Edinburgh Meadows: Top Five for Alfresco Lunch

Whether it’s a break between Edinburgh Festival Fringe shows or just a rare sunny day, there’s nothing nicer than an Edinburgh afternoon whiled away in one of the city’s most central parks. Except whiling away the time while getting stuck into something delicious at the same time. As someone who has plenty of experience in doing both, here’s my top 5 for a tasty lunchtime treat.

Susie’s Wholefood Wagon Based in the Meadows on random days (check facebook or their website), this vegetarian and vegan food truck tends to tuck itself in the shadows of the Meadow’s wall that runs parallel to George Square. For those of you who shiver at the idea of vegan or even vegetarian chow, stop right now – the enchiladas here are simply mouth-watering. Baked flour tortilla stuffed with spicy roast veg, bean chilli, cheese, guacamole, salad, soured cream... truly, it’s a beautiful thing. There’s a changing hot special plus falafel and sweet treats too.

Tupiniquim Brasil Crepe Located at the top of Middle Meadows Walk (as it hits Lauriston Place) in an old police box, the friendly couple who tend the stand here blast Brazilian tunes as they merrily make a concoction of delicious gluten-free savoury and sweet crepes. The savoury numbers are wonderfully filling and in the region of £4. Wash it all down with a freshly squeezed juice – perfection. Locals love this place, so even if there’s a queue, it’s totally worth the wait. Mouth-watering menu and more on their temperamental website here.

Union of Genius There’s a café on Forest Road and their ‘Dumbo’ soup van on George Square too. This place was crowd-funded, which I love, but thankfully their goods are up to scratch too. It seems I’m not the only one who thinks so, as their homemade soups are award winning.  Try a Celtic Kelpie (chicken, almond, kale and seaweed) or a ‘Soup of Ezo the Bride’ (Syrian bulgar wheat, paprika and mint).  Follow both on twitter or visit their website for updates of their daily soups. They do breakfast and a range of salads too. 

Ting Thai Caravan I’ll start this one with a disclaimer: the service here can be a little abrupt. It’s a feverishly busy place, but when you get down to the nitty-gritty, it simply serves delicious Thai street food, to sit in or takeaway. It’s cheap and cheerful, and close by too on Lauriston Place. 

Peter’s Yard Ok, it’s not exactly the cheapest option, but if you’re looking for a sweet treat and a great coffee to round off your lunch, Peter’s Yard’s takeaway shop, a few paces behind its main place in the Quartermile, is the place to go for lip-smacking sorbet, ice-cream and delightful Swedish buns. 'Round the corner there's even a sourdough pizza branch. Delicious.

So, grab a pew, a spot in the sun, watch the world go by, this chap jam, and tuck in. Enjoy!