Perfect weather in Edinburgh. We did an adventurous hike (don’t do), enjoy a super-valued 10 course guess-what-you-eat, and a Michelin BOLD lunch deal.
The soundtrack of Harry Potter hums as soon as the pointed churches and mediaeval-tinted castle come in sight. There are no witches flying in a cloudless blue sky to catch a golden snitch, but throngs of people marching through the city, listening to the Scottish folk music, while their hands run through endlessly luxurious cashmere.
I immediately find this lively capital much more attractive than Glasgow, where we spent 3 days thinking how to dodge the unpredictable rain. Edinburgh, despite its highly reputable transportation network, is a very walkable city. I wish Bristol one day would catch up a bit.
A city with mountains dwelled in and closed to the sea is always fascinating to live in. Edinburgh is blessed to have it both.
Adventurous Hike in Edinburgh
Arthur’s Seat, heights 251 m, stretched everyone’s legs and rewarded with a stunning panoramic city view.
And there, we had a little episode to highlight this trip:
While descending, we took a less-known route down to Newington, where there are a lot of Chinese and South Asian restaurants. But this route, although showing on Google Map as a hiking path, is actually a zero-traffic zone with mountain plants’ thorns spiking towards you and an almost precipitous rocky way all down to the bottom. The blue sky receded and dark clouds strode over; heavily scattered rain even made it worse; it hit hard, and one of us had no protection, which perplexed us to stop and think of our lives: ‘Perhaps we should head back?’
However it ends, I’m here slack writing this little piece without any drama happening to us. That route is doable, but we won’t recommend it—just like how we gave our honest advice to 3 German-speaking women who attempted to climb from that route while catching our breath. ‘Viel Glück!’ was the last sentence I told them.
Once down the hill, we browsed through an array of Chinese shops and found these bowls of hot LanZhou noodles soup to console after our little adventure.
Edinburgh Restaurant Highlights
We didn’t go to any Scottish or seafood restaurant in Edinburgh. I tried to look for a reasonably priced and decent one, such as Left Field and First Coast, but we couldn’t manage to do it. But I’m pleased to get to taste what 111 by Modou and Ka Pao have to offer; both turned out great!
111 by Modou
Similar to Omakase, you get to guess what you’re eating, and afterwards you’ll be told the answer. This funny dining is only available on Mondays, where many other good restaurants are closed. You’ll enjoy 10 courses for only £30 per person. Wine pairing is available, too. Given this price, surprisingly, each course is well-portioned and executed, with lamb, pollock, and pork on plates. The only downside is the location—far from the city centre but well connected with the bus.
Ka Pao
I read one Google review saying they went to Scotland from London because of Ka Pao. Sounds crazy, yet, again, doable, isn’t it?
This Michelin-listed restaurant offering mouthwatering South Asian small plates with a great value lunch deal at £17.5 per person. Very bold flavour delivered without spicy level indicated on the menu. Not kids-friendly, but a non-chilli head (like me) can get hooked on thinking of the salted coconut corn ribs.
Tips: The Glasgow branch got Michelin listed, but it’s in the basement with no view, while the Edinburgh one is located in a shopping mall with floor-to-ceiling windows.
I ask myself every time I’ve been to a new city, ‘Will I come back again?’ It hardly be a solid yes or no. Maybe is my often answer—either I HAVE to go or the weather is very promising (which sounds never going to happen).
