Seemor
KOCHCHI EdinburghB+Worth Trying
Bonnie and Wild Market Place, St James Quarter, 415-417 Saint James Square, Edinburgh EH1 3AE
· Sri Lankan restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (258 reviews)
Takeout
Punchy Sri Lankan street food inside a food hall; koththu and black pork dishes shine, with quick-serve vibes, modest pricing, and occasional wait-time or spice/portion gripes.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
KOCHCHI delivers competitive quality for a food hall stall, with exceptional food quality anchored by the celebrated black pork koththu and authentic Sri Lankan execution. Strong service attentiveness and solid value support the grade, though occasional consistency variation in spice and seasoning, combined with variable wait times during peak hours, prevents a higher standing. The convenient central location within St James Quarter appeals to casual diners but lacks destination-level distinction.
Restaurant Summary
Inside St James Quarter’s Bonnie & Wild food hall, KOCHCHI draws you in with the aroma of sizzling roti and deep, tangy curries. The scene feels lively and casual, with folks hovering for seats and trays landing fast when the kitchen is humming. One diner summed it up neatly: "The black pork koththu was the dish I kept thinking about hours later." Expect counter service and shared seating, plus the occasional queue at peak times. The cooking leans authentic Sri Lankan street food with a modern polish: roti, koththu, and hoppers done with confidence rather than theatrics. The black pork koththu is the headline act, while chicken or cauliflower koththu, crisp-edged hoppers, and roti-and-curry plates round out the hits. Spice levels vary; staff can guide you, though a few guests still found dishes either too mild or unexpectedly hot. Portions are generally satisfying, though some wish for more sauce. Families do well here thanks to approachable bites like cheese roti melts, godamba roti, and mild hoppers. Adventurous kids may love the coconut sambol and tatties, but heat-sensitive eaters should ask for gentle spice and extra sauce. There is no dedicated kids menu, yet the menu has enough simple options to make a practical, quick meal in the food hall.
At a Glance
- Black pork koththu and curries earn consistent raves
- Strong value for central location with mains around £12-13
- Plenty of vegan and some gluten-free options
- Waits can stretch to 30-40 minutes at busy times
- Spice and portion size perception vary; some dishes feel dry without extra curry
What Sets It Apart
- award-winning_sri_lankan_stall
- standout_black_pork_specialty
- broad_vegan_selection_in_food_hall
What People Love
- Deep, tangy black pork flavors
- Crunchy, delicate hoppers
- Customizable add-ons like fried egg
- Food-hall convenience with lively vibe
Points of Concern
- Wait-time inconsistencies at peak hours; a few reports of later orders arriving first
- Spice calibration varies; a minority found dishes too mild or very hot
- Portion expectations differ; some guests wanted more curry or larger bowls
- Review patterns show modest templated owner replies and some marketing-style praise, but overall authenticity appears strong
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£18-25 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For milder palates: Chicken Hopper (£7.45) and Cheese Roti Melts (£5.50)
- For vegans: Cauliflower Curry (£12.00) or Veg/Cauliflower Koththu (£11.95-£12.45)
- For spice lovers: Black Pork Koththu (£11.95) with Red Hot Chilli Relish (£1.50)
Perfect For
- Casual lunch during shopping
- Quick pre-show dinner with spice lovers
- Solo bite in the city center
- Mixed-diet groups seeking vegan-friendly options
Location Insights
Area: Modern mixed-use retail and dining destination appealing to shoppers, office workers, and visitors.
Safety: Well-lit, high foot traffic, mall security presence; perceived as safe and maintained.
Nearby: Inside Bonnie & Wild food hall on an upper floor of St James Quarter; near shops, bars, hotels, and the city center.
New TownNew Town is known for its Georgian architecture and upscale atmosphere, offering a sophisticated dining scene with a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars. The area attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking quality food experiences in a stylish urban setting.
St James QuarterSt James Quarter is a modern retail and leisure complex within New Town, featuring contemporary dining venues and casual eateries that cater to shoppers and professionals. It provides a lively and accessible environment with a focus on convenience and variety.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–21:00
Tuesday12:00–21:00
Wednesday12:00–21:00
Thursday12:00–21:00
Friday12:00–21:30
Saturday12:00–21:30
Sunday12:00–21:00
Available: Takeout
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