Kolachi - Desi Street Food — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

I visited this place for lunch yesterday with a friend, and while the food was absolutely delicious — possibly the best Samosa chaat I’ve ever had — the overall experience was unfortunately let down by the service.

My friend has walking difficulties and is visually impaired, so we initially sat at a smaller table but noticed a more accessible corner four-seater was free. We moved there briefly, but were asked to shift when a group of three men came in — which we completely understood as there was 2 of us and 3 of them, we are not going to hog the tables so we did without issue.

However, it was the treatment after that point that left a lasting negative impression. We placed our order, which included drinks, partha , samosas, and samosa chaat. The group of men, who arrived after us, were served their drinks almost immediately. Meanwhile, we had to ask three separate times for ours. Which is weird you usually get drinks served first in a food place unless you ask otherwise .

Worse still, parts of our order arrived late or incomplete. We had specifically asked for yogurt with our paratha, but instead of bringing it, the man staff member went about cleaning nearby tables — despite the restaurant being nearly empty at that point apart from us and the group of men. We were left waiting unnecessarily and had to follow up again for what we had already requested.

The overall service felt dismissive and inattentive — bordering on disrespectful. As two women, one of whom clearly needed assistance, it was disheartening to see such a difference in how we were treated compared to the male customers. Whether they were regulars or not, every customer deserves the same level of respect and attention, especially when we’re all paying for the same service.

One more thing about the seating: later, we noticed that additional seats had opened up after a nearby family left. We asked to move again for accessibility reasons and just for comfort of not being direct in front of the door , but the staff member responded with visible discomfort on his face, almost as if our request was an inconvenience or would somehow deter other customers. It was frustrating, especially given that our reason for moving was clearly based on need — not preference. It felt like our presence was being treated as a burden, while the same staff member had shown an almost over-the-top attentiveness to the three men. At points, it honestly felt like he was fawning over them.

It’s a shame because the food really was outstanding, but the poor service and the clear lack of inclusivity and respect significantly impacted what could have been a lovely...

Kolachi Eatery – A Hidden Gem in Edinburgh

Nestled just about a 30-minute walk from the heart of Edinburgh, Kolachi Eatery offers a delightful escape into authentic South Asian flavors. This charming spot is a true gem for those craving delicious, flavorful, and hearty breakfast options in a cozy setting.

Ambiance & Location:

Located conveniently within reach for a leisurely stroll, Kolachi provides a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. Its unpretentious charm and friendly staff add to the overall enjoyable experience.

Breakfast Experience:

We visited in the morning and opted for a traditional breakfast that proved to be a memorable culinary experience. The meal included:

Channa Puri: Soft, fluffy puris paired with spicy, flavorful chickpea curry—absolutely mouthwatering and perfectly seasoned.

Halwa: A sweet, aromatic dessert that complemented the savory dishes beautifully.

Spicy Potato & Fried Onions with Achar: Crunchy, spicy potatoes topped with crispy fried onions and accompanied by tangy achar, adding an extra punch of flavor.

Chicken Keema Paratha: A crispy, flaky paratha filled with savory chicken keema—a definite highlight that was cooked to perfection and bursting with taste.

Desi Chai: The chai was brewed with precision, offering a rich, aromatic, and slightly spicy flavor that perfectly rounded off the meal.

Overall Impressions:

Kolachi Eatery is a true hidden treasure for anyone seeking authentic and flavorful Pakistani or North Indian breakfast dishes in Edinburgh. The quality of food, combined with the warm hospitality, makes it a place you'll want to revisit. It’s ideal for those looking for a hearty, satisfying breakfast in a cozy setting away from the more touristy spots. Recommendation:

If you’re in Edinburgh and craving a taste of traditional South Asian cuisine, especially for breakfast, Kolachi Eatery should definitely be on your list. It’s a delightful spot that offers a genuine and tasty experience, making it well worth the 30-minute walk from the...

We sincerely appreciate the warm welcome from our hosts, who were polite and accommodating. However, beyond their hospitality, there’s little positive to highlight.

Upon arrival, we noticed the tables were dirty and had to request a wipe-down. While the waiter gladly obliged, the execution was far from satisfactory—crumbs from previous guests were swept onto our laps, and a significant portion of the table remained untouched.

The food arrived piping hot, which was a plus, but at £12.95 for a set menu, the value for money was questionable. The quality was merely acceptable, with nothing particularly noteworthy to set it apart.

What stood out most, unfortunately, was the overall hygiene. The floors were coated in grease to such an extent that a slick trail extended onto the pavement. Anyone skeptical of this claim should take a moment to inspect for themselves. As we prepared to leave, we witnessed the waiter using a visibly filthy mop to give the floor a half-hearted wipe—arguably worse than his table-cleaning efforts. The sight was stomach-turning and raised serious concerns about hygiene standards.

It’s genuinely disappointing to leave this review, as the staff were friendly and well-intentioned. However, these glaring cleanliness issues desperately need attention, and I sincerely hope they take this feedback as an opportunity for...