Hungry for Edinburgh Fringe food tips? Natalie O'Donoghue shares her top picks for quick and affordable festival munching.
Vegetable gyoza
A gyoza stand appeared in the Assembly Gardens last year that exceeded expectations. Come 11pm at Edfringe 2016 you were almost certain to find me wandering the gardens with soy sauce running down my chin.
Bobby's Cafe
I have agonised over whether to share my number one food haunt, as I don't want to say goodbye to the quick service and guaranteed seating. But it's only fair. Bobby's is nothing fancy but has nice staff and the best chips and cheese in Edinburgh. Plus wi-fi. What more could you want? Located between Greyfriar's Bobby and the Grassmarket.
BRGR
Situated on Waverley Bridge across from the Festival Theatre, BRGR is always reliable for a good...well, burger. The usual midweek offers are still valid throughout Fringe season, although the premises is quite small so seating isn't guaranteed.
Nandos
Haters gonna hate. Quick service and good food. Anyone who claims that it's just a 'jumped-up KFC' hasn't perfected their order yet - I recommend the chicken butterfly.
Mosque Kitchen
Well known as an excellent place to get a cheap and tasty curry during the Fringe. You can get a full meal for £6 here, so it's undoubtedly one of the most reasonable places to refuel.
Elephant and Bagel
I can't remember who advised me to check this place out last year, but I am forever in your debt: Elephant and Bagel taught me that a bagel is not just for breakfast. Last year, they also offered discount to anyone with a participant's pass. Try the bacon, brie and chutney combo - it will change your life.
Pleasance Courtyard
These guys also do a decent chips and cheese (I'm Scottish, it's my staple), solid wi-fi, and are usually quiet if you time it well. DO NOT, however, eat in the Pleasance Dome because the food is terrible and it is super overpriced.
Snacks
On Waverley Bridge, which is central to pretty much most venues, there is both a Sainsbury's Local and Tesco Metro. I'd advise carrying some form of snack on you at all times (not just at the Fringe, in life...), because it's easy to overbook shows, making it tricky to stick to proper mealtimes.
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