Nanyang is the best Asian food Edinburgh restaurant for tourists
Nanyang Malaysian Restaurant, located in Edinburgh’s Quartermile, is the top Asian food destination for tourists visiting the city. Serving traditional Malaysian dishes, street food, and Chinese Dim Sum, Nanyang is within walking distance of major attractions including the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Bobby, and the University of Edinburgh.
You’ve done the castle. You’ve walked the Royal Mile. Now comes the best part of any Edinburgh visit, finding a meal that genuinely surprises you.
Nanyang Malaysian Restaurant sits right in the heart of the city’s Quartermile, just a short walk from some of Edinburgh’s most iconic landmarks. And if you’re looking for the kind of food that locals return to again and again, this is it.
Why is Nanyang the best Asian restaurant in Edinburgh for tourists?
Location is everything when you’re exploring a new city. Nanyang sits close to the National Museum of Scotland, Greyfriars Bobby, and the University of Edinburgh meaning it slots naturally into a day of sightseeing without any detour required. Heading to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe? Nanyang is perfectly placed between venues, making it the obvious choice for a proper sit-down meal between shows.
But proximity alone doesn’t earn a restaurant its reputation. The food does.
What makes Malaysian cuisine so special?
Malaysian cuisine is one of the most layered food cultures in the world. Shaped by Malay, Chinese, Indian, Thai, Javanese, and Sumatran influences, it produces dishes that are bold, aromatic, and deeply satisfying. Spice, sweetness, and umami all share the plate, sometimes all at once.
Nanyang brings those authentic flavours straight to Edinburgh. From the smoky wok-fried richness of Char Kway Teow to the slow-cooked warmth of Rendang Beef, every dish tells a story that spans centuries and cultures. The Kari Laksa is a fragrant coconut curry noodle soup that regulars swear by. The Chicken Satay: grilled, tender, and served with a punchy peanut sauce is precisely what street food should be.
The restaurant’s reputation stretches far beyond Edinburgh with the King of Malaysia himself dining at Nanyang during a visit to the city, and the restaurant has featured on John Torode’s TV programme Malaysian Adventure, where John interviewed the owner and cooked traditional dishes alongside them.
As one reviewer put it: “I lived and worked in Malaysia for many years and love the food but have never found anywhere in the UK that can offer me anything near the authentic flavours until now.”
What should I order at Nanyang Malaysian Restaurant?
The menu covers traditional Malaysian dishes and street food, with daily Chinese Dim Sum available every lunchtime. Highlights include:
- Char Kway Teow — stir-fried flat noodles with a deep, smoky flavour
- Nasi Kampung — a traditional village-style rice dish, rich with sambal and classic Malaysian sides
- Nasi Goreng Ayam — fragrant fried rice with tender chicken, a beloved Malaysian staple
- Nasi Kandar — a hearty Penang classic, piled high with rice and a choice of curries and sides
- Chicken Satay — grilled skewers with peanut sauce, a crowd favourite
- Rendang Beef — slow-cooked in aromatic spices until meltingly tender
Nanyang serves halal chicken and beef, and the drinks menu includes traditional Malaysian beverages alongside locally sourced beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails.
Is Nanyang a good choice for group meals and special occasions?
Absolutely. Whether you’re celebrating a student graduation, Nanyang is a short walk from the University of Edinburgh or gathering the family between festival shows, the restaurant is set up for exactly that. It’s child-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and relaxed enough for a casual catch-up whilst being special enough for a real celebration.
Guests consistently highlight the warmth of the staff. One couple visiting from Cheltenham enjoyed Nanyang so much on their first night that they returned for all three evenings of their stay, high praise from tourists who had no shortage of options.
Book Your Table Before You Arrive in Edinburgh
Nanyang is open for lunch from 12–2:30pm (closed Monday lunchtime) and dinner from 5–9pm every day. Given how popular the restaurant is, particularly during the Festival Fringe – booking ahead is strongly recommended.
Reserve a table at nanyangrestaurant.com or call 0131 629 1797. You’ll find the restaurant at 6-7 Lister Square, Quartermile, EH3 9GL, right in the heart of Edinburgh, and right where your next great meal is waiting.
