Shea;
Something
Different
Just because you’re cutting down on spending, that
doesn’t mean you have to settle for pedestrian food when you dine out. Indeed, some of the more exotic offerings are also among the least expensive.
Bonsai
46 West Richmond Street, Edinburgh, 0131 668 3847
This is an intitnate space tucked away not l'ar l'rom the l’leasance. where you cart dine on stishi. soups. yakitori (marinated and char-grilled meat or veg). teppanyaki (pan-tried dishes) and teriy'aki steaks at reasonable prices (most plates are £2—£5). with tnorc restricted set ltmches and dinners (from £4.90 at lunch-time to £9.90 tor a two course meal in the evening) also available.
Café Cossachok
10 King Street, Glasgow,
0141 553 0733
(‘ale (‘ossachok ol‘l'ers Russian- inlluenced cttisine. as well as sortie warm Slavic hospitality and a good dose of authentic culture. Starters include /.akuski. a generous selection of cold meats or liin served with pickled vegetables. while the borscht (beetroot soup) ol'l‘ers real hints of the mother country. Lunch and pre-theatre menus are £5.95 and £9.95 for two courses. respectively. while Sunday nights ol'l'er live performances and plenty of vodka.
Ichipan Japanese Noodle Cafe 50 Queen Street, Glasgow,
0141 204 4200
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In true Japanese style. the l‘ood at lchihan is served as it‘s ready. which encourages a more social eating out experience: one in which chop sticks are often dipped into a fellow diner‘s howl tor a wee taste. A bowl of lchihan noodles is a tilling meal in itsell'. For a hit more variety. try one ol' the hento boxes. ol‘l'ering a mix that includes sushi. gyo/a dumplings. A second branch is at I84 Dumharton Road (()IJI 33
9222)
Ndebele
57 Home Street. Edinburgh. 0131221 1141
Though Ndebele is themed as a South Al‘rican cal'e. don’t think ol~ big-boned Boer l‘armers si/./.Iing whole springboks on their barbecue. Instead. come here to discover the inspiring diversity and culinary innovation of the entire Al‘rican continent. with daily specials including stews. salads. soups and platters. Though their sandwiches are always lively and tasty. the colourful. tip-heat cale is open right through to l()pm.
Namaste North Indian Frontier Cuisine
16 Bristo Place. Edinburgh. 0131 466 7061
A good place to go exploring is Namastc. where there‘s an emphasis on simple. subtly spiced
lchihan
Ndebele
l'ood with a home-made l‘eel. 'l‘he wonderl‘ul machli tikka starter is one of the best lish dishes you‘re likely to taste lirm. moist chunks of swordlish marinated to give a richly aromatic taste and perl‘ect texture.
Koshkemeer
721 Pollokshaws Road. Glasgow. 0141 423 9494
Koshkemeer has the distinction of being Scotland’s only Kurdish restaurant. But this hit ol~ exotic appeal (in (ilasgow's Strathhungo district. south or the ('lyde) is not the only aspect that makes this recently opened restaurant noteworthy: prices are low. portions generous and the BYOB policy charges only £1 for corkage.
Nile Valley
6 Chapel Street. Edinburgh.
0131 667 8200
Nile Valley prides itsell' on its Sudanese cuisine. which encompasses both Africa and the Middle liast in its eclectic heritage. For such a small place.
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CELEBRITY CHEAP CHOICE
Bernard Street, Leith (and around Edinburgh)
On the way to my studio I love to go to the Globe cafe where they do the best BLT — it's made with lantastic Italian bread and bacon from a butcher in Stockbridge. For lunch I sometimes go to Valvona & Crolla where you can get a gorgeous bowl of pasta with cherry tomato. garlic and basil; it '3 very tasty and very quick.
the menu ol'l‘ers plenty oi choice. particularly the superb meme—type starters such as salata Aswad. a baked auhergine salad. l'ish specialities marinated in spices rellect the inlluence oi the Nile. and there are some good veggie options.
OKO
The Todd Burldlng. 68 Ingram Street. Glasgow. 0141 S72 1500 The sushi that goes round and round on the conveyor belt at ()K() can he so tempting that diners can run tip a bill even it‘ the individual dishes aren‘t that expensive. It you want maximise your sterling at ()K(). go on Sunday. Monday and Wednesday nights. when the policy is all-you- can-eat within an hour for £15. Yum.