We have officially entered soup season and my first port of call for lunch on a drizzly Tuesday afternoon was the Himalaya Cafe on South Clerk Street. This spot has been on my list of places to try for some time now, so I was thrilled to find out that they serve soup here alongside an array of curries, dhals, and thali plates.
Before I delve into the joys of my souping experience, I want to mention the interior design in Himalaya. It is hands down one of the most vibrantly decorated cafes I’ve ever seen in Edinburgh. The tables themselves feature flowers, jewellery, memory scrapbooks, fresh fruit, and a whole host of other trinkets and ornaments. Not to mention the walls that are adorned with a selection of rich tapestries and fabrics reflecting the North Indian/Nepalese influence of both the cafe and its cuisine.
On this occasion I opted for the Spicy Tibetan Chicken Long Noodle Soup which was served in a huge porcelain painted bowl. With a rich golden broth this soup had a lovely balance of flavours. The chilli, rather than overpowering the flavour, provided a subtle kick in the aftertaste. I was thoroughly impressed with the generous serving of succulent chicken and softened long noodles which left me feeling rather full! In addition to the meat and noodles this soup also contained a mix of stir-fried vegetables ranging from diced cabbage to thinly cut carrots.
In terms of ambiance, Himalaya had a warm and welcoming atmosphere with smells and sounds of cooking wafting through from the kitchen. The menu is composed of authentic Himalayan dishes — an ode to Tibet — with their homemade chai made from fresh herbs being a standout feature.
I thoroughly enjoyed this spot and would highly recommend stopping by, as nothing quite warms the soul like a hot bowl of soup.
Images supplied by Rose Farquharson for The Student
