Cafe Review: Union of Genius, 8 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN

union of genius soup cafe salad bread

union of genius soup cafe salad bread

Soup Heaven in Edinburgh

We’ve known about Union of Genius for ages and have tried their lovely grub at the Scran Salon events at Hemma and Akva so a visit was long overdue.   We of course never do anything straight-forward here at Foodie Towers and went for lunch just before visiting the Foodies Festival, yes a food festival, at the start of the Edinburgh Festival, yeah one of the quietest times of the year in Edinburgh!
union of genius soup cafe salad breadThe outside is welcoming, with outdoor seating as well making the covers a grand total of around 15 seats, so get there quick if you want a seat. Inside is cosy with posters adorning the walls, lots of things to buy such as re-usable coffee cups, seasonings and spices.  Mrs Foodie grabbed a seat whilst Mr Foodie wrestled with a decision on the food.
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
There are up to six soups on offer plus three salads, a good selection. If you can’t quite decide on which soup to choose – there are soup flights, plus the server lets you have a little taste as well.
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
Coffee by Artisan Roast and Tea by Eteaket are available to sit -in and take-away.  If you are dairy-free soya and almond milk is also available.
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
Soup, salad, specials and combos board.
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
Get free soup or donate your soup.
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
 Picnic bags are also available to take away.union of genius soup cafe salad bread
Mrs Foodie opted for a red pepper and chilli stromboli salad. Fluffy and chewy with lots of flavour. More chilli would have been good. (£2.50)
union of genius soup cafe salad bread

Mr Foodie opted for the Peruvian Quinoa Chowder.  Quinoa, sweetcorn and chilli, which was very nice but a bit watery (isn’t chowder meant to be thick?). It tasted very similar to Baxter’s Spicy Tomato and Rice with Sweetcorn Soup but with quinoa in place of the rice.

union of genius soup cafe salad bread
The feta and apricot salad was filling and very healthy, far too healthy for Mr Foodie, he felt the need to buy a cake for being so good! At £7.50 it did seem a bit steep at the time of ordering, however it was tasty, filling and worth it.
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
Honey Cake, Union of Genius, Edinburgh
The Armenian Honey Cake ( £2.50) was just what was needed.  That right amount of sugar and stickyness to off-set that healthy feeling.  We shared this, but you’ll really want one each.
The toilet passed the toilet test, clean and tidy.   Bonus points for being part of toilet twinning….
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
and for having a sloth!
union of genius soup cafe salad bread
Union of Genius, Edinburgh
Location: Union of Genius, 8 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QN
Telephone: 0131 226 4436
Open: Usually Mon–Fri 8.30am–4pm; Sat noon–4pm. Closed Sun.
During the Fringe: Mon–Fri 8.30am–9pm; Sat & Sun 11.30am–9pm.
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Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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