Looking for our 2025 local’s guide to street food spots at Edinburgh Fringe? You can find it here.
When you’re hot-footing it between Edinburgh Fringe venues this August, you’re going to get hungry, without time for a sit-down meal – here’s a local’s guide to the quality street food available in the city. We’ve organised it by Fringe hub – those areas of the city where shows cluster like butterflies on a caiman’s nose. Amazingly, the full offerings from each are yet to be revealed, so this guide will be updated for the first few days of the Fringe as we encounter street food offerings in the wild!
We’re adding more to our guide through the Fringe. When we find new street food, they’ll be added in blue so you can find the new additions easily. Check back regularly!
A special feature in this article is Leith Walk Police Box. A year-round figure, this police box hosts pop-ups from as little as 4-hours long (this spot is a true equal-opportunities community venture). Check out what’s coming up on their events page here: https://www.leithwalkpolicebox.com/events (spoiler: it’s not just food). We’re particularly excited about the Mexican food popping up during our wedding anniversary weekend! How to get there? Take a tram to the ‘McDonald Road’ stop. If you’ve hit Sainsbury’s and Starbucks, you’ve gone too far.
That’s enough preamble though, let’s dive on in…
Street food guides
1. The Pleasance Courtyard
These are the outlets currently promised at the venerable Pleasance Courtyard, home to some of the best comedy and theatre the Fringe offers each year. The Courtyard is quite the outdoor warren, so be prepared to hunt for your food of choice…
Mimi’s Bakehouse
A modern Edinburgh institution, Mimi’s Bakehouse first opened its doors in Leith back in 2010. The demand is such they now have an industrial kitchen on top of 5 more shops and an outlet at Archerfield Walled Garden. Back in 2020, Hollywood producers were so charmed by the original shop that they selected it for Vanessa Hugdens’ imaginary pastry haven in The Princess Switch: Switched Again. However the proof of the pudding is the eating, and Mimi’s Scones have a legendary reputation you might wish to explore…
Luxford Burgers
Luxford Burgers is another street food sensation created in Edinburgh. In less than four years, these purveyors of superior burgers have gone national (that’s UK national, not just Scotland). Deliveroo loved them enough to invest directly in their business, and you can enjoy their offerings fresh from the grill. Expect burgers that don’t fall apart after the first bite – a true boon to the mobile Fringe-goer!
We were really excited to try, but their ordering system is unclear and the staff unobservant. We saw them lose more than one customer while we contemplated their food. Disappointing.
Mint
I have to confess to having never eaten one of Mint’s flatbread wraps, though I did see some good-looking food leave their kitchen when they set up at Bristo Square last year. It takes pretty food indeed to make as big a splash on Instagram as they have for a couple of years now. So take a look and then go place your order?
For the impatient, you can also find Mint at Summerhall with much shorter queues!
Harajuku Kitchen
A true Edinburgh success story, these purveyors of Japanese Street Food are the official caterers for the Consulate General of Japan. The brainchild of Hong Kong expat chef Kaori Simpson, Harajuku Kitchen began as a stall at plush Stockbridge’s Sunday Market. They now have an award-winning restaurant in Bruntsfield and are a key part of the new, and super-popular Edinburgh Street Food in the Omni Centre.
Their offering at the Pleasance is a paired back noddle menu, available plain, with tofu, or with their super crispy Japanese karaage chicken. You can also get the karaage chicken solo.
Thus far, Mrs QR appears to be living off the noodles with karaage chicken.
Total Meltdown
It’s a simple offer: grilled cheese sandwiches, of the dairy and vegan kinds. Expect sourdough bread, gorgeous mature cheese, and an array of extras from chilli jam to carvery ham. With prices starting at £6, they are also one of the more budget-friendly outlets you’ll find in all of Fringe-land.
Pizza Geeks
May be responsible for the best pizza available in Edinburgh. I all but lived off their utterly delicious offerings when at the Pleasance Courtyard in 2023. Their hand-made Neopolitan-inspired pizzas come with a variety of classic toppings, and such names as the ‘The Mario’, ‘The Luigi’ and ‘The Super Mario’ – spot the theme? The crusts are to die for, the saucing spectacular. Tell them we sent you.
Can’t find them? They are tucked away in a lovely spot at the bottom of every set of stairs you can find at the Pleasance.
2. George Square Gardens
The Assembly hits the ground running in August, due to hosting the Edinburgh Food Festival all through July. Here’s a rundown of the caravan of street food specialists available at George Square.
We’ve now thrown the fantastic offerings from Underbelly (also at George Square Gardens) into the mix in this section of our guide too.
Jarvis Pickle (Pies)
Based in Eyemouth, Scotland. Their produce looks amazing. Since 2016 they’ve gone from pop-up to national food treasure. You can order their pies by post! You really can’t sniff at 46 British Pie Awards, including the Champion Steak & Kidney pie in 2020. Jarvis Pickle also does a solid line in (also award-winning) plant-based baking, including Cauliflower Curry and Mushroom, Chestnut and Truffle Oil.
Their pies are all £10.50, that’s with mash and homemade ketchup. Another £2 for fancy mushy peas.
Alandas Seafood & Grill / Alandas Gelato
A well-loved local institution, Alanda’s has been satisfying the fish and chips needs of folks of East Lothian since 1991, but really hit their culinary stride when branching out into Gelato. Their Gelato shop, in the heart of Edinburgh University student lands on Forrest Road, is busy all year. Their local supply ethos is commendable, and their Seafood & Grill outlet will have queues all summer long. Grab a tasty Haggis and Chips for £8 or, if you’re feeling fancy, spring for a Mini Lobster Roll and Chips/Salad for £16.
You’ll also find Alandas at Assembly George Street.
The Buffalo Truck (Fried chicken)
Specialists in Buttermilk Fried Chicken Burgers and resident at the wonderful Pitt Market in Granton. Multiple People’s Choice Scottish Street Food award winners. Enough said, the people have spoken.
Cargo Burger & Cargo Spud
Known for baked potatoes. Poutine from £6. Burgers from £7. Good, honest food. Occupiers of repurposed Shipping containers since 2016 and a familiar face at the Assembly Gardens and beyond.
Chick ‘n’ Pea (Falafel)
Based in Edinburgh, but mobile throughout Scotland and the north of England thanks to their 18ft mobile kitchen. The queues are always long – and that’s the only reason neither I nor Mrs QR have tried them yet! They must be doing something good! Their falafels come wrapped in fluffy pita bread and begin at £8.00 for their signature hummus plate.
Kebaber (Kebab)
Edinburgh-based food truck and Chick ‘n’ Pea’s little brother. Their gourmet kebabs also come wrapped in fluffy pitta bread! All wraps appear to be £10.00 including a classic marinated chicken kebab.
Hot Donuts
The name pretty much says it all. Hot Donut Balls are 3 for £4.00, with the option to add a milk or chocolate sauce for another £1.00. Highly mysterious organisation which will evaporate when August ends only to reappear next year. Never tried their donuts, but it’s not a huge price to take a chance on, eh?
Panquake (Crepes & waffles)
Price range: £8.50-£11 for savoury items, £6.50 for a plain lemon sweet crepe. Another outlet which only seems to exist in August, so if you want to try them, the offer is time-limited!
Paddle and Peel (Pizza)
Honestly it’s hard to say much about Paddle and Peel. Depending on how you read their limited social media presence, they only exist during August, before vanishing into the mists of September. If you try them, do leave a comment with your opinion!
We Sell Dumplings & Popcorn Chicken
Another mysterious vendor which, again, only seem to pop into existence – a little like Brigadoon – every August. Purveyors of vegetarian fried dumplings served with Vietnamese dipping sauce – one can only assume they provide decent scran given their dependable return.
Moskito Bites (Spanish tapas)
Offers Spanish tapas from a vintage horsebox. Based in Edinburgh. The name may be off-putting. BUT, the menu on the Assembly site says they do red or white sangria by the pint for £8. Patatas bravas (vegan) is just £6.
Slumdog Delivered (Indian)
A Little King Street stalwart, Slumdog Delivered have set up shop here. We spied honey chilli chips on their signage! Check out the samples lined up out front.
Free the Chilli (Hot!)
If the name doesn’t give it away, they’re all about the heat! A katsu lover’s dream come true, we spotted katsu cauliflower and katsu fries.
the Mac Man
They have different macs to satisfy all your cheesy cravings. But if you’re in the mood for old-school comfort, try their chips and cheese for just £6.
hawt dawg!
Invisible on the internet but we literally saw this with our own eyes. They sell bratwust and burgers
Pablos – Eggsgobao (Breakfast)
Bright yellow container, you cannot miss it. It’s breakfast in a giant fluffy bao! If eggs aren’t your thing, they have a vegan option too.
Jingle Bus (Indian)
Khushis’ Jingle Bus is back! Serving up delicious Indian food in wraps, and more.
on the roll (Bratwurst)
Back at their usual spot opposite the Assembly Box Office on George Square. All your wurst needs: bratwurst, currywurst and vegan-wurst.
3. Underbelly Bristo Square
Underbelly are a mysterious lot who don’t like to tell you about their street food offerings online. Lucky for you, we want on a scouting mission to check things out. We’ve thrown in a couple of non-food mentions as well because Underbelly always steps up their bar game.
Underbelly Bristo Square is another place to catch Mimi’s Bakehouse and Pizza Geeks – see our descriptions under the Pleasance Courtyard.
barnacles & bones
A wonderful looking Scottish offering, bringing fresh shellfish and obscure cuts of meat to the street. No one’s sad about a bit of crispy squid between shows.
Fire Bowl
Fluffy rice bowls where you pick your protein – beef, pork belly, or crispy tofu – and your heat, the sauce, from lime mayo to bulgogi. These bowls do look rather enticing. They also have gyoza and fries if you’re looking for a smaller tasty snack.
chicken scoop
Scotland’s original ‘chick in cone’ – freshly baked waffle cones and fried chicken.
bb burger and Naughty Corner Kitchen
Underbelly are a bit of an enigma, with kiosks we cannot find anything out about online. Falling into this category are bb burger and Naughty Corner Kitchen. Though we can tell you that Naughty Corner sell salt chilli chicken, chips, dumplings, and skin-on fries.
Tarquin’s Cornish Gin
Officially the world’s best gin. Here you can get cocktails made with the world’s best gin. Mrs QR is very interested and will be reporting back.
MOTH: BAR
Moth are the creators of the most delicious cocktails in a can. Mrs QR can attest to this and may drink more than few of these when working in London. As seen in Waitrose, Tesco and Sainsbury’s.
4. Underbelly Cowgate
Underbelly Cowgate, nestled in Edinburgh’s historic Cowgate, is a hub of subterranean venues buzzing with Fringe energy. In its depths, we found a few street food offerings, including one of our favourites!
Antojitos
An Edinburgh Street Food favourite of ours is also here: Antojitos, offering a 100% plant-based Mexican menu. They’ve brought a paired-back selection of their famous tacos and some snacks.
Note: This looks to be a Friday & Saturday only offering.
Gyoza
With a name like “Gyoza,” tracking down this vendor online was always going to be tricky. However, here’s their menu for you to feast upon.
Hot Subs
This one’s a bit of a mystery to us. Despite the name, they seem to focus on coffee and pastries with nothing to do with subs.
5. Edinburgh International Book Festival
The Edinburgh International Book Festival has a new home this year at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. A fresh addition to the festival is the introduction of street food, which can be found in the courtyard, just off Porter’s Walk (across from the Quartermile Starbucks).
Lazeez (Lebanese)
First up, we have Lazeez, a constant fixture on Little King Street, also featured in this guide. Known for their Lebanese food, they offer a menu filled with favorites like falafel, shawarma, and halloumi.
Wanderers Kneaded (Pizza)
An award winning mobile pizzeria offering wood-fired 10-inch personal pizzas. They’re making the courtyard smell incredible.
6. North Meadow Walk
At the top of the Meadows on North Meadow Walk, you’ll find an unexpected cluster of vendors. Bar Bados is back with cocktails, slushies, and the sharer ‘pornstar skull’. Also spotted are Gourmet Sausage Rolls by Max Bakes, priced at £3.50 each or 3 for £10—a bargain! Plus, the permanent fixture, Upland Roast Coffee, is also there to keep you caffeinated.
7. Underbelly Circus Hub
Underbelly Circus Hub at the Meadows is the dedicated spot for all things circus, featuring two venues with over 500+ seats apiece.. But it’s not just about the shows—there’s some street food to enjoy as well, perfect for fueling up between performances. You’ll find three eateries on site, plus Edinburgh Gin are there, serving up gin and cocktails as the official gin of the Fringe.
The Circus Hub is another place you can find the infamous Mimi’s Bakehouse—jump to the Pleasance Courtyard for our thoughts on their delicious offerings.
Fred’s Backyard BBQ
The Scottish Street Food Champions of 2023! The Circus Hub is one of three locations you can find Fred’s Backyard BBQ during the festivals. Their Instagram is leaving Mrs. QR, an aspiring vegan, very conflicted! Please, eat their food.
Wanderers Kneaded (Pizza)
Wanderers Kneaded are also at the Circus Hub, serving up their 10-inch personal pizzas from a wood-fired oven. With Fred’s BBQ next door, the combined aromas must make the Circus Hub smell like heaven.
8. Summerhall
Summerhall, Edinburgh’s year-round Fringe hub and hotbed of artisan entrepreneurs, has a small selection of street food tucked away in its courtyard. You’ll find a bar with Lonkero on draught, a Finnish long drink of gin and grapefruit that goes down a treat on a hot summer day, if we get one. They also sell Pickering’s Gin, which is distilled right at Summerhall.
You can also find Mint here, as well as at the Pleasance.
Ròst (Meat!)
Go there for sliders and slow-cooked meats. And fries, fries are £4. They look amazing.
The Caravan of Courage (plant-based)
100% plant-based deliciousness! From Korean bowls to gochujang fries.
9. Edinburgh Street Food
Cornerstones of the Edinburgh Fringe, Gilded Balloon won’t have their flagship Teviot venue this year due to renovations, but you can’t keep a good venue down. Whilst their headquarters at the Patter House on Chambers Street only has a lovely bar (plus bar snacks) on offer, Gilded Balloon are teaming up with the relatively new but already well-loved Edinburgh Street Food on Leith Street. On every Thursday in August, you can expect a curated line-up of some of the finest comedians currently in town, and access to Edinburgh Street Food’s enviable list of street food vendors…
As I type, there are 11 carefully selected vendors to choose from in this modern, and spacious (500+ seats inside and outside) food hall. On top of that you’ll find 3 bars. It’s open everyday from 12pm-11pm, but if you’re hitting up the Gilded Balloon nights, you’ll need to buy a ticket!
Myself and Mrs QR have eaten at 9 out of the 11 places listed currently, and by the time you read this we may well have completed the set. You can collect from the various vendors directly, or order from each direct to table via the QR codes present on every table. The food is presented in compostable containers with biodegradable cutlery. Here’s what’s on offer right now.
Antojitos
Award winning mexican street food, and a firm favourite of ours. Their menu is also completely plant based. We’ve pretty much sampled the entire menu. The Smashed Potatoes are particularly sensational, crisps edges, soft flesh, chipotle mayo, pink onions, and chimichurri make for a very good time indeed. The crispy refried bean tostadas are also not to be missed!
Chix
We first found Chix well after dark deep in the leafy George Square Gardens. Now they have found a permanent home at Edinburgh Street Food. When I tell you I wasn’t a fan of fried chicken before Chix, believe me. However their Chicken tendies are to die for: the batter is just right, the chicken is succulent and the seasoning spot on. I also dare anyone to see a portion of their legendary waffle fries go past without wanting your own immediately.
Everything is under £10. You can get tendies and waffle fries for just over a tenner. Have a feast for under £15.
Junk
Won the 2022 EUROPEAN Street Food Awards. The concept is simple: what if you applied fine finding classical technique to street food? The menu changes quite regularly, but I can personally attest to the deliciousness of their beer battered ‘Fish Supper’ and the satisfactory chomps to be had from their ‘Burgh Buffalo Cheese Steak’. Given the quality on offer they also keep their price point extremely reasonable.
Chix
Unsurprisingly, they offer all things cheese. Mrs QR has had had their signature mac and cheese, and was a fan of the unctious cheddar and mozzarella goodness. £5.50/£6.50 for most of the things on the menu, the grilled cheese is a bit pricier – and you can choose to size up your mac which is more expensive.
Mr Boney
I’ve tried one of their trademark slow cooked bone-in rib sandwiches, and it was…ok. The shoestring fries would make a nice crisp, but I’m sold on them as a satisfying accompaniment to such a sauce-centric offering. That said, they are plenty popular, so maybe it’s just me!
Harajuku Kitchen
Also featured at the Pleasance Courtyard, as mentioned earlier. At this location, Mrs QR is a big fan of their juicy Udon Noddles, savoury gyoza and miso soup. With prices starting at only £3.50 for the miso soup, and a truly vegetarian and vegan friendly menu, HarajukuKitchen deserves your consideration.
The Peruvian
Mrs QR could live on their cassava fries and sweet potato fries. Prices are from £4 for fries. Enough said.
Bundits
Though their signature filled Bao buns are delightful, the star of the show for the QR household is their Korean fried cauliflower. People always ask what it is because they want it on sight. It’s fiery and there’s so much of it for just £7.50! Mrs QR is also full of praise for their miso cucumber and pickles: think fresh and super rich at the same time. A bit unusual but super satisfying.
Fat Patty’s
Burgers from £6.50. They do milkshakes. We’ve not tried these people yet sadly, but it’s not for lack of interest.
Homies Pizza
Detroit-style pizza from £8 for personal pizzas. Very tasty, particularly the deep, crispy crusts on every slice.
Dofos
This one’s not for you human! Dofos, Edinburgh’s favourite pet store offers a supply of tasty dog treats – and yes you can order them from that QR code on your table! Ask a passing staff member, and they’ll also bring you a bowl of water for your canine friend!
Softcore
Softcore’s soft serve ice cream is absolutely delicious. Whilst you can build your own sundae, we’d advise checking out the Miso and Caramel first! They regularly change their specials, and the most recent we tried, Tiramisu was an absolute treat, and full of surprises. Look out for their candy floss cones and delicious, soft-centre cookies too.
Tequila Baby
This isn’t food. Mrs QR just loves tequila, be it neat or whipped into a tasty cocktail. She can wholeheartedly recommend anything they have to offer. The Mexican soft drinks are also really moreish, and she’s tried them all.
10. Little King Street
Across the road from Edinburgh Street Food, and in the shadow of the St. James Quarter is Little King Street. Here you’ll find a cluster of cabins offering all sorts of goodies.
- Cala Cala – My and Mrs QR’s most purchased street food item since it opened. Their Aracini are sensational. I consistently plump for the ‘Nonna’ full of lovely bechamel, spinach, ham, and mozzarella, whilst Mrs QR rotates through everything else!
- Slumdog Indian – Consistently popular local purveyors of desi-style curries and other delicious-smelling dishes. Consistently busy, though we’ve yet to break the Cala Cala spell and head to their kiosk! We’ve also spotted them outside George Square Gardens!
- Lazeez Street Food – Purveyors of delicious Lebanese street food, including the obligatory falafel and halloumi, but also Mezze boxes filled with Fattoush salad, fried bread, and your choice of falafel or grilled chicken. Always popular, and on our ‘to eat at’ list once we’ve defeated Cala Cala’s wizardry. Prices start at £6.50 for smaller bites. We recently spotted Lazeez setting up at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, in the rear courtyard of the new Edinburgh Futures Institute. What a treat!
- Ozen Street Food – Probably the best bao buns in the UK? This wonderful duo have just celebrated six months of Ozen.
11. Edinburgh’s markets – the street food curveball
Outdoor markets have become increasingly popular throughout the UK, and Edinburgh has led the way. The Edinburgh Farmer’s Market has been named the third-best Market in the UK – so you know it’s doing something right. In terms of Street Food, the following are worth your time:
- Edinburgh Farmer’s Market, Saturdays, 9am-2pm
- Stockbridge Market, Sundays, 10-4pm
- Grassmarket Market, Saturdays 10-5pm
- Leith Market, Saturdays 10-4pm
Many of the Street Food legends listed above began their lives as vendors at these regular whirlwinds of local produce, candles, fresh veg, and street food. Harajuku Kitchen and Cala Cala have been known to pop up in recent times. Check out the links for details on upcoming vendors.
Mrs QR and I still talk fondly of the young chap who served us the best buttermilk pancakes and cream we have ever eaten at the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market several years ago. We’ve never seen him or his delicious buttermilk again.
By
By
By
