mìs (Vietnamese sandwiches) – a crispy baguette filled with a filling of your choice, pâté, pickled veg and garnished with chilli and coriander. This is a super refreshing and enjoyable lunch option.
The Original Mosque Kitchen & Cafe
Walking distance from the Main Library: 7 minutes – across the road from Alison House (Edinburgh College of Art, Music Practice Rooms)
Student discount? None
Opening times: 11:30am to 7:30pm every day
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? Yes
My go-to order is the Chana Masala with rice and if I’m extra hungry a side of naan too!
Alby’s (Southside)
Walking distance from the Main Library: 6 minutes
Student discount? None
Opening times: 11am to 7pm Tuesday to Sunday
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? Yes
Every bite of these freshly baked focaccia sandwiches is perfectly curated. Alby’s change their menu pretty regularly, so it definitely keeps you coming back. They have creative, unexpected flavour combinations, but they are always super tasty! I also almost always leave in a food coma (probably not the best for trying to study after), but at least my stomach is content. Some of my favourites that I have tried have been their Nashville hot chicken and Meatball special.
The Roseto
Walking distance from the Main Library: 6 minutes
Student discount? None
Opening times: 11:30am to 8pm every day
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? No
My flatmate and I discovered this place last year and have been meaning to go back for ages! It is buffet style – you get to pick from a variety of dishes that all have different flavours. I got the rice bowl with a choice of three sides. With this you get unlimited rice! Their bubble tea is also pretty good and probably the cheapest I have found in Edinburgh (it’s under £4).
Pudding’s
Walking distance from the Main Library: 11 minutes
Student discount? None
Opening times: 11am to 6:30pm Friday to Tuesday
Veggie options? Yes
Vegan options? No vegan desserts, but some vegan drink options
I’m ending my recommendations with Pudding’s – although it is a dessert place, sometimes you’re just craving that midday sweet treat. They do amazing matcha, Hong Kong style teas, coffees and most importantly, Asian-style Shortcakes and Cheesecakes. Their desserts are light, not too sweet and are the perfect treat to get you through that midday slump. If this hasn’t convinced you, this café is named after the owner’s very adorable dog, who is pretty much always lounging around. They change their flavours every month! My favourites so far have been their Hōjicha cheesecake, Matcha cheesecake and Strawberry shortcake.
The famous “Pudding”
I hope these food recommendations are the perfect pick-me up during those long days at Uni! Bon Appétit!
Share your favourite lunch spots in the comments.
