Unexpected Finds: Easter Road

My old flat in Canonmills left me spoiled for choice when it came to foodie finds within spitting distance. From the newly opened Earthy just around the corner, to the heady delights of Broughton Street and the luxuries of Stockbridge, it seemed there was always another café to visit, or bakery to discover, or table to book. So when I moved to Easter road, I wasn’t sure what to expect from an area that’s not exactly heralded for its foodie credentials. However, after a month of living here I’m finding out that appearances can be deceptive, as the street is full of unexpected finds that would delight any food lover.

The Manna House Bakery, for example, is a wonder to behold – a café that would rival any French patisserie for its expertly crafted cakes and pastries, along with a mouthwatering selection of freshly prepared salads and incredible home-made bread, it’s no wonder this Easter Road institution is so popular. It’s fast becoming my Sunday morning staple, and I’m working my way through the tempting brunch menu, which offers a stack of fluffy blueberry pancakes with maple syrup, a baked sweet potato filled with egg and chorizo, or the way-too-tempting Manna House buttery, filled with a poached egg, spinach and hollandaise. The tarte au citron is also to die for – and with prices that would make some Edinburgh cafes seem positively outrageous, it won’t break the bank either.

I was also on the hunt for a bargain when I discovered ‘Planet Asia’, an amazing Indian supermarket just off Easter road. It is packed to the rafters with more specialist Indian food than I’d ever dreamed of, from heady spice mixes to jar upon jar of chutnies and pickles to nan breads, pakoras and poppadoms that would put those in your local supermarket to shame. The ingredients for an elaborate curry came in at under a tenner. Whilst you’re there, be sure to pop into the fruit shop next door, which has an equally impressive array of fresh produce at really good value.

There’s also Cornelius, a specialist wine and beer shop with staff who really know their stuff, but aren’t at all intimidating and will help you get the best out of your budget. Just round the corner on London road is the newly opened ‘Thinking Chocolate’, selling beautiful handcrafted chocolate delights. Or head up the road to Leith Walk and discover a mind-boggling selection of fresh fruit and veg at Tattie Shaw’s, for a fraction of the price you’d pay at a supermarket. The longer I live here, the more I realise that Edinburgh’s fantastic foodie reputation extends all over the city – you just have to keep your eyes peeled.

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