It’s that age-old question – to do, or not to do Dry January? To make New Year’s Resolutions or not? I’m in the “not camp” on both counts!
Why? I don’t have the willpower, and who would deny themselves the simple pleasures of life in the most depressing month of the year – one that also happens to be my birthday month? I’m more in the camp of life’s for living, and making the most of this cold, dark, depressing month by planning what I want to achieve in the next year.
But for those of you who are doing Dry January, I have a top foodie recommendation: experiencing an afternoon tea – but Indian style.
Afternoon Tea Spots Across the City
There’s no shortage of places to experience afternoon tea in the city. Some will cost you a pretty penny. The Colonnades at the Signet Library is probably one of the most expensive afternoon teas in the city, but fabulous – especially when someone else was footing the bill. Tea at Edinburgh’s most opulent boutique hotel at Prestonfield House, again highly recommended but will set you back a pretty penny or two – but it’s worth every penny.
But if, like me, you’re having a frugal January, you don’t need to necessarily splash the cash to enjoy the delights of an afternoon tea. And for those that aren’t having a temperate January, there’s always the option to add a glass of fizz or even a cocktail to your afternoon tea experience.
If you’re a super-savvy saver, there’s no end of deals to be had on the likes of itison or Wowcher. But my other tip would be the Queen Charlotte Tea-Rooms in Leith, where you can experience the Orient Express Experience with the grandeur and splendour of this magnificent carriage but without the extortionate price. IYKYN! I like it so much; I’ve been four times. But you’ll need to plan – it gets booked out months in advance!
My Latest Discovery: Indian-Inspired Afternoon Chai
But my latest afternoon tea find is the Indian-inspired Afternoon Chai at Prahna Indian Grill in Corstorphine, of all places.
Although the location is slightly out of town, it provided the perfect excuse for a catch-up with a friend who lives in the area and who was recovering from a recent hip operation and wasn’t drinking due to the painkillers she was on. It meant she also didn’t have to schlep into town and risk the hordes of tourists and locals enjoying the Capital’s Festive celebrations, Christmas and shopping. And for me, it was no bother to catch a quick express bus from Princes Street, with the beauty that the bus stopped right outside.
There are three different packages on offer: the traditional (£19), Prosecco (£25), and one with a cocktail (£26). Each comes beautifully served on a rustic wooden, hexagonally tiered serving stand with canapés, sliders, and Indian flavoured cakes.
The Experience
The presentation of the Afternoon Chai was a showstopper, and everything tasted sublime. We had bottomless Masala Chai, and they were delicious. Although the combination of black tea, spices, and frothed milk is typically an acquired taste, this one was perfect – not too sweet and not too spicy. Just right. And the beauty, I didn’t need to spend 30 minutes waiting for it to brew.
The Verdict
Highly recommended. It might be a trek out to Corstorphine, but Prahna’s Indian Grill is well worth a visit, whether it’s for a meal or the fabulous value-for-money Indian inspired Afternoon Chai. A little bit of luxury without breaking the bank during the frugality of January. And I’d go so far as to say, it warrants a mention on my Edinburgh recommendations as one of the most affordable and enjoyable afternoon tea experiences I’ve ever had.
New Year’s Resolutions, Reconsidered
Oh, and I’ve changed my mind about my New Year’s resolutions. I’m setting myself a challenge of planning at least one foodie experience a month during 2026. More on that in my February column.
For now, I’ve already got one on my hit-list – the Desi-Afternoon Tea at Kahani’s on Antigua Street – and it’s only a block away from home. And it’s a steal too, at £39.99 for 2, and better still, it’s BYOB! So, there’ll definitely be No Dry January for me!
