Golden Bridge

As an Indian living in Edinburgh for roughly 14 years now, I usually find it hard to get really good, authentic Indian food in the city (though some exceptions exist, such as Anna Purna and Zest, and I don’t claim to have tried every place in Auld Reekie). So it was a wonderful surprise to find Golden Bridge which serves a range of Chinese cuisine, but specialises in food from the Guizou and Sichuan provinces (the chef, Ma, and his wife, Sue, are from the former). Some of this food is very spicy, taxing even my palate which was used to having Pork Vindaloo back home in India. But most of it is moderately spiced if spicy at all, and the tastes (to my mind at least) are exquisite.
Top favourite of all time (also a winner with relatives from India who visited some years ago) is the whole sea bass which comes in a delicate batter and with a sweet-​spicy sauce. The milder sea bass with ginger and spring onions is also excellent and the tastes more subtle. Other favourites are Family Style Chicken, Double Cooked Pork and Duck in Spicy Juice. Hot pot here is an amazing experience but I usually dine on my own there so have to wait till I have a group of people. Invariably there is plenty left over. Spicy Cucumber salad is also unusual and an excellent cold dish, but with a spicy sauce and I think sesame seeds, if memory serves!
If you go in and ask for authentic food, press the owner into offering you some of the dishes that are not on the regular menu. Chinese Pie is one of my favourites amongst these as an appetizer — only tried it last 20+ years ago in Boston where it was called Scallion Pancake. If you want to challenge your tonsils with regard to spiciness, ask for Minced Pork with Pickled Cabbage at full strength! You have been warned.
Last but not least if you like the simple pleasures such as well made rice, you will find their egg fried rice is delicate and a lovely near-​white colour unlike most other restaurants which colour/​flavour it with soya sauce.
I could say more, but I want to leave some surprises for you if you choose to dine there.
The restaurant was recently reviewed by the Scotsman Magazine. (Saturday, 9^th August, 2008)