Traveling 6211.37 miles to eat street food is crazy, right?
But imagine the thrill of eating street food while immersing yourself in the history of a city like Edinburgh.
Well, that’s a whole new level of adventure.
Street food wasn’t just a casual part of my latest Auld Reekie Adventure, it was a culinary journey that added a unique flavor to Birthday Adventure 2024.
Birthday Adventure 2024 wasn’t just about the destination, it was about the company. Sharing this journey with my adventurous friends, Laura and Maria, added a whole new dimension to exploring Edinburgh.
This trip was Maria’s first time traveling outside North America. We chose the United Kingdom due to its similarities to the USA, such as a common language, to avoid overwhelming Maria and extinguishing her travel spark.
We also referred to Candy’s Travel Buddy Tips before booking tickets and hotels. This helped establish acceptable practices before we headed to Edinburgh.
Once tickets and hotels were booked, we discussed activities and other particulars.
As this would be my fifth trip to Edinburgh (the third in four years), I let Laura and Maria choose the activities. My role during this adventure was more that of a tour guide.
Yes, it was my Birthday Adventure. But what’s better than exploring one of your favorite cities with friends and showing them how much fun it is to see the world with their own eyes?
Okay – indulging myself on lobster and steak springs to mind, but I can do that on any adventure – and I have more than once.
GETTING HERE
Getting to Edinburgh was not difficult; it just required detailed planning. Initially, we planned to fly to London and then take the train to Edinburgh. We thought it would be a cool way to see more of the UK’s countryside.
However, logistics proved more challenging than expected. As a result, we decided to fly directly to Edinburgh.
LODGING
We opted to book an Airbnb because finding a hotel room for three people, or getting separate hotel rooms, was expensive. I’m not a fan of Airbnb, but it was the best option in this case.
We chose a fantastic Airbnb on Broughton St Lane, which offered three separate rooms, two bathrooms, and a nice living area. Additionally, it was conveniently located near a tram stop, grocery stores, and the Edinburgh Street Food area.
Our host, Denise, was wonderful and responsive. She shared some insider tips and recommendations, making our stay even more enjoyable. We had no issues, and it was a quiet area. There was also a selection of movies and board games for those hours when we just wanted to kick back and relax.
THE PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE
First on the ‘must explore’ list was The Palace of Holyroodhouse. I’ve explored the palace before, but Laura and Maria had never visited it.
Although I had visited a decade ago as part of a group tour, this time I took the time to listen to the audio guide and learn about the palace’s history and key events.
Laura even lived out a secret fantasy – being Queen for five minutes. 🤪
One thing that irked me is that photography is not allowed inside the palace. I understand it is a working palace, but I don’t like visiting places where I can’t visually record my experience.
It’s like finally seeing the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and being told you can’t take a photograph — which is actually the rule. However, I don’t think people obey that rule.
EDINBURGH CASTLE
No adventure to Auld Reekie is complete without a visit to Edinburgh Castle. We booked an entrance time that allowed us to explore the castle before the one o’clock Gun.
We explored the Scottish National War Museum and saw the Honours of Scotland, the oldest crown jewels in Britain.
For the most part, we simply enjoyed the lovely views. Though cloudy, Mother Nature blessed us with rays of sunshine for the duration of our visit.
ROYAL MILE
Once again, I found myself on the Royal Mile. I seem to end up here on every Auld Reekie visit. And every year, I somehow always end up walking UP the Royal Mile instead of DOWN. Birthday Adventure 2024 was no different. I have yet to figure out how this happens every time! 😤
Visiting the palace, castle, and Royal Mile were at the top of our exploration list. The rest of the adventure was filled with photo safaris and shopping, which led us to Victoria Street.
VICTORIA STREET
An array of colors hits you as you wander onto this street. Lined with unique boutiques, souvenir shops, and artisanal stores, each store offers a wide range of products from local crafts to international brands.
This winding cobblestone lane is one of Edinburgh’s most iconic streets. I’m not a Harry Potter fan, so I was more interested in the non-Harry Potter stores. The street is trendy, so it got crowded really quickly.
We were interested in getting some of the best-pulled pork ever at Oink, but the large crowd inside the small eatery made waiting an hour for a pulled pork sandmich unappetizing.
THE CONAN DOYLE
Instead of pulled-pork, we had beef and chicken at The Conan Doyle. The pub is renowned for its eclectic range of real ales and quality pub food, both served with a generous dose of the famous British hospitality.
The pub is across the street from the statue of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective – Sherlock Holmes.
Was this a subliminal message to me to stop procrastinating and complete my third and fourth novels?
I think Laura and Maria would respond, “That’s Elementary, Candy,” which is California speak for Hell Yeah!
Although tempted to try the Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, and Stovies, we settled for more familiar edibles.
Added bonus: Laura discovered how yummy Halloumi cheese is when grilled.
I opted for the Balmoral Chicken – which consists of roasted chicken breast with haggis wrapped in smoked back bacon accompanied by a whisky sauce, Cornish clotted cream mash, long-stem broccoli, and thyme roasted carrots.
Laura and Maria chose the Slow-cooked Beef Rib, Shin & Pulled Brisket Pie. This succulent pie is cooked in a rich red wine sauce, topped with light pastry, and served with roasted carrots, rich gravy, and Cornish clotted cream mash.
Laura complemented her meal with an Espresso martini, complete with the standard four coffee beans garnish. #YUMMY
EDINBURGH STREET FOOD
Laura suggested we try Edinburgh Street Food, a foodie paradise with global flavors from award-winning independent vendors. It’s open seven days a week and offers everything barbecue to pizza to Indian and Peruvian cuisine.
When we arrived, the place was crowded, but we eventually found a table and began ordering. It’s a good thing you can order from your table, and we used that option.
I ordered a Barbecue Burnt Ends, a strawberry cheesecake, and a refreshing non-alcoholic mint & lime spritzer. Everything was delicious and filling.
The aromas, the sizzling sounds, and the vibrant atmosphere made our street food experience truly memorable.
CONCLUSION
Auld Reekie once again proved to be a fantastic cultural, hospitable, foodie-loving, and historical adventure. I always enjoy my adventures here. Laura and Maria seemed to have enjoyed themselves too, judging by the smiles on their faces.
And there was still more Auld Reekie had to show us.
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