Tucked away on bustling Lothian Road, Don@Tokyo offers a refreshing alternative to Edinburgh’s pub-heavy dining scene. From the moment you step inside, the warm glow of paper lanterns, playful murals, and a playlist that balances melodies and laid-back jazz set the stage for an unforgettable meal.
We were greeted with genuine smiles, even before we’d had a chance to consult the menu. The staff patiently explained each section, answered our questions about tea varieties, and offered friendly recommendations. Their unobtrusive yet attentive style ensured that we felt unhurried.
Eager to dive in, we ordered:
Miso Soup A steaming bowl of traditional miso, dotted with silken tofu and chopped spring onions. Its gentle umami warmth was the perfect prelude to the meal.
Meanwhile, without any extra charge, the kitchen sent over:
Edamame & Fresh Wasabi The edamame arrived lightly salted and tender ideal for popping pod after pod.While a small dish of freshly grated wasabi delivered a clean, spicy kick that awakened our taste buds.
These thoughtful extras (priced into the meal rather than tacked on) signalled that Don@Tokyo values both quality and hospitality.
Meet the Stars: Chicken Katsu Roll and Prawn Tempura Bento
Presented on a sleek black plate, the Chicken Katsu Roll was a masterclass in texture and balance. Each bite combined:
Crispy panko-coated chicken
Soft, vinegared sushi rice
A light drizzle of tangy katsu sauce and creamy spicy mayo
The crunch of the chicken against the pillowy rice made every mouthful addictive. A side of pickled ginger added a bright counterpoint, cutting through the richness and helping to refresh the palate.
Our second entrée, the Prawn Tempura Bento Box, was a feast for the senses:
Four large prawns, enveloped in an airy, golden batter
Fluffy steamed rice sprinkled with black sesame seeds
Two crisp chicken gyoza
Sautéed seeaweed tossed in sesame oil
Bite-sized pieces of popcorn chicken glazed in a house-made sauce
Each component arrived hot and at peak crispness. The tempura prawns maintained their delicate crunch, while the dipping sauce, an elegant blend of soy, mirin, and grated ginger brought a subtle sweetness and heat that elevated every bite.
To pair with our mains, we chose Peach Hojicha—iced hojicha tea infused with natural peach essence. The smoky undertones of the roasted green tea blending beautifully with the soft fruit sweetness, offering a palate-cleansing sip between bites and a refreshing finish.
Dining at Don@Tokyo feels like visiting a friend who happens to be a master chef. The décor strikes a perfect balance between modern minimalism and playful Japanese pop culture. Service is friendly without being overbearing, and the soundtrack creates a relaxed ambiance that encourages lingering conversation.
All this excellence came at a remarkably fair price. Our total bill for two—covering miso soup, complimentary edamame and wasabi, two substantial mains, and one glass of peach hojicha was around £26. In Edinburgh’s dining landscape, that level of quality and generosity is a true bargain.
If you’re craving authentic Japanese cuisine or curious about tea culture, make your way to Don@Tokyo on Lothian Road. You can even plan ahead by visiting their official site at www.donatokyo.com.Whether it’s a solo tea break, a casual date, or dinner with friends, you’ll leave with your heart (and stomach) full.
Have you tried Don@Tokyo? Share your own photos and experiences using #scottishindiancom — we’d love to feature your favourite dish next!
Desi grocery shopping in Scotland can feel like a mission—finding the right masala, perfect atta, or fresh curry leaves isn’t always easy. That’s why I tried Spice Supermarket’s online grocery store, listed on ScottishIndian.com, to see if it could simplify my weekly haul.
Here’s a full breakdown of my experience—from ordering to delivery—and whether it’s worth adding to your weekly routine.
The Online Store Experience
The website is simple, clean, and super easy to navigate. It’s clearly designed with South Asian families in mind, and the categories are helpful (Spices, Grains, Household, etc.). I liked that most items had images and detailed names you know the struggle when you’re guessing based on a blurry label!
I placed my order on a Monday morning, and the site estimated 2-day delivery to my address in Edinburgh. You can choose between local delivery or click & collect if you’re nearby.
✅ All items were in stock and had good expiry dates.
🚚 Delivery & Packaging
My order was delivered on time (Wednesday evening), neatly packed in a cardboard box and none of the spice packets were leaking—which is a win if you’ve ever received haldi explosion mail before!
They even gave a free sample sachet of masala tea, which was a thoughtful touch.
For someone living in Scotland and juggling Desi cravings with UK work-life chaos, Spice Supermarket delivers both convenience and authenticity. The prices are competitive, and the product range covers everything from poha to papad.
It’s perfect for:
Busy students
Families looking to restock staples
Anyone missing home-style groceries without trekking across town
🎉 Exclusive Offer for ScottishIndian Readers
Great news! Spice Supermarket is offering an exclusive £5 discount, when you spend over £45, just for ScottishIndian.com users.
🛒 Use code SPECIAL5 at checkout 📅 Valid from 27th June to 27th July 🌐 Shop now: SpiceSupermarket.co.uk
Whether you’re restocking your spice cabinet or bulk-ordering South Indian staples, this is the perfect time to save a little extra!
Nestled in the vibrant Haymarket district of Edinburgh, CUPP offers a modern twist on the increasingly popular boba/bubble tea trend. On a bustling Friday night, June 20th, ScottishIndian dropped by to explore not only their colourful beverage offerings but also their hot food menu. Here’s an honest breakdown of my experience, including the highlights and a few disappointments.This CUPP Haymarket Edinburgh review explores what to expect on a typical Friday night, from boba tea to hot food.
Get a Free Coffee Before you go, here’s a little bonus: use this referral link to grab yourself a free coffee. A small perk to make your visit even better!
CUPP is a UK-based boba tea brand that prides itself on serving authentic Taiwanese boba and bubble tea with high-quality ingredients. Known for its sleek branding and bold flavours, CUPP has been expanding across the UK, becoming a go-to spot for boba lovers. Its Haymarket location combines quick service with a casual dine-in vibe, appealing to both loyal fans and curious newcomers.
The Haymarket branch of CUPP immediately stands out with its clean, minimalist decor and relaxed seating arrangement. The atmosphere was welcoming and casual, ideal for a quick evening treat. Staff greeted us promptly and handled orders efficiently, which is always a plus on a busy night in the city. CUPP is a UK-based bubble tea brand offering a range of drinks from traditional milk teas to seasonal specials.
CUPP is, first and foremost, a bubble tea destination. Their drinks menu is vast, ranging from traditional milk teas to fruity infusions and seasonal specials. I opted for two drinks to get a full sense of their offerings:
Dragon Fruit with Lychee Popping Boba (£6.40): Visually stunning with a deep pink hue, this drink was as refreshing as it looked. The dragon fruit flavour was natural and not overly sweet, while the lychee popping boba added a fun, juicy burst with every sip. It was the perfect choice for a warm summer evening.
Matcha Strawberry with Boba Pearls: I was pleasantly surprised by this drink. The matcha didn’t have the overpowering grassy flavour that often deters newcomers. Paired with a sweet strawberry base and classic chewy tapioca pearls, the drink was both balanced and indulgent. A creative take on traditional matcha that even casual fans would enjoy.
The Food: Chicken Yakitori Rice Bowl Combo (£11.50) Curious about CUPP’s foray into hot food, I chose the chicken yakitori rice bowl as part of a combo with the matcha strawberry tea. Unfortunately, this part of the experience fell short. The portion was generous and visually appealing, but the taste didn’t match the presentation. The rice was hard and slightly undercooked, and the chicken skewers were overly dry and tough to chew. While it looked promising, the texture and seasoning left a lot to be desired.
Price-wise, the drinks were on par with other premium bubble tea spots in Edinburgh. £6.40 for a specialty drink is expected in today’s market, especially considering the quality of ingredients and customisations available. However, the combo at £11.50 didn’t quite deliver in terms of food satisfaction. The drinks justify their cost, but the rice bowl would need significant improvements to be considered good value. If you’re coming just for bubble tea, CUPP still holds its ground as a worthwhile destination.
Final thoughts? This CUPP Haymarket review finds that while the drinks shine, the food menu still needs refining to match.
