Seemor
Soul VeganA-Worth Trying
46 W Richmond St, Edinburgh EH8 9DZ
· Vegan restaurant, Asian restaurant, Malaysian restaurant
· 4.9/5 Google (1434 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Vegan Malaysian comfort hits with standout laksa and warm, quick service in a tiny, often-cramped room; book ahead and expect a brisk, affordable meal with bold flavors.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Soul Vegan earns its A- grade through exceptional food quality—particularly its signature laksa with fragrant, creamy broth—paired with outstanding service attentiveness and impressive speed even during peak times. Cramped seating and tight table spacing limit ambiance appeal, while some variability in execution prevents grade A territory, but generous portions and fair pricing make this a competitive neighborhood favorite worth experiencing for its bold vegan Malaysian cooking.
Restaurant Summary
The tiny room hums with warm, bustling energy, and plates arrive fast with the perfume of coconut, chili, and lime. One diner gushed, "That laksa was the bowl I will think about for weeks." It can feel cramped at peak times, and tables sometimes turn briskly, but staff are generally friendly and on it. The cooking leans contemporary vegan Malaysian with creative swerves: rich, aromatic broths, playful plant-based BBQ, and mushrooms in starring roles rather than supporting parts. Laksa steals the show, while nasi lemak and the BBQ combo back it up. If you are spice-curious and enjoy bold flavors, this will feel like comfort food with flair. For families, space is tight and dishes can be spicy and saucy. That said, there are kid-accessible items like chips and sweet corn soup, plus fried starters. No stated kids menu, so selective eaters may struggle; adventurous kids who like noodles and mild curry will be fine, but plan to ask about spice levels.
At a Glance
- Signature laksa earns rave reviews for depth and comfort
- Friendly, fast service even when busy
- Generous portions and fair pricing for central Edinburgh
- Very small, tightly packed room with brisk table turns
- Some dishes vary in execution (wet rice, rubbery katsu noted)
What Sets It Apart
- vegan-malaysian-specialist
- signature-laksa
- convincing-vegan-bbq-meats
- speedy-kitchen-at-peak
What People Love
- Craveable, creamy laksa broth
- Convincing vegan BBQ meats
- Speedy kitchen and friendly staff
- Portions that feel generous for the price
Points of Concern
- Cramped seating and occasional drafts from the open door during rush periods
- Some inconsistency across rice and mushroom mains
- Confusion about service charge and sides like rice needing to be ordered separately for some mains
- Festival times bring queues and faster table turnover
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£28-38 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Anchor your order with Laksa or Nasi Lemak; add Satay Tofu to share; if choosing lemon mushroom mains, include a rice side; finish with banana or taro fritters when available.
Perfect For
- A quick, flavor-packed dinner before a show
- Mixed vegan and non-vegan groups curious about Malaysian flavors
- Solo or duo noodle cravings
- Travelers seeking a reliable vegan destination meal
Location Insights
Area: Student-heavy Southside close to Old Town; casual, artsy, and festival-driven footfall.
Safety: Generally safe, busy streets with steady evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near University of Edinburgh buildings and Old Town attractions; strong festival crowds in August.
SouthsideSouthside is a lively and diverse neighborhood with a strong student presence from nearby universities. The dining scene includes casual eateries, pubs, and international cuisine, catering to both locals and visitors. The area balances residential calm with active nightlife and cultural venues.
BrunswickBrunswick is a sub-area within Southside known for its Georgian architecture and quiet residential streets. It offers a more relaxed dining atmosphere with boutique cafes and small restaurants, appealing to those seeking a less touristy experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday
Tuesday17:00–21:30
Wednesday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30
Thursday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30
Friday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Saturday12:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday12:00–15:00, 17:00–21:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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