KOCHCHI owners Suki (L) and Shehan (R) This winter, Glasgow’s vibrant West End will welcome KOCHCHI , the award-winning Sri Lankan street food brand, as it opens its first standalone restaurant in the former The Hanoi Bike Shop on Ruthven Lane.    The launch marks an exciting new chapter for the brand, which first captured Scotland’s attention at Bonnie & Wild in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter - the acclaimed Scottish food marketplace. Since opening there in 2022 , KOCHCH I has become one of Bonnie & Wild’s most popular kitchens, celebrated for its bold, flame-cooked dishes and modern take on Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage.   The opening in Glasgow marks a major milestone for KOCHCHI as the brand evolves from its street food roots into a fully-fledged restaurant and bar concept. What began as a small kitchen serving bold, flame-fired dishes at Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild has grown into one of Scotland’s most celebrated Sri Lankan food brands.  With continued support from Bonnie & Wild , KOCHCHI’s evolution from a market kitchen to a full restaurant reflects Scotland’s growing appetite for diverse, independent dining. The collaboration has been instrumental in championing the brand’s creativity and helping introduce authentic Sri Lankan flavours to a wider audience. The half a million-pound investment into the Glasgow West End destination will build on that success with an expanded menu and dedicated bar. Guests can expect the same fiery spirit and vibrant flavours that defined KOCHCHI’s early days, now brought to life in a space designed for lingering — where the rhythm of Colombo meets the warmth of Glasgow’s West End.   Founded by friends Shehan Fernando and Suki Jayaratne , KOCHCHI was born from a shared love of the country's diversity and the belief that food is its most powerful storyteller. Though they grew up in different parts of Sri Lanka, it was Colombo - the country’s bustling capital -that united their culinary vision.   KOCHCHI Co-founder Suki Jayaratne said:   “Shehan’s childhood was spent among his family’s hotels in Nuwara Eliya before discovering Colombo’s kitchens and streets, where food was rhythm and theatre. I grew up in Kandy’s gardens and coastal markets but found in Colombo the energy of a city where every influence collided — from black pork curry and seafood fried rice to lunch boxes filled with dosas, sambols, and biryani.” KOCHCHI is their way of bringing that story to life. The new Glasgow restaurant will reflect the Colombo they remember — the wood, cane, and brass of old hotels, the colour and bustle of its markets, and the spirit of food cooked fresh and fast.   Shehan Fernando, Co-founder of KOCHCHI , said: “When you sit at our table, you taste more than Sri Lanka — you taste Colombo, the city where the island comes together. At KOCHCHI Glasgow, we want to share that rhythm and warmth — a place for rich curries, street snacks, and seafood dishes that carry the flavours of home. The space will have the same character and soul that shaped us, brought to life with a Glasgow energy of its own.”   The menu will showcase the dishes that have defined KOCHCHI’s reputation at Bonnie & Wild, alongside new creations exclusive to Glasgow. Expect r egional curries, grilled seafood, street-style snacks, and flame-fired plates that celebrate Sri Lanka’s coastal and urban flavours.   KOCHCHI Glasgow will have a dining capacity of 80 covers spanning over two floors plus an external seating area. There will also be a dedicated bar area with a carefully curated drinks list — featuring Sri Lankan-inspired cocktails, craft beers, and tropical softs — these will complement the food’s energy and heat.  Artist's impression - a revamp of the former Hanoi bike Shop   Designed as both a neighbourhood restaurant and a late-evening hangout, the venue will capture the rhythm of Sri Lanka and the sociable spirit of Glasgow’s West End when it opens this winter, creating 15 new jobs for the local economy. Check out Glasgow restaurants we have visited recently KOCHCHI 8 Ruthven Ln, Glasgow G12 9BG

We publish almost daily online but here is your weekly digest from Bite. Thanks for reading. Heritage Beets with labneh at The Gilded Saloon Where we ate this week Gilded Saloon - Tomas Gormley (Cardinal, Skua) is in the kitchen. We dropped by and you can read our review here Pizza Posto - is this Edinburgh's best pizza joint? Old favourite - Cafe Marlayne which we last reviewed two years ago. Antioch - an absolute Turkish gem in Dunfermline On the grapevine Brown's of Leith have taken social media by storm with the announcement of a collab between the Timberyard, Woven whisky, Civerino's and Shimpwreck in the historic George Brown & Sons Engineering Works on The Shore . Dogstar has opened at Portland Place in Leith. It is another collaboration this time from Michelin-starred chef Jimmy Snaps, and the people behind Nauticus Bar. Where are we going to eat this coming week The Drinks Cabinet - wine bar in Aberdour Afternoon Tea created by the students at The Academy Restaurant in F ife College The Bonnington - this pub has launched a new winter menu with classic comfort food made with great local produce. They also serve Pisco cocktails! Winter Issue Our next issue is going to print this weekend. The front cover features Robert Hall-McCarron's (Eleonore, The Little Chartroom, Ardfern), epic Christmas Pie which can be ordered from Ardfern. Tickets We updated the tickets section of our website to make it more user-friendly. We have reader offers coming up throughout the year. Fizz Feast - Saturday 22 November - noon-3pm - Expect 100+ sparkling wines, bold producers, and bites to match. Champagne, Crémant, Prosecco—served with sparkle and soul. 🎟️ Only a few tickets left - last chance for £40 a pair. Funky Booze – 26 January Matthew Jukes Top 100 Australian Wines. More coming soon. Follow us on Instagram   | Visit Bite Magazine  | Share your tips

Classic Marinara: garlic, oregano, basil, evoo Life is often full of difficult decisions. What to eat for dinner Where to eat out that’s new and good Where to get the best pizza. Edinburgh , like any other city and indeed small town or hamlet, teems with pizza joints…from take-away to up-market glitz and cocktails. And here, I am thinking especially of a negroni sbagliato in Howe Street’s cool Little Capo …a stopover not to be missed!! However, though pizza places crowd the capital, a good honest pizza is less easy to find. Avoiding the temptation of sermonising or indeed quoting the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletano which gives detailed clear criteria as to what constitutes the true Neapolitan pizza, two food moments come to mind. One is the pizza I recently ate in the port area of Ischia… a simple margherita , the sweet tomato sauce with lush, collapsed tomatoes, mingling with olive oil and fat, soft pillows of buffalo mozzarella. The corniccione, was crisp, slightly blackened yet dippable; the base dry on the underside, but springy and thin in the middle. This was heaven complete with an angelic choir; this pizza sang. This pizza could bring tears of joy and gratitude but also sadly, much despair at the overladen, chilli splattered dough that too often passes for pizza here in Scotland. My other food memory is of my Lazio born grandmother, taking a notion early mornings: her pizza came in big trays; her dough crusty underneath, the top light, soft and springy, with only a sparse covering of a few fresh tomatoes, garlic and olive oil. All in all, what is clear is that as well as pasta, pizza is a serious matter. Here in Edinburgh, three or four pizzerie come to mind where the pizzaiolo knows and is proud of his craft. One such place is Pizza Posto: “l’impasto lo faccio io” (I'm the one who makes the dough”) Francesco announced proudly. When you walk in and you find the place buzzing with Italians, people shaking hands and kissing… people taking a moment to chat at someone else’s table, you know you are in the right place. You are in Italy. The pizza menu is interesting and extensive; both respectful of tradition and on the button with new and changing trends: pizze rosse, tomato based…margherite, marinare and calzoni; and by contrast, specials with interesting options…a cream of courgette or pistachio base, stretched buffalo, diced rosemary potatoes (much loved in Naples) and the recent southern Italian mania for pizza fritta … a deep fried pizza filled with salami napoli , fior di lattte,ham and a tomato sugo. Sides, extra toppings, dips and additions offer a wide range of additional options including pesto, Gorgonzola, artichokes friarielli ( small broccoli or or greens) so that you can customise your own. There’s a separate menu offering specials of the day. A colourful, hospitable pizza place full if Italian vibe. Leaving my own preference for pizza bianche aside, on a recent visit, I opted for a simple marinara . There is no hiding place for a simple dough and nothing more than a sugo and fresh basil topping but this was just delicious; the sauce mouth watering, deep and rich in flavour, clearly cooked for hours, yet rounded and vaguely sweet; and the basil added an earthy undertone. There are enough small plates if you prefer not to have pizza but a tapas style meal instead. These include zucchni fritti , parmigiana di melenzane and polpette or meat balls in sugo. Our choice however, was fior di zucca…fried courgette flowers filled with a ricotta mousse, basil pesto, with chilli and lemon; the batter light and crisp and as good as any I’ve had in Rome or further south. A Monferrato Chiaretto rosé from Piemonte bright and fresh completed our meal and was an excellent pairing; the customary espresso, a perfect ending. Check out our pizza section Pizza Posto:   16 Nicolson Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9DH Open daily from noon-10pm, and to 11pm on Fridays & Saturdays. +44 131 557 9941 or pizzapostouk@gmail.com .

From left: Michele Civiera, Ewen Hutchison, Joseph Radford and Gunnar Groves-Raines. Credit: R ichard Gaston A unique collaborative space for food, drink and the arts - Brown’s of Leith - will launch in Edinburgh on 27th November with four new food and drink businesses. Representing a major step in the regeneration of the area, Brown’s of Leith will open within the historic George Brown & Sons Engineering Works on The Shore. The development comes after the engineering firm vacated the building last year, when the management of the building was taken on by the design hub Custom Lane, under the Creative Direction of Gunnar Groves-Raines. The first phase of the project will see the following high-profile food and drinks businesses opening:  Haze  – From the makers of Timberyard and Montrose, this is an all-day venue (open 8am - 8pm) designed to blur the lines between morning coffee and evening wine. Haze will serve a carefully curated menu of small plates, inspired by some of Europe’s best wine bars, featuring cheese, cured meats and tinned fish, alongside wines, spirits, soft drinks and speciality coffee. Shuck Bar – a new seafood bar celebrating the best of Scottish produce, created by the celebrated Portobello seafood shack, ShrimpWreck . The new outlet promises a more refined menu, whilst keeping the spirit of its street food origins.  Civerino’s  – the Edinburgh-born, NYC-style pizza brand brings a new chapter to Leith with a menu dedicated to East Coast American–style pizza.  Woven  – a blending studio that sources single malt and grain whiskies from across the world, and brings them together through craft and curiosity. Providing opportunities for visitors to get involved themselves, Woven redefines what blended whisky can be: borderless, inclusive and unapologetically flavour-led.  A new bakery and workshop are also being developed. In the future, Brown’s of Leith will also be home to a community of artists and architects. A programme of events, exhibitions and artists’ residencies will be announced after the launch. As an extension to the wider Custom Lane ecosystem, Brown’s of Leith is designed to act as a catalyst for creativity and will include a system of shared knowledge and mentorship for less-established designers, makers and creative professionals. Custom Lane is a project created by the award winning architecture and design studio GRAS . Gunnar Groves-Raines said: “Custom Lane has evolved into a truly enriching community of designers and makers but we’ve always looked over The Water of Leith towards the iconic blue doors of the George Brown & Sons building. Breathing new life into this building is a truly exciting opportunity to build upon our vision, celebrate our Leith home, and develop a productive and energising space both for visitors and the makers based there. “The space will evolve but by launching with these four outstanding businesses, we’re putting the emphasis on conversation and collaboration - food and drink is the perfect way to bring people together. As a former engineering works, the building has been home to over a century of making, from boats to bicycles, and we are proud to continue that tradition.” Overlooking The Water of Leith, the building was home for 130 years to George Brown & Sons, engineers and metal workers. The family business relocated to East Lothian in 2024. The existing space retains period industrial architecture across three generous floors. Keep up to date with the latest developments at Brown’s of Leith at customlane.co  or www.instagram.com/browns.leith . Brown’s of Leith: 4-6 Shore, Leith, Edinburgh

Next to Paradise Palms overlooking Bristo Square We dropped into The Gilded Saloon—a new-ish venture just a couple of months into its stride.  It’s the brainchild of three creative forces, with Tomas Gormley (Cardinal and Skua ) also bringing finesse to the kitchen. One co-owner also runs Paradise Palms next door—a dive bar in the best possible sense. Kelburn Parties made their name with the West Coast festival, and The Gilded Balloon downstairs needs no introduction. The famous comedy venue is celebrating its 40 year anniversary. As for the Saloon itself? Still finding its footing. Is it a pub? A cocktail bar? A restaurant? Right now, it’s a bit of all three. But its real draw is the location: perched above a comedy venue, tailor-made for a pre-show pint and a bite.   And honestly, I could see myself doing just that. We visited for a pre-theatre girly lunch, which may not have been the best fit for the format—small plates, big flavours, but not quite a cohesive meal. I started with the Oyster topped with blueberry and Scotch bonnet. A bold idea, but it didn’t land—the heat and fruit overwhelmed the oyster entirely. The Heritage Beets from Phantassie were much more successful: beautifully earthy, with fresh dill and a swipe of labneh. The sourdough with Whipped Chicken Liver Pâté and a tangle of cornichons was spot on—rich, sharp, and perfectly judged. Across the table, Eleonora went for the Mushroom and Guinness Pie with gravy—comfort food with a wink, and ideal pre-chuckle sustenance. Kerry, meanwhile, demolished a generous slice of Basque Cheesecake with a glossy, bountiful berry compote. I could tell just by looking—it slayed.  Basque Cheesecake While a 10% service charge is added to your bill at The Gilded Saloon, drinks must be ordered and collected at the bar. Only food is delivered to your table by staff. This means the venue does not offer full table service—despite the charge—so expectations should be set accordingly. It’s a late-night pub with a kitchen, not a restaurant, and the service model reflects that split. Check out more Bars & Bar Food Reviews Initial feelings about The Gilded Saloon were mixed but the food was good and I think I’ll return. Top marks for using local producers .  The Gilded Saloon    45–47 Lothian Street Edinburgh EH1 1HB - Overlooking Bristo Square, next to Paradise Palms Open: Mon-Wed 4pm-1am. Thursday 4pm-3am, Fri & Sat noon-3am, Sun noon-1am Kitchen hours and event times may vary—check their What's On page  for updates

58 The Shore The Shore district in Edinburgh has welcomed the arrival of Mara , a new relaxed waterside drinking spot anchored in Old Leith. The site was formerly that of Innis & Gunn. Located in the heart of Scotland's capital city's picturesque and historic harbour area, Mara enjoys an enviable uninterrupted waterfront aspect and is an exciting new addition to Leith’s thriving food and drink scene. As well as occupying a standout location, Mara , which means sea in Gaelic, offers flavoursome small plates and sharing boards with delicious star ingredients including artisan IJ Mellis Scottish cheese and small batch honey, Great Glen venison bresaola, black garlic chorizo, Tuscan finocchiona salami, Aleppo chilli hummus, muhammara, and house pickles; perfect for get togethers. Also on the menu are moreish plates of low n slow lamb, seafood tacos, pork and Thai basil wontons in pho broth with kaffir lime, mussels in Malaysian laksa broth, burrata with fig, pistachio and crispy prosciutto, glazed halloumi skewers, classic jerk BBQ wings with mango salsa and pina colada hot sauce, and beef short rib nuggets with buttery confit garlic.   A well-curated drinks offering includes a  rotational wine list  spanning red, white, rosé, orange, and natural wines—and an exciting  Mara Wine Club  soon to be launched—along with the best  Scottish craft beers  sitting beside the popular draught big hitters and an inspired  Low and No  offering, too.   Bringing a distinctly mythological depiction to the drinks menu are cocktails such as The Pictish Beast, The Kelpie, The Selkie, The Faerie, Nessie, The Banshee, Cailleach (The Witch) plus of course, The Unicorn! Watch this space for more info in the coming weeks Mara - 58 The Shore, Edinburgh, EH6 6RA

(L-R) Edinburgh chef, Scott Smith, and John Howard (owner and director of The Òir Group) at The Captain Darling in Stockbridge. Stockbridge is set to welcome a new pub and restaurant to Hamilton Place at the end of May.   ‘ The Captain Darling’ will open its doors to welcome friends, families and four-legged companions.   The new venue plans to open seven days a week from lunchtime until late. It will have a bar and table service and offer beers, world wines, specialty spirits, and cocktails.   A separate dining area will serve an all-day modern pub-style menu, with classics like prawn cocktail and handmade savoury pies, to a selection of meats cooked over coals and Sunday roast with all the trimmings.   The venue is expected to create 20 new jobs with seating for around 100 customers.   Edinburgh chef Scott Smith has teamed up with the city’s Òir Group to launch The Captain Darling and to oversee the kitchen. The former chef patron of Edinburgh’s multi-award-winning restaurant, Fhior, is now providing hospitality businesses like The Captain Darling with bespoke catering solutions.   Commenting on the launch plans for The Captain Darling, Scott Smith said:  “The food’s an important part of The Captain Darling, but it’s not about being a ‘gastro pub.’ We’re keeping things classic – well-made, seasonal dishes that are created to be full of flavour. “A key feature will be our grill section, with a rotating selection of meats cooked over coals – proper pub cooking with a bit of flair. Our Sunday roast, with porchetta front and centre, is something we hope becomes a bit of a local tradition.”   The Òir Group is an independent hospitality company that also runs Bodega & Lucky Yu. The Captain Darling is the first in a series of openings lined up over the next nine months for the group.   John Howard, owner and director of The Òir Group, said:  “With The Captain Darling, we want to create a proper pub in the heart of Stockbridge – somewhere that feels part of the neighbourhood from day one. It’s going to be a place people can rely on, whether they’re dropping in for a quick pint, catching up with friends, or sitting down for a good meal. “We will be open seven days a week with a relaxed, welcoming vibe, and a strong bar and food menu at its core. Great drinks, quality food, friendly service, a bit of atmosphere – and yes, dogs are always welcome.”   The Captain Darling will be located at 16-18 Hamilton Place, Stockbridge, Edinburgh, EH3 5AU Photos: Alix McIntosh Hamilton Place

The Abbey by Liz Bowan Dunfermline is known as ‘the auld grey toun’ but the Heritage Quarter and Pittencrieff Park are lush and green in what was the ancient capital of Scotland until the 17th century. My friend Liz and I only dip our toes into one corner of the town when we visit. We run out of time, not things to do. The morning is mostly spent at the Abbey and Palace. Queen Margaret founded the former which was originally a small church built to mark her marriage to Malcolm Canmore in 1070. An image of the nuptials is depicted in one of many stained-glass windows. See if you can spot the black spider in one of them too! Robert the Bruce is a direct descendent of the Queen and his tomb is inside the church alongside those of several other royals. View from the library by Liz Bowman We spend the morning soaking up history which also necessitates a visit to the ‘pink hoose’, aka the A-Listed Abbotts’ House (only the gift shop is open at present) and to the new library and museum with its top floor views of the abbey, palace and three bridges across the Firth of Forth. The name ‘Robert the Bruce’, carved in stone on the roof of the abbey tower is set off by a saltire blue sky. Lunch is booked at Jack 'O' Bryans next to Pittencrieff Park and a short walk to the high street allows us to admire the park entrance with its tree-lined avenue and bronze statue of Andrew Carnegie who gifted the 76 acres. Stop at the wrought iron gates and the restaurant is on your right. The menu has a strong Iberian influence, not the first Spanish connection of the day. Abbey guide ‘Willie’ told us that morning of how Back Douglas took the heart of Robert the Bruce to the battle of Teba as part of the crusades. The Spanish town still celebrates this Scottish connection. Iberian Fish Supper by Sharon Wilson My Aubergine Fritter starter is complemented by smoked paprika, orange and honey molasses sauce under crisp, light tempura that dissolves to make way for the melting vegetable. My main of Iberian Fish Supper has ‘buttered sprats sprinkled across moist, pristine Cod. Across the table, Liz enjoys Prawn Scampi with dots of saffron aioli and diced chorizo followed by a generous portion of Monkfish (how appropriate), the daily special. Rhubarb desserts (curd, dehydrated, gel) with raspberry marshmallow and blood orange sorbet mean we should really skip the handmade chocolates in the display cabinet; but the artistry arrests us and Liz notes their flavours, again, have “a smack of Spain”. Alongside lunch we drink cocktails and wines full of summer florals and fruit and walk off our meal in the park where we inspect the medieval doocot, miss the remains of Malcolm Canmore’s tower and the free-roaming peacocks; gaze through the glass at the hothouse plants and admire the palace view from the mighty gorge that slices down the edge of Pittencrieff. We are blessed with sun, so the medieval European feel to our day is amplified. READ MORE: Review of Craig Millar 16 West End, St Monans As stated above we ran out of time. The hothouse and Carnegie Museum were closed by mid-afternoon so do check timings and plan any day trip rigidly. For us it just gives us a good excuse to return to enjoy more history, sightseeing and a visit to Jack 'O' Bryans is an absolute must for any self-respecting gastronome (S. Wilson). Jack 'O' Bryans 5 Chalmers Street, Dunfermline, GB KY12 8AT - +44 1383 324720

Kappa Vada (crispy tapioca fritters) This Dunfermline restaurant continues to take patrons on a culinary journey across India. The next stop is Chennai and the colourful Coromandel Coast of the south of the sub-continent.   With a thriving population of twelve million people, and one of the largest & oldest cities in India, Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital of Tamil Nadu.   Known as “The Land of Temples”, Tamil Nadu, was the centre for dynasties who ruled the southern coasts, controlling the lucrative spice trade.   The area was also where the first major English settlement in India was established, with the small fishing village of Madraspatnam being chosen as an initial outpost. It grew to become Madras, an important port which gave birth to the British East India Company. After spending four weeks in Chennai last November, when he researched his new menu, Dhoom’s Chef/Proprietor Prasad Dhaneshwar is ready to unveil the menu to his customers.   “Chennai is a warm and welcoming coastal metropolitan megacity with a love for food, music, dance, poetry, and culture,” said Prasad. "It’s a city where the heritage of the past is met with the changing vista of a modern, cosmopolitan outlook. The Colonial Influence is still reflected throughout the city in its architecture, culture, food, and, of course, in the people.”   Prasad went on to explain that the food from the South of India is very different from the rest of the country: “Coconut, curry leaves, mustard seeds, rice, dal or legumes are cornerstones of Southern Indian cooking. The agricultural region is blessed with a range of produce due to good rains and fertile lands and the proximity to the coast means fresh seafood available throughout the year.”   Gunpowder, Masal, Idli (features, lentils, seeds and spices) “This is the “Land of Spices”, as reflected in the cuisine. Cardamom, pepper, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon are some of the important spices used in Southern Indian cooking. It is a truly inspiring region for me to explore through a new tasting menu!”   “I am very excited to showcase this new menu to our customers,” continued Prasad. “As ever, the evening tasting menu has ten different courses with each dish telling its own story of vibrant spicing. I have incorporated some amazing street-style preparations, such as Thakkali Rasam, Gunpowder Masala Idli, Niligiri Murgh Tikka, a special Mother’s style Sambar, Kongunadu Kozhi Kuzhambu, Coromandel Lamb Curry, King Prawn Thokku, and of course, the Madras Filter Coffee, with my special twist.”   Having noted that all of his street food tasting menus have received “immense love, appreciation and support from our patrons and guests”, Prasad says that his customers love Dhoom for its unique experience of travelling in India through the tastebuds. “We enable them to try authentic Indian street food and India-inspired cocktails.” “My whole kitchen team, and I, feel that our diners appreciate our hard work, and the focus on the detail, in recreating those experiences for them here in Dunfermline.”   “We very much hope that the guests will show love and support to their 12th journey to Chennai as well, and will cherish this completely different and new experience of the cuisine of the Southern Coast of India.” Bisibele Bath (a hot stove top lentil dish) Prasad also explained that his journeys to India “will never end.”   “I will keep going back to the streets of India and looking for something different, something unique and authentic,” he said. “I want to explore as many different regions, and parts of India as possible, to keep bringing back that flavour, that colour, that taste sensation to Dhoom.”   The Chennai Tasting Menu starts at Dhoom on Thursday 25th April and is set to run for some time. The seven-course lunch menu costs £16.95, the ten-course evening menu costs £28.95.

Mumbai Tasting Menu Another phenomenal taster menu has just been launched by the team at Dhoom Indian Streatery and Bar in Dunfermline. Chef/Owner Prasad has completed his latest street food research trip, this time to Mumbai, the largest city in India, and a city where world-famous street food is virtually a religion! The centre of the Bollywood film industry, with a vibrant and cosmopolitan atmosphere, Mumbai is notable for its many food markets, along with the iconic landmark that is the Gateway of India. Since its launch in 2018, multi-award-winning Dhoom has brought the tastes, flavours and sensations of Indian street food to Scottish diners. Patron, Prasad’s exploration of Mumbai cuisine follows the recent Kolkata menu. Seven regions of India have been showcased in innovative tasting menus including New Delhi which saw the Delhi Six menu. The new ten-course Mumbai taster Menu is full of delicious dishes which are the result of Prasad’s research. Starters such as Bamba Batat Vada from the Dadar Train Station , Sweet Corn Bhel from the Wankhede Cricket Stadium , and Chickpea Kotlet, famous chickpea cutlets from the old Parsi Colony , make clear references to the Mumbai places where they are traditionally found. Dhoom’s Schezwan Fish Fry , is an example of a fish fry from the Badra Worli Sea link, whilst the Mulberry Chicken Tikka takes diners to the silk farms of Mahabaleshwar. Included as a palate cleanser in the Taster Menu is Haulle Haulle, a delicious morsel inspired by the famous oranges of Nagpur. With nine different main courses to choose from, including fish, chicken, lamb, vegetable and goat curries, this incredible new menu offers both variety and authenticity. Kokum Fish Curry is a Mumbai-style Kokum and coconut Curry – Kokum is a fruit, related to the mangosteen, which is native to India. It is tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves to create a tastebud-tingling dish. Konkani Lamb Curry is a speciality of the Kookan Region on the coast, with Bambai Bhaji, offering mixed vegetables cooked in Mumbai-style bhaji masala. Such is the status of Mumbai as a truly inspirational street food City, Prasad has also introduced his “Tiffin Station” menu which references the emotional and practical significance attached to the simple metal Tiffin Box, or Dabba, as it’s also known. Tiffin Menu Used to transport home-cooked food to schools and places of work, and for those not so fortunate to have family members providing them with a daily Dabba, the Dabbawala Army originated in the 1890s to provide this vital service straight into places of work, and to Mumbai’s poorest and most disadvantaged residents. Daddawala Army members still don a distinctive white garb with an iconic Gandhi cap. With a pre-starter of Kala Channa Tikki , inspired by the famous Mumba Devi temple, the Tiffin Centre Dabba Menu then goes on to offer two different starters – choose from Chicken 65 Chat or Chickpea Kotlet . For the main course, tuck into a “home-style” Dabba vegetable, fish, chicken or vegan curry. All Dabba Curries are served in distinctive tiffin boxes with rice and Indian bread. The whole Dabba experience, which is available now, costs £20.95 per person. 2023 is once again proving successful for Dhoom in terms of industry awards and recognition, with the Streatery having been recognised by the AA for its superb cuisine. Dhoom Indian Streatery - 19-25 New Row, Dunfermline KY12 7EA - 01383 223240 Open everyday

A perfect setting for a seafood platter Despite driving under torrential rain recently, I discovered the joys of Fife. The picturesque rural scenery, once across the bridges, helps you realign your chakras and, even more so if your final destination is Fairmont .   Just 10 minutes from St Andrews, and between two championship golf courses, this estate encapsulates quintessential Scottish luxury. It is the perfect place for a retreat where you’ll never get bored. There are five dining options, bars, spa, wellness facilities, and 212 elegantly furnished guestrooms and suites.   I witnessed all of this when invited to the launch of the new summer menu at the St Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill Clubhouse . To get there the hotel reception provides a shuttle service since the restaurant has a clifftop location with stunning panoramic views over the immensity of the North Sea with the St. Andrews’ skyline blurred in the distance.   We are welcomed to an open space, where tables are well distanced thus ensuring the privacy of the diners, who appear lost in the landscape due to a long window embracing the whole dining room. Perfect for enjoying a magnificent sunset, although let us not forget that this is Scotland.   The 'Clubhouse' welcomes everyone; hotel residents, golfers, and locals who want to come and enjoy a cuisine that is not at all pretentious. Behind the wheel is Executive Chef Ian Syme who re-joined the Fairmont St Andrews team in 2022. The menu he’s designed screams classicism, full of recipes that cannot be missing in any clubhouse, but with a clear focus on promoting local and seasonal products, contributing to a more sustainable relationship with local farmers and suppliers. Fife's stunning landscape Our dinner kicked off with a chicken liver parfait that was smartly served with red onion marmalade, golden raisins and, Melba toast; and the earthiest heritage beetroot and goat cheese salad.   The pièce de résistance is their seafood platter presented as a ‘tower’ in the purest style of the ‘90s. Blessed nostalgia, sometimes I miss that eccentricity of the past when the produce is this good. The selection includes gin-cured salmon, Cumbrae oysters (and an assiette of classic accompaniments), East Coast crab meat dressed in dill and crème fraîche, West Coast langoustines, and St Andrews Bay Lobster.   The main course is a selection of cuts from different steaks (sirloin and rump). All the steaks come from Tweed Valley Farms that work with two breeds of cows: Murray Grey and Angus which roam freely, grazing on the lush pastures, having a very stress-free and hormone-free lifestyle. Steaks are dry-aged for a minimum of 30 days and beautifully cooked med-rare in their Josper grill. Ours are served with hasselback potatoes, Parmigiano, asparagus, and two sauces on the side: peppercorn and béarnaise.   The finale is a richly delicious milk chocolate layered cake, served in Paris-Brest style and a comforting sticky toffee pudding.   I never expect much of wine lists when visiting large hotel groups but, I am impressed this time by the balance of iconic wineries and small projects; the place to pop by to enjoy great wines in St. Andrews.   What else? Well, make sure you stop at the bar next to reception to end your night with their Pablo Poblano cocktail. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. Andrews Bay Clubhouse & Grill - St Andrews KY16 8PN

Lower Largo Bay The Crusoe Hotel is located in the fishing village of Lower Largo tucked between Leven and Elie on the Fife Coast. It sits in and I mean ’in’ Lower Largo Bay where the waves lick the solid, old building.  The hotel's namesake Defoe’s castaway was inspired by a local 17th-century sailor, Alexander Selkirk and in the village there is a statue of him dressed in goat skins peering out to sea. He spent four months stranded on the uninhabited Juan Fernández Islands . Pier seating Silverburn Park, Largo Law Hill, and sandy beaches make Lower Largo an enjoyable leisure destination, while the new Levenmouth railway link makes it more accessible to Edinburghers for a carbon-friendly trip out of town. The Crusoe was acquired in 2021 by Graham & Rachel Bucknall who also own The Ship Inn at Elie and The Bridge Inn, Ratho. They have executed a tasteful, clever refurbishment and polished up this traditional jewel. A bustling gastro-style restaurant sits on the second floor adjacent to an old-world nook repurposed as a bijou cocktail lounge with bay views. A dog-friendly pub sits below (note: dogs can stay at the hotel for £25 per night) and there is outdoor seating and pier tables. Hop down the rocks for a quick dip and maybe get a beer from the horsebox on your way up or a BBQ if the weather is good.  Salmon and Crab Roulade When we visit, boats bob in the water with the wind so we are seated in the restaurant. It’s Sunday lunch and full. I am pleased to see plenty of wines served by the glass and of course, there is a Selkirk Merlot from the renamed Selkirk Island, the refuge of the seafarer.  Staff are attentive, professional and friendly and inform us we can choose from Sunday Roast, Specials, Bar & Terrace and Restaurant menus.  Mr. Bite plumps for Pea Soup and Roast Beef while I choose Salmon and Crab Roulade and Spinach and Butternut Squash Risotto. A large glass of Alabarino is just the ticket to complement my starter. The food is hearty, quality, and fairly priced and local suppliers feature prominently. Mr. Bite comments on the focaccia accompanying his soup and the waitress tells us it comes from Barnett’s Bakery in Anstruther. He also says the rosy roast beef is excellent while I particularly like my roulade of crab encased in smoked salmon. There is a good local seafood and fish presence on the menu with suppliers such as Roy Shields of Lower Largo Harbour. You can hardly get fresher. It’s Sunday so we indulge in Sticky Toffee Pud and Milk Chocolate Brownie respectively. Both more than hit the spot, I would say they smashed it.  I am not surprised that The Cruso e won "Romantic Hotel of the Year" at the 2024 Scottish National Hotels of the Year awards. A seaside/harbour setting, dramatic views, location on the Fife Coast and tummy-pleasing eating and drinking options tick all the boxes for a variety of occasions/  (S. Wilson) The Crusoe Hotel, 2 Main Street, Lower Largo, Leven, KY8 6BT - 01333 406775