Food Finds: Curry in a Mosque & Desserts at a Bohemian Cafe

I find it a little surprising that I managed to spend 4 hours in the library today finishing some readings for my Medieval History course. This harkens back to term time, during that dreaded 4-hour interval between my classes. I mostly passed the time cloistered up in the library because the winter weather killed any desire to venture out.

I sandwiched two eating trips between my 4-hour reading marathon. I'm determined to put to the test my current bland perception of food in the UK (outside of London). I'm happy to say that a possible conversion *might* be underway...but we'll see what the following days /weeks bring!

In the meantime, very happy to have sussed out two, relatively inexpensive food stops just a stone's throw away from campus.

First up was lunch at The Mosque Kitchen.

Yes it is literally a mosque, and you can't miss the towering minaret if you're walking along or around Potterow. Don't feel intimidated or uncomfortable if you're not there to worship; just head to the back of the compound and you'll find a cavernous tented dining area. There is a menu of halal curries, kebabs and vegetarian dishes for as low as 3 quid which is really a bargain in Edinburgh.

I ordered a chicken curry rice for 3 pound 50. You get a pretty substantial mound of steaming, fragrant basmati rice and a generous dollop of chicken curry. This meal also lasted me all the way to dinner-time, and even then I was still a little full - they aren't stingy with the rice.

As for the gravy, it is quite mild - spice fans may be disappointed. However the chicken meat is moist, juicy and satisfying. It is also possible to combine the meat with other side dishes I believe, and still fork out about 5 pounds which is relatively good value.

Of course you have to realize that the plastic cutlery, self-service and no-frills dining (outdoor seating, communal tables, plastic chairs) also contribute to the low price. But nevertheless still worth a trip I feel, if you want decent, reasonably-priced food. They also have a vegetarian menu for those interested.

Cheap and good - it's no wonder I saw so many students patronizing the place. But they weren't the only ones either!

So do come down sometime if you're on the look-out for budget-friendly and healthy-sized portions. All your money also goes straight to the Mosque and its various religious/community activities. Doesn't that make you feel good?

Balanced my savoury encounter at the Mosque Kitchen for something sweeter and lighter at The Forest which online 'zines like The Skinny had been raving about. The Forest is located along Bristo Square.

This is certainly one of the most unusual places I've stepped into. The cafe is a dingy-looking but kooky hideaway full of mismatched, second-hand tables and chairs. Food-wise, I just ordered a fruitjuice and brownie (still full of curry) which was not fantastic. The brownie was a bit hard and sweet in a very cloying sort of way. However their regular dishes might be better - they do a wide range of vegetarian meals.

What stands out about this place though, is really...the place itself. The Forest is a non-profit set-up run by volunteers - which might explain the average food. It not only houses a cafe at the back with a stage for live gigs, but also a surprising amount of space in the front, encompassing two whole rooms - one seems to be an extension of the cafe with an assortment of squashy little sofas huddled around small tables. The other room is currently an empty, white-washed space which appears to have multiple uses based on the owner's whims - workshops and exhibitions have been held at The Forest before so I'm assuming that's what the extra space is utilized as.

There are also plenty of random flyers stuck up on the walls advertising everything, including flats for rent. The Forest also seems to have a very liberal policy toward supporting local musicians - any band wishing to play at The Forest can just call ahead to book. Aspiring artists are also allowed to sell their CDs and distribute promotional material to the crowd. A list of gigs for the week is written on a chalkboard within the cafe area. Apart from live bands however the programme also includes other things like film screenings, and the rather unusual sounding "drunken" jazz/opera.

The people themselves also give The Forest a rather eccentric, quirky vibe. Sitting in the cafe, I got the distinct air of being temporally displaced to an earlier era as androgynous hippy-like characters sporting guitars sailed in and were greeted by effusive hugs from the smiling staff. The music was momentarily paused as a proud member of staff announced that 'David,' who had just arrived, had successfully completed his final year exams - news that was greeted by loud applause from the cafe-goers.

You get a very laidback, chilled out vibe at The Forest - anything seems to go here. Just sit back, relax in their poofy sofas, and enjoy the (rather loud) music. You could probably vegetate there for hours, and never feel pressured to leave or order anything. Definitely worth checking out just for the unusual atmosphere.