Express Burrito – SADLY NOW CLOSED

OK, OK – my name’s Blythe and I’m addicted to writing about mediocre burritos. There, I’ve said it.

Exterior

The arrival of a new burrito place – or I think more accurately an old wrap place called Cafe Arabicana rebranded as a burrito place – had me rushing to West Nicolson Street to check out Express Burrito.

But first I stopped in to say hi to the folks from Field, which is always a good thing to do.

The interior of Express Burrito remains much the same as the previous place with a simple counter set up geared to serving takeaway customers.

My eye was caught by the veggie burrito which formed part of a wide range of options including quesadillas, burgers and so on. The counter man starting sloppily assembling things with the filling essentially comprising a bit of everything including hummus, a couple of salsas, guacamole, olives, sweetcorn, rice, a mountain of beans, salad and jalapenos.

Burrito

It was then toasted lightly in the back shop then delivered to my fair hand. I wandered back towards my office munching as I strolled.

It proved a rather odd concoction with so many elements that everything was pretty indistinct. Some of the grains of rice were decidedly crunchy which wasn’t good, but there was the occasional pleasing note of light smokiness from…something or other. Maybe the beans? Or one of the sauces? Who knows.

So overall, Express Burrito didn’t step into my burrito quality void in quite the way I’d hoped. It did provide a hearty eat for the money but it’s not a lunch that will live long in the memory. I think the previous place was doing wraps to a slightly better quality so I’m not sure their change of direction is one that will work out too well for them.

Scores
Blythe scores Express Burrito
3/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 13/20

I ate: veggie burrito

I wore: black scarf

Total bill: £4

Address: 25-27 West Nicolson Street, Edinburgh EH8 9DB