As part of a series of food pop-ups at Porty Vault bar in Portobello, Leith favourites Bundits are cooking their full menu at the small coastal venue until the end of May.
The offering is very similar to Edinburgh Street Food (ESF), though with the guest return of the Korean Braised Short Rib Bao, which has been much lamented since its departure from ESF. We also try the Prawn Katsu Bao (with ponzu mayo, lettuce and sweet chilli) and the Szechuan Lamb Bao (with garlic mayo and pickled sesame). Both are as delicious as they are messy – the provided hand wipes are necessary.
There are a variety of sides/small plates available. We order the Korean Fried Chicken, which is reminiscent of battered chicken balls from the Chinese takeaway, but in a sticky, spicy sauce. They also have Korean Fried Cauliflower, which looks like a lighter option.
The biggest surprise is the cucumber. Two types are available on the sides menu, Smacked Cucumber (Szechuan chilli oil, sesame and garlic) and Miso Cucumber (with a pine nut and sesame dressing). It is not something I would usually choose, but we are urged to try them by our hosts and find them both to be flavoursome and exceptionally moreish.
Dessert is from Soft Core – just one option, but when it’s this good, that’s all you need – Warm Chocolate Pecan Cookie Dough with Miso Ice Cream. One between two is easily enough.
Now the beer. Porty Vault has 24 beers from their own brewery Vault City Brewing on tap, as well as a wide selection of guest beers. With strengths ranging up to 11%, these are beers to enjoy in small quantities, so the bar offers the option of a flight of three third pints – the perfect way to try a selection.
They also allow testers as a shot, so we can try quite a few on our visit. Our favourites are the Blueberry Limoncello Sorbet, Apple Rhubarb Maple Pecan, Kirsch of Life (Dark chocolate and Morello Cherry) and Triple Fruited Mango. Think boozy, sour smoothies, rather than beer.
It’s a great pairing – it’s just a shame this is only a temporary union. Booking recommended.
(D. Spencer)
Porty Vaults - 243 Portobello High St, Portobello, Edinburgh EH15 2AW - 0131 609 0810
Open Wed-Fri 5 pm - 9 pm, Sat & Sun noon - 9 pm.
