Located on the third floor of an unimposing office building on North Castle Street, Chaophraya (pronounced chow-pry-a) offers more than just another breakfast spot in Edinburgh’s crowded dining scene.
Named after Thailand’s vital waterway that sustains Bangkok’s vibrant culture, this restaurant delivers on both ambience and culinary creativity.
While the restaurant is renowned for its regional Thai dinner menu, their new breakfast offering (served Friday through Sunday, 9:30-11:30 am) brings an exciting East-meets-West fusion to Edinburgh’s morning dining options. The setting alone with its golden Buddhas and opulent décor makes it worth the visit – and if you’re lucky enough to secure a table in the glass-enclosed dining area, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of both the Kingdom of Fife and Edinburgh Castle.
The breakfast menu ingeniously reimagines morning classics through a Thai lens. The hot smoked salmon pad ka prao eggs benedict arrived perfectly executed, featuring a sriracha-spiced hollandaise that adds just the right kick to start your day. The dish comes served on a pillowy muffin, accompanied by crispy sweet chilli and maple-glazed bacon, and I ordered a side of Thai-style smashed avocado that elevates the entire plate. The presentation on their distinctive teal blue pottery plates adds an extra touch of elegance.
While flavourful, my companion’s maple bacon buttermilk pancakes with chilli sauce didn’t quite hit the mark temperature-wise and seemed to lack that fresh-off-the-griddle quality she’d hoped for. However, the innovative beverage selection more than made up for any shortcomings. The turmeric and ginger shots, while intimidating at first with their promised chilli kick, proved to be a refreshing start to the morning without being overwhelming. The hot Thai tea deserves special mention – its smoky notes perfectly balanced with cream and sweetness, while a well-crafted cappuccino satisfied traditional coffee cravings. Service, as demonstrated by our waitress Ming, was both professional and engaging, matching the restaurant’s upscale atmosphere.
Verdict: While Edinburgh isn’t short on breakfast options, Chaophraya’s unique Thai interpretation of morning classics, with its stunning views and luxurious setting, makes it a worthy addition to your weekend brunch rotation. It’s an ideal spot for those seeking something beyond the usual eggs and bacon, offering a genuine fusion experience where Eastern flavours seamlessly blend with Western breakfast traditions.
