Looking back through the EdinburghFoody archives, Voujon is a restaurant that has stood the test of time. First Caroline went in 2013, then Kerry in 2016. So, here in 2019, it was certainly my turn. And luckily for you, we’ve all eaten something different over the years!
Off to a good start
On a sunny Easter evening, dining companion Raymond and I began in the style of all good Indian meals: with a couple of crispy yet robust poppadums. They were accompanied by 3 tasty and varied pickles; fragrant onions, a hotter chunky lime and smooth, tangy mango.
The poppadums were swiftly followed by vegetable pakora, our favourite starter. I found them a little too oily and lacking crunchiness, but they were certainly flavourful. Raymond was unphased by the texture and applauded their savouriness. We both appreciated the generous jug of piquant tomato sauce for dipping.
Let’s try something new
Well set up for the meal ahead, we liked the way the menu offered a number of fusion dishes with recommended sides. I saved us angsting over what to order and instead presented us with the optimum combination.
Raymond plumped for assorted kebabs. Along came a generous portion, including a big chicken leg and a moist piece of breast, a lamb chop and enormous prawns. They were all nicely marinated with a chargrilled flavour from the tandoor. The dish was served with a light naan, crisp at the edges and fluffy in the middle, plus a side salad with a cold mango sauce. It was a pleasant contrast; not too sweet.
I chose the butterfly king prawns, accompanied by ghee rice with burnt onions and herbs. The prawns could have been served at a hotter temperature but were very tasty. In fact, I found myself sucking the shells to get the last drops of that charred seafood flavour – there were only 4 and I could easily have gone more! Meanwhile the rice was rich and moreish, with a lightness from the herbs. Ordinarily, I wouldn’t have chosen a dish without sauce, but I really enjoyed it.
Until next time
Looking over the rest of the menu’s wide selection of traditional starters and curries, I pegged their fish dishes to try on another occasion. (But could it compete with Konkana?) Their different rice combinations and various naan looked good too, many of which I saw pass by and delighting other diners. I was too full for a lassi, but I would try one of those too.
Throughout the evening, service was friendly and efficient without being intrusive. Ideal. There was a genial vibe, as early evening sunshine poured in across clean, white tablecloths illuminating families and friends tucking into their Easter Sunday curries. Takeaways flowed out the door, but without the lurking presence of the Deliveroo driver it was relatively peaceful. So I expect Edinburgh Foody will be back at Voujon. It’s simply one of those neighbourhood restaurants that merits support, time and again.
Voujon
107 Newington Rd, EH9 1QW
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Amy dined at the invitation of Voujon.