Now that we’ve passed the half way point of semester two the library is filling up, heads are down, and everyone is suddenly realising just how little they’ve learnt so far this year (or is that just me?). You might not have time to spend this Tuesday cooking a batch of homemade pancakes which is where this article comes in with a few suggestions for where to buy some classic Edinburgh pancakes. Pancakes, in all their glory, come in many different shapes and forms and this article aims to give you a number of diverse suggestions. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert anyone?
Tupiniquim
If you’re an Edinburgh Uni student you’ll no doubt be aware of Tupiniquim already. Situated at the top of Middle Meadow Walk, only two minutes from George Square, you really have no excuse not to visit on Tuesday. This jazzed up police box serves made to order, naturally gluten free crêpes. With sweet and savoury options available, you’re sorted no matter what sort of food you’re after come Shrove Tuesday. The police box is run by a Brazilian couple who stuff the crêpes full of delicious vegetarian, meat and cheese fillings, although vegan/lactose free options are also available on request. These crêpes are super popular though, so make sure you get in there before the lunch rush. Prices range from £3 for the most basic sweet crêpes to £5.50 for the steak pancake, filled with shredded beef, peppers, cheese and spinach.
Loudons
More gluten free options are on offer at Loudons, Fountainbridge, an Edinburgh favourite for brunching. Don’t be put off by the Superfood Pancakes’ (above) looks, these gluten free pancakes are made with avocado, spinach and red onion, then layered with black bean houmous and topped with coriander and spring onion crème fraîche. Delicious if you ask me, and will definitely leave your food conscience clear for the rest of the day (these would totally justify Nutella pancakes for dinner). Also on offer are vegan, gluten free blueberry pancakes, and traditional American style pancakes topped with bacon, baked banana, and maple syrup. Pancakes are around £9 here, so not the cheapest option going, but Loudons is such a nice place to sit and have breakfast and a coffee that I’d say it’s worth it… once in a while.
CORO Chocolate Cafe
If you’re craving full blown chocolate indulgence for your Pancake Day fix, CORO Chocolate Cafe is definitely the place for you. CORO has two locations in Edinburgh, one on Howard Street and one on Frederick Street. Possibly a good idea to visit the Howard Street branch so you can walk off all those calories in the Botanic Gardens afterwards. The menu is stuffed full of chocolate in every possible form—hot chocolate, chocolate fondue, milkshakes, cakes, waffles, and most importantly, pancakes and crêpes. There are thirteen options under this category on the menu, so something for everyone. In fact, some options are even chocolate free if that’s what you’re after (although I can’t understand why you would be). Prices aren’t too bad, with crêpes only £5.50 a portion and pancake stacks ranging from £3.50 to £5.50.
Onggie
For something completely out of the ordinary, why not try some Korean pancakes at Onggie on Brougham Place. If years of bog-standard lemon and sugar or Nutella pancakes have become too much for you, maybe savoury seafood, kimchi, potato, or chive pancakes will do the trick. These fried patties are far from the traditional notion of Shrove Tuesday fare, but still put a check in the box in my opinion. Available at £6 a portion on the starter menu, you may also want to try some of the main dishes on Onggie’s menu too. As a savoury food lover myself, this option is definitely tempting me to visit this coming Tuesday. If you’re not convinced already, the restaurant is just past the west end of the Meadows so isn’t far from Edinburgh’s central campus at all. Lunch break between lectures anyone?
Montpeliers
Treat yourself this week with a trip to stylish Bruntsfield brunch spot, Montpeliers. Their breakfast menu is served from 9am until 5pm so you’ve no reason to hurry round before morning lectures, which is ideal if you, like me, are stuck with a pointless 9am on Tuesday. Their pancakes are reasonably priced between £4.95 and £5.95 (although you can add scrambled eggs for an extra pound). The option pictured is pancakes topped with crispy bacon and maple syrup, with the aforementioned side of scrambled eggs too. Also on offer is caramelised banana with butterscotch sauce and crème fraîche or raspberries, blueberries & maple syrup, both of which are equally appealing. If you are heading to Monty’s for brunch, keep an eye out for their Bloody Mary menu which has five (yes, five) different options, perfect alongside your choice of pancakes on Shrove Tuesday.
So give yourself a break from lectures and the library this week, gather up your friends, and take some time out of your day to indulge in some pancake goodness at one of these top Edinburgh spots.