FOOD : Mr Basrai World Cuisines, Edinburgh
World cuisine buffets offer a tantalising journey for the adventurous food enthusiast. From the aromatic spices of Indian curries to the umami-rich flavours of Japanese sushi, these expansive spreads showcase the diverse culinary traditions spanning the globe.
Here are Mr Basrai World Cuisines, you can savour the fiery kick of Mexican salsas, the comforting embrace of Italian pastas, and the vibrant freshness of Chinese Stir-fries. With an array of options ranging from curries to seafood, from to the char-grill to the noodle bar, the world cuisine buffet provides a passport to an endless array of tastes and textures.
Whether seeking familiar favourites or embracing the thrill of new culinary discoveries, these buffets offer an immersive and indulgent dining experience that celebrates the rich tapestry of global gastronomy.
REVIEW OF MR BASRAI WORLD CUISINES BUFFET, EDINBURGH
Mr Basrai World Cuisine restaurant is located in Fountain Park inside the cinema complex at the top of the escalators. Beyond the glass doors lies rows of chafing dishes and cooking stations easily accommodating over 250 covers.
This place is a Willy Wonka’s Wonderland for fussy eaters or those that just want a bite of everything! But please be careful, don’t waste food as you will be charged.
On approach to the buffet, you’ll find the kids section - chicken nuggets, pizza, pasta, ice cream and cakes. Past the first row and the enticing aroma of exotic spices fill the air, drawing you closer to the array of chafing dishes that hold a tantalising selection of Indian and Chinese cuisine. The vibrant colours of the dishes beckon, from the rich golden hues of butter chicken and creamy tikka masala to the deep, savoury russets of spicy Kung-pao Chicken and aromatic Dragon Chicken. Each dish is tasty with flavour and presentation, with tender pieces of tandoori chicken glistening in the light and plump dumplings ready for eating.
From Roast Duck and pancakes to chilli mussels, from sushi to pork belly and cheese burgers, this place has you covered. But its their chargrill, noodle bar and dosa stations that got me excited.
Mini octopus, prawns, salmon and cuttlefish are all ready in wait for the chargrill, along with lamb chops, steaks and peri-peri chicken. The chargrill imparts that gorgeous smoky flavour and the chefs certainly know how to cook using it.
The Dosa station is fascinating to watch. A ladleful of thin fermented batter made from rice and lentils is spread in a circular motion across the flattop and cooked until the edges turn crispy. Whilst is slowly cooks through, chef adds masala, a spiced potato filling (spices usually include mustard, cumin, onions, green chillies, tumeric, curry leaves) to the flattop too, to warm through.
Once the pancake is almost ready, the masala is spread across the pancake which is the folded over and served hot with coconut chutney and sambar. Delicious but be mindful of the spice!
The noodle station, is also a spectacle with the air sizzling and flames spilling out of the work. Get ready for some great wok action. Chef really knows how to handle the wok and the ladle as he swiftly tosses the vibrant medley of colourful vegetables, chicken and noodles, that I have chosen, into the searing wok. The flamboyant display of culinary mastery is great to watch, as the ingredients dance and mingle in perfect harmony. Within minutes, a steaming mound of fragrant stir-fry is expertly plated before me and this time I run back to my table to devour this dish.
As always, eyes are bigger than my belly which means there’s a smidgeon of space remaining for a bite or five from the desserts. We decide to share rather than waste and we come back with oreo cheesecake, brownie, gulab jamun and ice cream. The chocolate fountain, jellies, ice cream, pannacotta, crumble and so much more will have to wait until my next visit.
Sometimes you just need to be presented with an exceptional amount of food so that you can pick and choose your way around the globe. Enjoy a little bit of this and a wee bit of that. Mr Basrai’s world Cuisine is a great place for large groups who all have different tastes and a mixture of ages.
Their pricing is exceptionally reasonable with dinner throughout the week £19.99, kids eat half price and children under 3, eat for free. Cold drinks are unlimited too - so fill your glasses five times with Fanta!
The food here is tasty; a feast for the senses, offering a symphony of aromas, textures, and tastes and for under £20 for dinner and around £15 for lunch for eat as much as you want - bargain in my book! The staff are great, very helpful and all very friendly.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT MR BASRAI WORLD CUISINES EDINBURGH
Many of the dishes are vegetarian and gluten free
The restaurant is disabled accessible
No dogs allowed
They offer up to 4 hours free parking. You need to validate your parking ticket before you leave
Mr Basrai World Cuisines, Unit 7, 130 Dundee Street, Fountain Park, Edinburgh EH11 1AF www.mrbasraiedinburgh.com
My Spoon Award : Gold Spoon 9/10
I was invited by Mr Basrai’s World Cuisines Edinburgh to review their menu.
Food and drink were complimentary but the views are very much my own.
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer, judge and panelist living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards.
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