Edinburgh's 'Brazil-in-a-box' is a must visit lunch spot

The Herald Scotland

3 days ago

As for Edinburgh? There's a little spot that describes itself as 'Brazil-in-a-box', bringing a taste of South America to the capital city.
Located in a green police box on Lauriston Place, at Tupiniquim you'll find a menu of savoury crêpes filled with fresh, healthy ingredients that the team promises will 'brighten up your day'.
Taking some time to scout out quick bites near popular Fringe venues, this place is first on my list after spotting an impressive run of five-star reviews online.
If anything can improve my mood after a morning of ducking and weaving through the crowds of summertime tourists prone to stopping for selfies midstep, I figure this will be it.
It all begins with the batter at Tupiniquim, a blend of rice, tapioca starch, maize, buckwheat and potato flours with added eggs and milk. It's a naturally gluten-free recipe which can easily be made vegan by switching to almond milk. A win for inclusive eating.
With my plant-based days far behind me, however, I'm drawn to a less veggie-friendly filling dubbed 'Release the Chicken' (£11.30) with pulled chicken breast, gooey mozzarella, avocado, sweet corn, cherry tomatoes, and spinach.
Prepared on a smoking hot griddle, the thin crêpe is given the chance to bubble as it cooks, creating a crisp outer layer that will hold up when packed with sauce and molten cheese.
Pictured: The 'Release the Chicken' with pulled chicken breast, mozzarella, avocado, sweet corn, spinach, and both semi-dried and cherry tomatoes (Image: Newsquest) 'Would you like it spicy?', a member of the two-person team in charge asks at some point during the speedy preparation process. Not one to back down from a challenge, my response is a firm yes.
Perhaps they wisely called my bluff, because when the hefty finished product is handed over, there's a gentle buzz of heat from added jalapenos rather than a wave of spice guaranteed to trigger an embarrassing fit of hiccups in front of a crowded outdoor seating area.
It's just right, and despite a blanket of melted cheese, this veggie and protein-packed wrap still feels like a more nourishing lunch option than some of the deep-fried, you'll find at other street food vendors in the city.
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I learn later that this was owners Fernando and Gardenia's main aim for Tupiniquim when launching the business in 2010 after moving from Brazil to Edinburgh.
To this day, their belief remains that "healthy and delicious food should be an experience accessible to everyone, anywhere and anytime".
A truly healthy lifestyle is, of course, all about balance, so on the menu there is also a selection of sweet crepes ranging from banana, cinnamon and pecans to Dulce de Leche and a splash of Baileys.
Lacking a sweet tooth, more interesting to me is the Feijoada, a popular Brazilian dish described as a rich and smoky black bean stew made with pork ribs, pork belly and smoked sausage atop rice and stir-fried green beans.
This special is only available on Saturdays, so there will be no chance to put this to the test today. That's probably for the best, as it would take an appetite more ambitious than mine to tackle two orders from this place.
But after my first experience of this tiny little kitchen in the heart of the Fringe action, I'm far from disappointed with the prospect of a return trip.
Tupiniquim is located at the Green Police Box on Lauriston Place, Edinburgh.
Find them on social media @tupiniquim_brasilcrepes.