Favourite takeaway

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 14 Jun 2003, 19:17

OK, I know I have moaned in the past about the number of takeaway food establishments in Portobello. There are undboutedly too many BUT I must confess a weakness for Chinese and Indian food. Which is your favourite takeaway? My votes go to the 108 for their Singapore Fried Noodles and King Prawn Kung Po and to the newly opened Datta at 262 Portobello High Street for their Punjabi King Prawn Jalfrezi. I like the fact that Datta appears to be family owned and the food is cooked as you wait right in front of you. Where do you recommend?

Gemini · Post by **Gemini** » 14 Jun 2003, 22:18

108's Kung Po King Prawn is brill. Not too sure of the Indian Takeways, I normally order from Gulnars in Leith they to do a lamb tikka massala to die for.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 20 Jun 2003, 17:47

Got to be the Chi Wai - I use it even though it means walking past at least five other takeaways...

Anyone tried the new Indian take-away yet?

Jamesie · Post by **Jamesie** » 21 Jun 2003, 01:41

108 wins it hands down everytime! Always a friendly welcome from David and the crew and the food is top class!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 29 Jun 2003, 20:38

We tried the Prince Balti, just off the Kings Road roundabout this evening. The Balti King Prawn Puri was excellent and we enjoyed the Chicken Jhalfrezie and North Indian Garlic Chicken. Service was very friendly. My wife got lots of gossip about Susan Deacon having been in earlier and how Lawrence Marshall, who lives around the corner, is a regular customer. I hope they're not trying to curry favour with him.

There is an online menu at: http://www.qualityfoodonline.co.uk/site ... /index.htm

A lot of takeaways have their own webpages now. Maybe we should provide links to all the local ones on the site?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 30 Nov 2003, 19:57

Time to resurrect this thread in light of the opening of Dragon Way, the new Chinese restaurant in Bath Street. We tried a takeaway this evening and were VERY impressed. Dinner menu looks great - lots of seafood. Like the open kitchen, lots of spotlessly clean stainless steel and altogether a very professional and classy operation. Anyone else tried it? I would link to their online menu but their site seems to be down.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 30 Nov 2003, 20:47

Speaking of which... what's the story at the Chi Wai? When I was there in September, I was told it was closing down (big disappointment) but it's still going strong.

Great to hear your feedback on the Dragon Way, Bob. I'll try it soon.

Alex

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 30 Nov 2003, 20:49

There mixed satay is to die for, defo recomend. Looks like Chi Wai have serious competition.

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 30 Nov 2003, 21:30

Sorry for being dense but is 108 called that because it is the address?

Angus · Post by **Angus** » 01 Dec 2003, 03:59

Sorry no idea. I have not tried it yet - but what how is the new chinese restaurant on bath street? Dragon Way, I think it is called.

Angus · Post by **Angus** » 01 Dec 2003, 04:02

Sorry, my previous message is totally garbled. I will try again. Has anyone tried the new chinese restaurant, 'Dragon Way', I think it is called? I tried to eat there one saturday but it was packed out.

scossie5 · Post by **scossie5** » 01 Dec 2003, 14:47

Another thumbs up for the Dragon Way. We enjoyed the masses of veg in our choices - still crunchy to bite!

Gedge · Post by **Gedge** » 21 Dec 2003, 13:15

Okay there are more pressing subjects to comment on like supermarket and housing developments but after being harranged with the "Use it or lose it" threat about the website I think I ought to contribute something cos I really enjoy the forum.

The King's Balti on the roundabout is now my restaurant of choice not just for Portobello but Edinburgh in its entirety. Lovely walk along the prom, warm happy welcome, excellent food AND if you held onto the discount booklet thing the council sent out a while ago you get 25% off. It actually makes you feel a bit guilty.

One of many things that makes Portobello such a brill place to live.

Brian McCrow · Post by **Brian McCrow** » 22 Dec 2003, 14:20

The Prince Balti is the best Indian food in Edinburgh. You also get very friendly service. They offer a number of discount schemes including 25% for Royalties Gold card holders.

Beach Babe · Post by **Beach Babe** » 09 Jan 2004, 23:20

my favourite is the Chinese at the very end of the prom at Joppa. The deep fried shredded chicken in honey sauce is lovely.

I was deeply unimpressed with the Chinese with the red front next to Evergreen - anaemic fried rice was the least of their sins. I see the place has been re-incarnated and is called Sesame. Has anyone tried it?

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 15 Jan 2004, 22:07

was at The Old Pier between Christmas and New Year for lunch and it was great. Really friendly service and nothing was too much trouble.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 31 Jan 2004, 20:47

I think my brief affair with the Dragon Way may be over. After a couple of so-so takeaways recently we have gone back to the 108. The service is friendlier and on the whole I think the food is better as well. Interested to hear from anyone who has sampled the sit-in menu though. Anyone ever use the Lanna Thai in Musselburgh? Haven't been there for ages but it used to be OK.

Lizzie · Post by **Lizzie** » 03 Feb 2004, 19:58

Myself and a few friends sampled the sit-in menu in the Dragons Way a couple of weeks back. I have to say the food was very good, but I felt quite expensive. We too did not find it a very friendly place, the staff did not look happy in their work! Also the noise from the television in the take-away part of the shop was really annoying, though when we asked if they could turn it down a bit they did oblige, but we could still hear it.
Not sure if we'll be back!
We were in Chi Wai restaurant last weekend for the first time since the new owners took over, the food was just as good as before and the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Our only complaint was the restaurant was rather over-crowded, there was far too many tables for the size of the place. We were packed in like sardines and if you tried to move your seat back a few inches to get out you were bumping into people at the table behind you!

Chas · Post by **Chas** » 07 Feb 2004, 18:04

We've been using Life at the end of Milton Road recently. The food is superb, slightly different and their delivery is very, very quick (if you avoid the teatime rush). Would recommend it.

Surrealist · Post by **Surrealist** » 10 Feb 2004, 19:42

The new Indian takeaway (on the same block as the St Andrews) is fantastic.

They are such a nice family that work there - the son does the breads and rice - the mum cooks (and the kitchen is open plan so you can watch all the spices and what-not going into your dinner) and the dad does front of house.

The way they all come together at the point when your meal is ready - mum tipping the curry into the box, dad putting the finishing garnish of coriander on top and son doing your rice and nan - it's charming.

I recommend "green herb lamb" - I promise you will be sunk for good after eating this.

Beach Babe · Post by **Beach Babe** » 15 Feb 2004, 00:29

I have to say that we had a thoroughly disappointing experience with the Dragon Way tonight. We booked a table for 8pm several days ago then were phoned to be asked if we would mind coming at 8.30pm instead. That should have sent the warning bells ringing as when we turned up at the allotted time tonight, we were asked to wait a further 20-30mins (even though we could see one empty table).

Needless to state, we left and had a lovely meal elsewhere

Having worked in restaurants myself, I know how difficult it can be on busy nights but I found that unacceptable and disappointing. Even worse was the lack of apology.

We certainly won't be attempting to eat there again or even to use their take-away service - the other places in Portobello are far more reliable

Jamesie · Post by **Jamesie** » 17 Feb 2004, 11:19

You just can't beat the 108 in my book - how I miss it!

Had a quick sample of someone's Dragon Way takeaway before I left Edinburgh and I wasn't too impressed.

bellybabe · Post by **bellybabe** » 25 Feb 2004, 20:00

Yes, have to say, having tried Dragon way a couple of times now that 108 is still the best!

Lizzie · Post by **Lizzie** » 29 Feb 2004, 18:43

Looks like we are about to get yet another takeaway food establishment in the High Street, two doors down from Popeye Sandwich Shop, well it certainly looks like its going to be one, it has been decorated (quite nicely I might add) but is not open yet. Does anyone know anything about it?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 05 Mar 2004, 17:49

I thiink the following may refer to the property in question:

02/00269/FUL 30/01/2002
128 Portobello High Street Edinburgh EH15 1AH
Change of use from class I (retail) to hot food takeaway
Application Granted

I can't find anything else either on the Planning portal or in PAS minutes and this application is 2 years old! Perhaps John has more information?

Brian McCrow · Post by **Brian McCrow** » 09 Mar 2004, 14:38

I've used the Sesame close to the Hardware shop a couple of times. The food was excellent and large quantities. They've also created a very clean and fresh interior with a large TV so it's a pleasure to wait for your food.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 16 May 2004, 20:06

OK, it's not exactly in Portobello but it's not too far away and it's on the 26 route, so easily accessible. I'm talking about Karen's Chinese Restaurant of course, not far from Meadowbank.

Karen has built up quite a reputation over the last 11 years for her excellent food and friendly, attentive service. She is a real character and will make you feel very welcome. They offer a la carte or a Happy Hour Sun-Thurs early evening menu, along with a kids' menu. Seafood lovers are spoiled for choice with prawns, squid, crab, razorfish, sea bass, mussels and lobster regular features on the menu.

Lobster is now in season and is expertly prepared with ginger and spring onion and served on a bed of crispy noodles. Yum! Am I making you feel hungry? Child friendly and very relaxed, class food at reasonable prices. I think you can judge a Chinese restaurant by how well they do the sesame prawn toast. At Karen's it's perfect.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 18 May 2004, 23:15

Bob, you sound like an advert in a Good Food Guide! You could make a career out of it - unless you already have?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 19 May 2004, 22:44

I'd held off from praising Karen's as it's not Portobello, but I agree with Bob's summary... Mrs Alex and I often went to Karen's when we lived in Piershill but got seduced by the Chi Wai when we moved to Portobello. It's not as good as Karen's... but it's within walking distance (and it's still VERY good).

bellybabe · Post by **bellybabe** » 20 May 2004, 12:51

We've often thought about trying Karen's but have never got round to it. Will now. Has anyone ever been to that indian place at Jock's Lodge that does the buffet (name escapes me just now)? Other half wants to try it but I'm a bit wary.

Surrealist · Post by **Surrealist** » 20 May 2004, 16:09

Now I'm not usually one to complain about eyesores, but that Indian at Jock's Lodge is pretty awful. The new plastic signs have been coming off and now they are down to the one above the door.

It's now under its third change of management that I can remember - and it's a buffet called, originally, "India India". Riiiiight.

It's a shame I never got the chance to go to the last incarnation in that building as they sold a bizarre range of dishes including egg vindaloo. Mrs Surrealist, understandably, is glad that I never got the chance.

But yeah, I have been there and got the buffet to take away - it was one of those big containers you got as well. Mama Surrealist lives in Piershill so I got us two containers of the stuff - and it was very nice - interesting to get an Indian buffet. They didn't skimp on the meat, all the sauces were lovely and there was a good selection of creamy, mild, hot and dry curries. And the usual samosa/popadom/etc etc

Since the price was per-container I put the rice in with it, but the guy said you could buy a separate rice or sort something out so that you didn't have to pay for 3 whole meals, if you see what I mean.

The only problem was the temperature - whilst it was fine for a hotplate/bain marie and would be lovely if eaten in the restaurant - by the time I got it home it had cooled a bit much for our liking.

So by all means go there, but if you go for the takeaway then bung it in the microwave or oven before you eat is my advice.

One of the plastic signs which is now broken off said it was Scotland (or Edinburgh) 's first Indian buffet. It's not. Mrs Unis in Dalry had a buffet restaurant for ages. (Which I have been to far too often after a night at Diane's Pool Hall and whose loss was a sad day for Edinburgh)

Mmmm. Indian food.

Epykat · Post by **Epykat** » 24 May 2004, 21:44

We tried the new Indian takeaway which used to be the Plumbers, opposite the High flats, and it was really nice. Huge portions as well. Can't comment on the Naan bread though since Mr Epy FORGOT to get it! (after the carpet incident you'd think he'd be a bit more on the ball eh?)

Sandra · Post by **Sandra** » 06 Jun 2004, 15:20

I know its not a takeaway but the food has greatly improved at the old pier. They even sell magners cider now

mr magnolia · Post by **mr magnolia** » 12 Jul 2004, 20:32

An old thread now but very close to my heart....

Mr and Mrs Magnolia and the magnoliettes will be landing in fair Portobello in September and the FIRST thing to do will be to identify the best carry outs...

lots of info on this but no mention of veggie options - anyone got recommendations for this?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 15 Jul 2004, 18:35

Mr Magnolia, just noticed that no-one had responded to this. As it's your first post and as you are soon to join our community I thought I had better reply.

There are no vegetarian restaurants in Portobello, though several elsewhere in Edinburgh as you would expect. The Prince Balti House has a few vegetarian options as does the 108 Chinese takeaway and I imagine that probably goes for most of the other Chinese takeaways in Porty as well. Findlay's the Butchers even does a vegetarian haggis, which I seem to remember was very good indeed.

Where in Porty are you moving to?

Talk Porty ~ Portobello