International Leith Walk - eat the world on the longest street Join our fabulous foodie tours in Edinburgh. Discover the "hidden gems" guided by Nell Nelson, food columnist and TV presenter. WE DO THE HUNTING, YOU DO THE EATING
Take some time out from being a tourist and come and eat Edinburgh with me, Nell Nelson. I love food and I love Edinburgh. I was born and grew up here, then lived in London
and Hong Kong working as a food and travel writer before returning to Edinburgh over ten years ago. I also love cycling [long distance Hong Kong to Sydney, short distance, from my home in Edinburgh’s New Town to the specialist custard shop down the road]. I made a cycling eating programme called The Woman Who Ate Scotland where I cycled and ate my way round Scotland for 16 episodes. I am also fascinated about the health benefits of food and am a qualified nutritionist and author of cookbook Eat Well. I have so much pride in Scottish food – there are so many passionate producers making the most of Scotland’s climate: rain = lush grass= great meat, vegetables and dairy, summer fruits etc- so there is a pay-off. And now there are even more keen Scottish-based chefs and local stockists who want to make these fantastic products available to the consumer. I feel so proud that I can help in a little way and introduce people to the wonderful food which is on our doorstep. But enough about me, I want to take you to some of the best and more interesting eating places in Edinburgh, so it feels like a food-loving friend is showing you their favourite neighbourhood eating places – but better – I know my routes – unlike some friends who take you on a tour – “I’m sure it was down this street, then turn left, but someone’s moved that alley….”
Firstly I say – no lunch – you will sample at least six savoury and sweet dishes from six or more different restaurants, shops or bars. All the food people I work with are passionate about the food you’ll try – whether its locally made sausages with flavourings which range from leeks to apricots to chilli. Scottish tapas with a difference - Highland venison carpaccio and veggie haggis balls or the chance to meet the cook who can reveal the trick to making the lightest scones, to chocolate flavoured with haggis spices – delicious. And you’ve heard of deep fried Mars Bar – well how about deep fried Snickers Bar? The toffee and peanut go into meltdown – all in a good way. I’ve tried to ask the owners to cut back on servings, but they are so keen to showcase their food, they will not listen. But please only eat what you feel like eating – many of food comes as sharing platters so you only need to eat what you want to. There is plenty of time of time to enjoy the food and also meet fellow food lovers. The Safari – which incidentally comes from the Arabic word safarīya to travel – is more heavy on the food than on travelling, but wear comfortable shoes, Edinburgh is hilly and has cobbles. WE DO THE HUNTING, YOU DO THE EATING
• Each Safari lasts about three hours with at least six strategically arranged food and drink tastings along the way, with loo and water stops included.
• Safaris must be pre booked at least 24 hours in advance
• Allergies and intolerances and just plain down dislike of a certain food can all be catered for – please indicate by email when booking.
• Details of where to meet will be emailed out once payment received
• Safaris are limited to ten people with no minimum number required
I would recommend going on an Edinburgh Food Safari at the beginning of your visit to Edinburgh as it will give you a good overview of an area and ideas where you could come back and eat later - also many of the restaurants will offer discounts to Safari guests, so you can come back and enjoy at your leisure. And back to me - how you will you recognise me? I am the tour guide wearing the safari suit of course.
