Phil Wang’s Edinburgh Fringe Favorites
Navigating the Edinburgh Fringe can be a daunting task, especially with so many shows, restaurants, and bars to choose from. For Phil Wang, a seasoned comedian and writer, the Fringe has become a staple of his summer, and over the years, he’s developed a keen sense of where to find the best food, drink, and entertainment.
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Wang, who has been coming to the Fringe for over a decade, has a trusty list of top restaurants, bars, and venues that he visits every year without fail. In this article, we’ll delve into his favorite spots around the festival, from the best restaurants to the most buzzing bar areas.
Source: media.cntraveler.com
The Best Restaurants to Visit During Edinburgh Fringe
Wang’s first stop is Noodles and Dumplings, a Chinese restaurant located on South Clerk Street. ‘Edinburgh’s amazing for food, especially Chinese food,’ he says. ‘It’s one of the best Chinese food cities in the UK.’
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At Noodles and Dumplings, Wang has tried some of the best wonton noodle soups of his life. ‘All the noodles are handmade, hand pulled, hand cut, and all the wontons are made there in the shop,’ he explains. ‘You can buy these little cold platters of nuts and pickles for around £1 before you order.’
Another favorite restaurant of Wang’s is Mosque Kitchen, an institution located in the heart of the city. ‘It feels more like a cafeteria or a canteen than a restaurant, because so many comedians go, so you’ll always bump into people,’ he says. ‘You pick up a disposable plate, spoon some rice and tasty curry onto it. They’ll slop whatever you want on there; it’s big portions, and it’s pretty cheap.’
For a taste of Macanese cuisine, Wang recommends Macau Kitchen, a small restaurant run by a married couple, Kei and Hoeyyn. ‘It’s a beautiful little restaurant,’ he says. ‘It feels like you’ve come into someone’s living room. They have such an enthusiasm for their food.’
The Best Places to Drink During Edinburgh Fringe
Wang’s go-to bar area is the Pleasance Courtyard, which he describes as ‘the physical manifestation of the Fringe’s spirit and energy.’ ‘It’s a bit basic for a comedian to say that, but it still has an unmatched energy,’ he says. ‘People grab a drink between shows before running off to their next one.’
Another favorite of Wang’s is the Royal Dick, a pub located in the Summer Hall complex. ‘It’s a cosy little pub,’ he says. ‘You can get cocktails or a beer, and sit out on the terrace.’
For a more laid-back atmosphere, Wang recommends Brass Monkey, a beautiful pub with lots of little nooks and crannies. ‘If you can find a corner of the cushioned area, you can hide away with a gang for hours,’ he says.
The Best Venues at Edinburgh Fringe
Wang’s favorite venue is Monkey Barrel Comedy, a stand-up room located in the heart of the city. ‘It’s really professionally done,’ he says. ‘They tended to show weirder acts, or newer acts, at the start, but now they’re so prestigious, so I think it’s harder for newer acts to get in.’
Another favorite of Wang’s is the Pleasance Beneath, a room located in the Pleasance Courtyard. ‘It’s one of the few rooms that Pleasance had where it’s not really hot,’ he says. ‘It always has really exciting shows there.’
The Best Things to Do at Edinburgh Fringe
Wang’s final recommendation is to visit the Museum of Scotland, which he describes as ‘great’ and ‘right in the middle of town.’ ‘I’m a big museum fan,’ he says.
With these insider tips from Phil Wang, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the Edinburgh Fringe and discover the best of the festival. From the best restaurants to the most buzzing bar areas, Wang’s favorites are sure to make your Fringe experience unforgettable.
