Gurkha Café

25–27 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1BP

Telephone 0131 225 2832
Food served Mon–Sun noon–11pm.
Average price £8.50 (set lunch); £13.50 (evening meal)
Email
Website www.gurkhacafe.co.uk

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This review is taken from the 2012 edition.

Gurkha Café proudly showcases the cuisine of Nepal in a venue where remnants of previous tenants remain: the incongruous mock-rustic Italian terracotta tile-roofed bar now shares space with stupas and Annapurna posters. Aside from a couple of tables looking out onto Cockburn Street, there is a large dining space through the back which is rather dark apart from candles and fairy lights. As such, it’s difficult to discern much detail in what you’re eating, which is a shame. Familiar Indian and Bangladeshi dishes, from korma to rogan josh, fill out the menu but key to the healthier Nepalese version is the lack of ghee. Not that the pakoras and deep-fried ‘lollypop’ chicken wings to start seem healthy. For mains, you will probably be drawn to a ‘Nepalese super dish’ – a curry of tandoor-cooked meat in a dense, sweet sauce, served on a sizzling platter. The achari lamb is similarly rich, while roti is a suitable accompaniment. Wash the lot down with a tasty Gurkha beer and contemplate going Nepalese next time you fancy a curry.

High point: An interesting introduction to Nepalese cookery
Low point: Lighting is a little too low

The food of Nepal is as diverse as the country itself. The Nepalese recipes are quick to cook and good to eat. Nepalese food is famous for its nutrition level and tempting taste. Whilst Nepalese cuisine is somewhat basic, it certainly does not lack in flavour, making extensive use of spices and flavourings such as ginger, garlic, coriander, pepper, cumin, chillies, cilantro, mustard oil and butter.

Nepalese food is very healthy. For people travelling to Nepal on vacation, back-packing or trekking it is good to know what food is eaten in Nepal in order to prepare for the trip. Nepalese food is heavily influenced by Indian and Tibetan cuisine and consequently you should come across a wide variety of food during your stay. International foods from across the globe are particularly represented in restaurants in Kathmandu.

Although traditional Nepalese food is often described as ‘bland’, Nepalese cuisine is certainly healthy and extremely nourishing.

Text supplied by third party.

Number of wines sold by the glass: 4
Private dining: Up to 20 covers
Provides: Vegetarian options (at least ¼ main courses), Children's portions, Children's high chairs
Music on stereo: Sitar music
Capacity: 90
Largest group: 90
Open since: 2011
House wine: £13.95 per bottle

Comments & ratings

4. DCH – 7 Jan 2012, 2:33pm Gurkha Café Report: Good menu, good food, nice people in nice surroundings. Definitely would call again

3. susan79 – 19 Oct 2011, 10:19pm Report: gave it a go on a tuesday night and definately was not disappointed brilliant meal, chilli garlic chicken and lamb karai both excellent not too hot but full of flavour instead of heat, great portion size, good service, even if it not busy its well worth a try!!!!!

2. G&C – 4 Sep 2011, 7:29pm Gurkha Café Report: Been here a couple of times and cant complain at all. Currys are brilliant and portion size is perfect. The naans are amazing, as is the Gurkha beer! Very reasonably priced and the waiters are very polite. Foods delicious and will definitely be back

1. joe_25 – 2 Sep 2011, 12:30am Gurkha Café Report: We came here on Edinburgh Festival and it was perfect. The food was incredibly good, the atmosphere was great and the service was fantastic!

Average rating 4.5/5 from 3 reviews of Gurkha Café.

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