The best foodie events to take in at the Edinburgh Fringe

Love great food? Here are some of the best events to check out at the Edinburgh Festival if you are a foodie.

Published 29th Jul 2016
Updated 8 th Aug 2023

We are looking forward to the Edinburgh Fringe and as foodies we can't wait to check out some of the best food and drink events the Festival has to offer.

This year has some amazing events, so we've picked out the best shows, events and comedy gigs dedicated to food at the Festival.

Kev's Komedy Kitchen

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Where: Just the Tonic at the Mash House,  253 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1NN

When: August 4th-14th, 16th-28th

Genre: Comedy, cookery

What: Comedian Kevin Dewsbury is a Edinburgh Festival regular and this year he returns to host a new TV cookery show.

Organisers say the show will feature special guests from the Fringe, as well as exciting recipes and a few surprises.

Described as the "perfect afternoon Fringe show", Kevin will combine the ingredients of comedy and cookery with something to "tickle everyone’s taste buds".

Review: "A real treat of understated deadpan humour" - ThreeWeeks

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George Egg: Anarchist Cook

Where: Gilded Balloon Teviot, 25 Greenside Ln, Edinburgh EH1 3AA

When: August 22nd - 24th

Genre: Comedy, cookery

What: After selling out at last year's Fringe, festival favourite George Egg returns with his irreverent show that mixes comedy with cookery by way of the equipment more usually found in hotel rooms.

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A fanatical self-taught cook, you'll marvel at his ability to create three course meals using innovative techniques perfected during those times of boredom between shows on his international tours.

Review:  "George's show Anarchist Cook is absolutely glorious" - The Scotsman

Illuncheon: A Picnic of Tricks!

Where: Paradise in the Vault, 11 Merchant Street, EH1 2QD

When: August 22nd - 28th

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Genre: Magic, kid's show

What: This one is perfect for the kids and the ideal distraction to keep the whole family entertained. Magician Owen Lean graduated in 2006 with the world's first degree in street magic. Ever since then he has travelled the world "entertaining those without even the remotest interest in magic".

With this new festival show he invites families along to enjoy an illusion-packed luncheon filled with "sorcery and sandwiches".

Famous Taste of Scotland Cabaret Dinner Show

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Where: Prestonfield House, Prestonfield Rd, EH16 5UT

When: August 1st-5th, 7th-12th, 14th-19th, 21st-26th, 28th-31st

Genre: Cabaret and Variety

What: Perfect for those looking to indulge in a night of traditional Scottish celebration. Set in the idyllic 17th-century Prestonfield House, adjacent to Royal Holyrood Park, the Famous Taste of Scotland Cabaret Dinner Show, offers a night of traditional Scottish entertainment; Haunting Scottish music, traditional song, lively ceilidh dancing, traditional Scots fiddle and bagpipes and a rousing finale from Three Scottish Tenors each night.

The spectacular two-hour show follows a delicious four-course Scottish dinner including "Angus beef, Scottish salmon and a taste of traditional haggis".

Dram & Smoke Pop-up Dining

Where: The Biscuit Factory, 4-6 Anderson Pl, Edinburgh EH6 5NP

When: August 5th-7th, 10th-14th, 17th-21st, 24th-28th

Genre: Events

What:  Already famous south of the border for their sell out London pop-ups, Edinburgh duo Paul Ross and Nick Fulton are heading back to their homeland for the Edinburgh Festival; taking over a former Biscuit Factory in Leith throughout the festival.

Individually-plated courses will be served from an open kitchen and guests are encouraged to get stuck in, particularly when main course arrives in the form of an epic, carve-at-the-table Braised Beef Brisket served with an array of sides to share.

Focussing on Scottish produce courses will include Smoked Ham Hock & Haggis Terrine with Tattie Scones, Pickles & Crispy Capers and a summery Rhubarb & Custard dessert that arrives with slabs of Heather Honeycomb to be cracked into using mini hammers.

Those Scottish seafood gems ‘spoots’ get a look-in too in the second course of Pearl Barley Risotto with Razor Clams, Scottish Chorizo & Mushrooms.

Wonders at Dusk

Where: The Dome

When: August 5th-7th, 9th-14th, 16th-21st, 23rd-28th

Genre: Magic, Theatre

What: Illusionist Scott Silven performs a show filled with mind reading and illusion in the stunning surroundings of the Dome, one of Edinburgh's most iconic and breathtaking buildings.

"With a cocktail in hand, ascend the stairs, immerse your imagination, and experience wonders at dusk".

Review: "With formidable style, unbelievable talent and even recognition from David Blaine, Scott is not to be missed" - WhatsOnStage.com

Tommy Miah’s Ultimate Indian Street Food Festival

Tommy Miah with Sir Tom Farmer (right) outside the Raj. Picture: Gary Doak.

Tommy Miah with Sir Tom Farmer (right) outside the Raj. Picture: Gary Doak.

Where: The Raj, 12 Hillhouse Road, Blackhall, EH4 2AG

When: 5th to the 29th of August

Genre: Dance, food

What: A little bit further out, but well worth checking out, this event sees Chef Entrepreneur Tommy Miah of The Raj, Edinburgh and Institute of Hospitality Management offer mouth-watering street foods such as aloo tik, kis, golgappas and kebabs, all from the gastronomically rich quarters of Old Delhi and Bangladesh.

In addition dishes from other parts of Indian and Bangladesh, such as Bombay mix, bharta, nihari, dal batti, dosas and bhel puri will also be on offer. All to be enjoyed while watching dancers perform the traditional Indian Odissi dance.

Arbikie's A Club

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Where: Merchant's Hall, 22 Hanover St, EH2 2EP

When:  Fri 5th - Sun 28th August

Genre: Food, Drink, Music

What: The A Club is the brainchild of Arbikie and Mike Fraser of Mackenzie Catering looking to showcase Scotland’s finest food and drink to festivalgoers. Guests will be able to enjoy a consummate table and dining service at the sophisticated setting of The Merchants' Hall. There will also be an array of world-class entertainment featuring Hollywood actor, Brian Cox and 56 performances from 29 live music artists.

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Driven by a passion for all things drinks-related, Sean writes for The Scotsman extensively on the subject. He can also sometimes be found behind the bar at the world famous Potstill bar in Glasgow where he continues to enhance his whisky knowledge built up over 10 years advising customers from all over the world on the wonders of our national drink. Recently, his first book was published. Dubbed Gin Galore, it explores Scotland's best gins and the stories behind those that make them.
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