Want to know an Edinburgh secret? This place — this little defunct police box masquerading as a coffee stand — has some of the best curries and samosas Matt and I have ever tasted. The Bollywood Coffee Box has only been in Edinburgh for about as long as Matt and I have been here (six months — blimey, how time flies!). I figure that’s the only way there isn’t a massive line here every single day: it’s still an undiscovered gem.
Shamefully Matt and I walked by it for months always thinking “we should try some chai or one of her chickpea curries,” and then scurrying past to the warmth of our flat. Four months of wasted time and deprived taste buds tsk, tsk.
And it’s not just the delicious food that comes out of the Bollywood Coffee Box that makes visiting a delight, it’s the proprietor. Nutan is one of the sweetest, warmest people I’ve met in Edinburgh. Every time Matt and I visit, we’re left feeling lighter and happier. Oh and did I mention her fullsized curries (with saffron basmati rice) are only £3. Happy belly and happy mind for about $5!!! Deal of the century!
For those of you in Edinburgh, here are the details:
Where: Right off the Links where Bruntsfield Place and Bruntsfield Terrace meet
When: Every day, usually 11 am to 8 pm
What: Coffee, chai, snacks, curries (vegetarian and meat), samosas, pakoras, parathas
For those of you not in Edinburgh, when you come to visit, this is where we’ll take you for your first meal (so you don’t have to drink our green juice).
This is what we eat when we go to Nutan’s:
You hungry, yet? Whatchu waitin’ for? Get your bollywood booties over this way! Nutan will welcome you with the best smile in the world:
For any Dr. Who fans out there, Nutan really does own the TARDIS. I mean how else can you explain how she makes all these delicious foods in a space smaller than most people’s closets? Not possible! It would only make since that she’s the Doctor and instead of a sonic screwdriver she has a sonic spoon.
P.S. Is she not wearing the most perfect sweatshirt ever? This was not planned — just one of those serendipitous things that happen when the stars align.
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Dear Cath,
I can’t believe we discovered the Bollywood Coffee Box just two weeks after you guys left – argh! I know you aren’t the biggest curry fan, but I think you would love this. I can’t wait to introduce you and Troy the next time you are in town (August?! I hopes, I hopes!).
Love and Curry!
Lar
p.s. She was playing the Lagaan soundtrack the last time we were there! Though Nutan admitted to not loving the movie because there’s too much cricket in it. Another meeting of the minds.
OMG, what a wonderful post! I always thought the Bollywood Box looked so inviting, but yes, was too cold to stop. Nutan looks/sounds like the nicest lady in the world. I can’t believe she was wearing that top AND playing the Lagaan soundtrack. I would recognize that soundtrack anywhere. I’ve become a much bigger curry fan since trying to go more healthy. Troy makes the best sweet potato curry. Tell Nutan that I’ll meet her in August!
I hope you ripped that shirt off her body and skipped all the way home with it! Miss you girl xoxo
Buahahaha! Miss you too, Katie!!!
yum!!!!!!!!!! im drooling!
Aww she sounds absolutely adorable and what a tiny little place serving some awesome homemade food! Yum. I totally want to try one of her curries!
Okay, now I’m craving curry. Just what I need to warm me up this winter!
~F
There’s a lot of Yum in this post.
That place looks awesome, and I love that she’s wearing an I love fashion shirt!
Ugh I’m so jealous of your living situation! So cool! And I am soooo hungry so reading this post was probably a horrible idea!!! 🙂
I feel like this post was especially for me 😉 Also, love the Lagaan songs but holy crap that movie is so long, even for a bollywood film!
I know! It’s an epic movie — in every way! And, yes, next time you are here CurryLove, we’ll have to go to this Bollywood Coffee Box together! Absolute curry love 😉
Mmm yum! Sometimes the best food comes from the most unexpected places.
I want to try her curry!!!
Oh you will, Chloe hehehe!
Charming. Yes, I’m totally
jealouscharmed.Hahaha! I hope you can make it over here soon, Cameron!
How delightful! Nutan is majorly adorable and her sweatshirt if DA BOMB.
Even though I just ate dinner you’ve made me hungry again.
Hi, just discovered this post (and your fabulous blog) by accident! Loved your review and photos of the Coffee Box, it is indeed one of Edinburgh’s best undiscovered secrets. The samosas are my favourite 🙂
Hi, it is such a lovely coffee box with very positive vibe. Nutan is very, very friendly and chatty and beautiful woman. She creates so much in such a small space. You can have lovely food, enjoy nice and smart conversation and also have look at her street art messages which are posted on her box. Nutan provides not only food, she also bonds with you straight away. I recommend to vivsit her coffee box to everyone.