Bollywood: The Coffee Box

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

Edinburgh has grown used to the sight of old police boxes being used to sell coffee – but being used to sell curry? It’s a testament to both the culinary and organisational skills of proprietor Nutan Bala that she’s able to produce such enjoyable fare from within such cramped surroundings. Despite the feeling that the limited space must make her job more complex, there’s no hint of this pushing prices into the premium bracket. Anybody used to spending £3–£5 in their lunch break on a disappointing baguette-based repast really needs to treat themselves to a visit to the Coffee Box for a similarly priced but far more memorable experience. The menu alters daily depending on the ingredients available but a mixed vegetable dahl is usually available, while chicken dishes can include a hearty chicken saag. Curries are made to your own desired level of spiciness. The food being cooked to order can lead to a 5–10 minute wait, but that’s no hardship when the food is so satisfying and there’s such a bubbly owner to chat to.

• High point: Fantastic value
• Low point: Scottish weather can put a dampener on alfresco dining