Chef, comedian and TV personality Hardeep Singh Kohli is perhaps more readily associated with his hometown of Glasgow, but thanks to regular appearances at the Fringe and his part in new curry-and-craft-beer venture VDeep in Leith, he's more than at home in Scotland's capital as well. Here he gives us a ten-minute tour of his favourite things about Auld Reekie.
What’s your favourite Edinburgh phrase or word?
I love how Edinburgh folk own the intimacy with a phrase like 'ma pal'. Cabbies use it often and the man that works in the wee pie and soup shop next to VDeep employs it. 'What can I get you, ma pal?'* It's not something you ever hear in Glasgow...
*morning roll with square sausage, tattie scone and fried egg, red sauce.
Well, we're halfway there...Photo: Matteo Doni
Via Flickr.
My favourite memory of Edinburgh is…
First coming through from Glasgow in the late eighties and hanging out at the City Cafe and window shopping at the legendary Corniche. The capital was so different from Glasgow.
Photo: Stephen Robinson
When I’m hungover and need to recover, I head to…
The Edinburgh Larder. Delicious, honest, locally sourced produce cooked with passion and panache.
When I have a gig and need something new to wear, my first stop is...
Xile Clothing on Frederick Street. They stock some of the best Adidas in Edinburgh (the staff uniform at VDeep is Adidas). Kieran and the guys couldn't be more charming and helpful. They've become pals and now I buy the staff tracksuit tops from them. And the occasional something for me...
When I need to have a bloody good time, I go to...
My local, The St Vincent. It's run by a couple of brothers. It's just a great boozer with some lovely locals, decent food and lots of screens with sport on... I love it, even though I spent the best part of a year calling one of the brothers 'Stacey' rather than his actual name, 'Jason'.
Photo: Matt Baldry
Via Flickr.
If I’m trying to impress a visitor from out of town, I take them to...
Ondine. Quite simply, spectacular. I've eaten seafood around the world but Chef Roy Brett and the team have yet to be bested. The menu is full of surprises, innovations and classics. Ondine achieves that rarest of feats: classy, sophisticated yet warmly welcoming. A seafood jewel in Edinburgh's gastronomic crown.
And if I need some culture, I head to…
Any street corner. That's the profound beauty of the city of Edinburgh. Much as there are myriad museums, galleries and monuments, there is compelling history, wonderful stories, breath taking views on every street corner.
The place I go to feed the ducks and think is...
In the gardens of Prestonfield House Hotel. Peacocks, great vistas and such tranquility, just moments from the city centre. I feed peacocks rather than ducks...
Photo: Sue Salisbury
Via Flickr.
My favourite place to stuff my face is...
Too many to choose from! The Dogs is an old favourite. Saigon Saigon offers excellent dim sum. Mother India is difficult to beat. Contini's is also much loved.
Photo: Stephen Robinson
And finally, the best thing about living in Edinburgh is...
That it is the most beautiful city in the world, steeped in great history. And only 50 minutes to Glasgow!