Baobab Tree Cafe

Exterior

Exterior

Edinburgh has an excellent cross-section of culinary options across our compact and beautiful city. The arrival of the Baobab Tree Cafe, where the Pulp Fiction bookshop used to trade, intrigued me, so I gave it a visit to see what it brought to our rich tapestry of eateries.

Showcasing a small menu of African dishes alongside a routine coffee range, I was up for trying one of their main courses which seemed to focus on hearty chicken and vegetable dishes.

Food

Food

From their selection of three regular options, I went for the chicken farigne, which brought together “chicken, flour, vegetables, tomato paste, and a special blend of herbs and spices”. Their dish descriptions could use a little work. I had the option of couscous or rice as an accompaniment. I opted for the former.

Sadly, the dish didn’t really come together any better than the description. Although the chicken was nicely tender, the dish looked very sloppy and tasted of nothing much. It was just a fairly bland stew. The couscous was similarly plain and unseasoned.

Interior

Interior

So overall, while I like the notion of a little cafe like this showcasing some unusual dishes, the quality of the cooking on display was pretty rudimentary. With more pizzazz, this smart and friendly place could build a niche for itself, but if it doesn’t improve very quickly I fear its tenure will be short and none too sweet.

Scores
Blythe scores the Baobab Tree Cafe
2/5 for food
2/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 11/20

I ate: chicken farigne

I drank: water

I wore: action footwear

Total bill: £4

Baobab Tree Cafe on Urbanspoon

This entry was posted in African, Edinburgh Cafe, Old Town and tagged , , . Bookmark the permalink.

5 Responses to Baobab Tree Cafe

  1. MrFoodie says:

    Do you know if they sell baobab juice?

  2. Ana says:

    The place is really nice, and the food is amazing, i totally disagree with that review that you wrote, is very good value for money and they improving every day, before u write that should understand and give chance to people who are starting a business

  3. Isa says:

    I totally disagree with your review, the food is great and is a amazing value for money. I am a regular of this place and they are improving everyday. I think you shouldn’t critise somebody who is just starting a business, you dont make them any favour. Anyway, totally recomend this place

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