The Real Junk Food Project at Canongate Youth

It’s great to see the Real Junk Food Project popping up as part of the Festival. They’ve been a real breath of fresh air for Edinburgh, of late, with their commitment to spreading the message of minimising food waste and turning intercepted ingredients into super tasty dishes.

They are running a single sitting supper every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of the Festival, starting at 6.30pm, in the Canongate Youth Centre on Infirmary Street. They have aspirations to continue this beyond the bounds of August, too, which would be great

On the evening I visited, I shambled in just after 7, resplendent in blue and white action footwear, having missed the memo about things starting at 6.30 (I just assumed they were serving whenever from then, which is sort of true, but they’re looking to do just one sitting), but with apologies made I grabbed a seat and soup was brought while others finished their starters.

The soup was a very tasty broccoli and cauliflower cheese. It really hit the spot and the excellent accompanying sourdough bread was every bit as good.

I got a little taste of all of the main courses, as the communal dining tables leant themselves to this type of sharing. My sausage stovies were very good with the tatties particularly fresh and tasty. The quiche and the chilli were both heartily good, too.

I’m not one for puddings but it seemed churlish not to have a go at the banana bread and butter pudding. It was just lovely.

Live music from two very young and very talented women rounded the evening out and I was left to reflect on a very enjoyable experience.

So overall, the Real Junk Food Project’s August pop-up is definitely worth a visit. It’s Pay as You Feel, so the price is up to you. Whatever you contribute, you’ll be richly rewarded with very good quality dishes with an important idea and message at their heart. During the week, this space is used as a cafe serving lunches between 11 and 3pm. I’ll be back to review that in the next few days.