Chop Chop Leith

Worst takeaway ever.
It is a minefield in Edinburgh getting a decent takeaway, i’ve discovered, but the meal we got from Chop Chop last night was totally dreadful.
First off we ordered coke and got diet coke, which we both hate, and an irn bru. Hot can of irn bru. Even 2 hours later after being in my fridge the bru was so warm it melted ice. £1.65 for hot irn bru.
All I wanted was chicken wings for my hangover; they were tiny and dry and tasted of nothing. The hot and sweet soup tasted of the kind of chinese medicine you get for a urinary infection and had an unpleasant gloopy texture. The cucmber salad was marginally better but not much. The fish balls were disgusting gelatinous balls of indiscriminate meat product swimming in a highly msg-​ed ‘sauce’ which tasted simply of salt. The 2 kinds of dumpling we ordered tasted exactly the same as each other, and both under average and freezing cold. Everything was brown (besides the shreds of cucumber) and we regretted even tasting any of it immediately.
Never again. Think we’ll stick to Domino for takeaways.

Went to chop chop to celebrate a friends birthday. Nicely we had a birthday voucher which got us £5 off the banquet per person. Banquet was delicious and reasonable value. In my opinion the main thing letting chop chop down is the décor which is fairly basic, dated and doesn’t really give the atmosphere I would expect for the price of the food.

I tend to not review somewhere after one visit, but I have to say that I really enjoyed this place.
I came with with a group for a birthday, and if explained to me on paper the concept of «pay X amount and have as much as you want» I would be a bit turned off… in theory I LOVE this idea, but it just isn’t normally executed well, the perceived value and adventure normally diminished by lacklustre food. I’m happy to say that this wasn’t the case here, everything that was available was tasty and quite more than acceptable… the only problem was trying to not eat heaps of everything!
The highlight for me were the various dumplings… I love dumplings, and these didn’t disappoint. I wouldn’t go as far as to say they were the best I’ve ever had, but I’ve certainly had worse and would happily have these again and again here. The green beans with chillies and the chicken, potatoes, and peppercorns were also winners. The fried rice was also nice, and not too oily. Heck, I really enjoyed everything other than the lamb with cumin, but I think that’s down to personal preference rather than it being a bad dish.
I’m not certain how it works for smaller parties, as there is less available on the multiple dishes for the same price option, but for a larger party you could certainly do worse than here… the place is clean, the staff friendly, they had decent beers, and it was an actual value for the quality of food on offer.
As a side note, I’m sad to hear that their sister location near Haymarket isn’t as good, but I would be tempted in based on my experience here.

Um, so… I don’t actually like Chinese food. Not, like, I absolutely won’t eat it — I’d just never choose it myself. I came here for Paddy H’s birthday and so, I should preface this review with that, and state that my twenty-​ish quid for the unlimited banquet would have been better value if I’d actually dug into everything properly instead of tentatively nibbling and then just waiting for more chicken dumplings to arrive. It’s already not cheap as meals go, even all-​you-​can-​eat ones.
However, my rating is based entirely on the experience as a whole and not my own personal foodie preference (because that would be just daft). Besides, I was informed by the gentleman on my left, who had spent no small amount of time living in China, that what we were indulging in was in fact extremely good, albeit the geographic and cultural equivalent of serving linguine, sangria, falafel and bratwurst on the same table.
I believe I’ve mentioned my tapas hesitancy before — how I cling desperately to my favourite thing and guard it, snarling, from others’ hands. This is also a large part of my problem with Chinese meals. This is not, however, a problem with the Chop Chop banquet — you can simply ask for more! MORE! MOAAAAAAAR!
Simultaneously the good and bad side to this is that everything is made fresh to order, so if you don’t ask well before you’ve finished what’s already on the table, you’re left sitting for a goodly while before more sails toward you. And, in the case of my beloved chicken dumplings, you might have to ask a couple of times. Given the size of the place and the number of replenishing orders they must take from people, it’s unsurprising and somewhat forgiveable that the occasional order goes astray.
The staff were efficient, if not overly friendly, and attended our table frequently. The real highlight for me, though, was the glittery tables. Just like Christmas in my mum’s kitchen! Red glitter everywhere, yay!
So — it’s just fine, and on nights of better service this is a definite four-​star place, but my own experience on this occasion, with some hyper-​extended waits combined with a fairly high meal price, registers at a positive three.

I have read the mixed reviews and was anxious about going here incase it was a bad choice but I am happy to say we liked chop chop. We arrived around 5pm for dinner and it was only us in the whole place which was a shame. Our waitress was friendly, polite and attentive. We got a mix of different dumplings and they all tasted beautiful with a mutual agreement that they are best we had tasted. The mains of chow mien received a good review from the others in my party and my crispy chicken Northern style (I think it was called) was nice but not something I would get again. My chicken dish basically came in a sweet and sour sauce which was a little too vinegary but still tasty. I also thought the chow mien had a bit too much ginger but that’s my opinion from my small tasting, as I say the others said it was the best they have had. The fried rice was fluffy and for one portion you get a good amount. We got a side of crispy squid which was AMAZING, it was the best we had tasted anywhere and we have had this a lot. I would defiantly get a huge bowl of this to myself if we go back. At the end of the meal we got asked if we wanted to sign up to the loyalty scheme which gets you 20% off future visits or something along those lines, will this be enticing enough to return? Not sure!

Was quite looking forward to eating here as I’ve lived in China and when I’d tried
Chop Chop before about 2 years ago in the West End it was pretty good, but I was disappointed.
The food was uninspired to say the least and a lot was over-​salted. Everything seemed like leftovers that had been warmed up in the microwave.
The chicken wings were nice once you got through the salty crust and the barbecue spare ribs as well (though I didn’t think they were traditonal northen cuisine as Chop Chop claims to be). The lamb with cumin seeds was un-​appetizing, damp and didn’t have enough cumin. The guo tie hadn’t been fried long enough so were dry and anaemic looking where they should have been brown and crispy and the centre was dry.
Not really good.
It’s fine if you’re not expecting much but as one other reviewer said if you want to try dumplings you’d be better off just buying them frozen from your local Chinese supermarket.
Sorry Chop Chop didn’t mean to give you a bad review, but I’ve got to be honest.
I like the fact that they’re trying to bring authentic Chinese cuisine here but they’ve got to do it better or it’s pointless.
I hoped to be brought back a little and feel like I was in China again but I didn’t feel that at all sadly.

I read the reviews on Unilocal about it not being as good as the original. I went on Sunday night with a birthday voucher and it wasn’t very crowded. The maitre’d was very friendly and the service was good. The food arrived super fast and was equally as delicious as what we had eaten at the Morrison Street location.
We had the steamed lamb and leek dumplings, which we enjoyed more then the fried dumplings before, but both were delicious. My favorite is the spicy black bean potatoes with chicken and the aubergine. Both amazing! We also had the chow mein and the noodles were excellent. I did notice the service charge, which I forgot to ask about, but they did honor my birthday voucher with 5 pounds per person off. I really enjoyed the dining there as well and will certainly go back as it is much closer to me then Morrison. They food is so delicious!

Nice location down near the Waters of Leith, Commercial Street!
It is the first time I decided to buy a food voucher and came across a £19 offer for an unlimited buffet at Chop Chop, Chinese restaurant.
I had to call in advance and book a table for a specific time and mention the voucher code. Everything seems really organised.
There were not many people when we arrived, but it soon became very crowded, especially in the conservatory section.
The interior is modern with a bit of Chinese style (not much so). It is clean and seems to be well run by the owner/​proprietor. It appears that the conservatory is the more desired dining area and fills up very quickly. There is plenty of sun light coming in from the outside and makes it a very relaxing spot to watch the artificial water fountains in front of the back entrance.
The waitress made sure we had everything we needed and started bringing the food. One plate after the other followed. It was a buffet, but there was no self service (gladly). They brought the food very quickly and it comprised of:
8 pork & coriander boiled dumplings (3)
4 pan-​fried prawn dumplings (53)
Cucumber salad (85)
Small aubergines with garlic (91)
Seasoned Chicken Wings (73)
Two small boiled rice (135)
Crispy Northern Chicken (745)
Prawn crackers (168)
The lineup had a lot of starters, a bit of main, but unfortunately no dessert.
I liked all the items on the buffet, but if I compare the quality of the food to other restaurants, I believe that there is better out there. For me it was a bit too salty on occasions.
Don’t take me wrong, the food was lovely, but to pay a normal price of £20 per person for this lineup and taste, I rather go to another Chinese restaurant and try their food.
After you have finished your meal they will ask you if you would like to join their loyalty scheme which offers 10% off with your next visit.
Its a nice place, which you can enjoy with your friends and if not particularly choosy with the food and the price, then its ideal !

I’ve eaten here twice. The second time thinking they might have improved from the first. uhh… sadly not.
Food, service, atmosphere are all much better at the Morrison Street branch. Yes the décor is horribly dated but if you’re only going to a restaurant for their décor then may I suggest you MAY have the wrong approach…
Even being a member of the loyalty club which gives me 10% (?) off my bill and vouchers (which they don’t do anymore in lieu of getting a % off your bill) don’t entice me to visit this place.
We’ve also ordered delivery from here once. don’t bother. everything arrives a bit lukewarm and soggy. and we only lived about 5/​10mins drive from the restaurant at the time…
If you HAVE to visit ChopChop. Head up to Morrison St.

Many many visits here already — since the first day they opened. I agree with all the reviews on their dumplings and quality of food.
I would like to make a special mention to the unlimited banquet for 4 – 6 people. That is truly unlimited and a great feast to be had for all!
What I like is their ‘loyalty club’ they remember my birthday — on which you get a voucher (hurray!) and sometimes they even do magic tricks at the table: o)
I always take visiting friend and family to this place so I know they’ll have a good time.
The fact that I deduct a star is that sometimes when they are busy they seem a little understaffed, rushed of their feet. And some popular dishes tend to sell out (on more than one occasion) But don’t let that put you off as they have very good replacements!

I’ve been in the Leith restaurant a couple of times now. It’s just not as good as the Morrison Street one.
The first visit afforded us a genuinely bizarre maitre d, who watched over us from afar with an evil glint in his eye and constantly pestered in a bid to get us out for 8pm on the dot. The food was Chop Chop good — yummy — but the creepy service was a bit too weird for me to handle while chowing down on dumplings.
On second visit it was like entering a ghost restaurant. The space is really big and there were no covers to fill up the tables and give the place a bit of ambiance. It was also quite cold, brrr. And there was odd Chinese opera music playing really loudly over the speakers, meaning it was quite tough to have a conversation. We had to ask the staff to turn it down!
Food on second visit was nowhere near as tasty as other Chop Chop experiences. I think it might have been because we were there on a Groupon deal and the restaurant had changed the unlimited banquet to reflect our thriftiness. There was no lamb with cumin (GUTTED) and the crispy beef was replaced by some kind of chicken dish. Needless to say I was a bit disappointed. But at least the service was tip top this time round!
So, in summary. Go for the good grub if you don’t mind sitting in an atmospheric vacuum. And don’t get a Groupon deal — just go for the regular menu and join the loyalty scheme, because the restaurant will shower you in discount vouchers!

What can I say that hasn’t been said about chopchop. They’re pretty on it and some of their food is to die for. Some of it I’m not blown away by. I would however keep eating crispy northern beef until i exploded.
other recommendations would be:
Boiled pork and coriander dumplings
The aubergines (obviously!)
The fried green beans in chilli and garlic
the cucumber salad (vital if you accidentally swallow the chilli in the grean beans!)
the pickled potato salad (for the same reason as above but a different cold tasty salad)
the lamb and cumin
the potato and chicken thing that i’ve forgotten the name of
and of course
The crispy northern Beef (or chicken or pork or prawn if that’s your thing)
It’s the king of the menu.
Haven’t ever had space in the tummy for desserts so can’t tell you if they’re any good.
My only criticism for chopchop would the terrible music they play all night. weird chinese country and western mashups are AWFUL! as are chinese style covers of pop songs. I wouldn’t play music at all in there it’s rarely empty enough it to be silent.

Went to the one in Leith. Wasn’t bad at all. Maybe not as amazing as I had expected, but no real complaints.

Having visited the Chop Chop on Morrison Street on a couple of other occasions, his was my first visit to the Shore.
The two restaurants were very different, and this one was definitely fresher and more contemporary. It a very spacious place, and it has to be for the amount of food that gets brought to the floor! Service is efficient, attentive and the staff know their menus well.
Our group opted for the Unlimited Banquet for £18.50 per person, and promptly ate ourselves into a stupor, is it possible to fit in another vegetable dumpling? Oh yes… we didn’t manage dessert though!
For those of you familiar with the wonderful world of ‘Harry Potter’, a visit to Chop Chop reminds me of the scenes when the pupils of Hogwarts have their feasts, and the plates in front of them fill up by magic! At Chop Chop, the minute one of our plates were emptied, a replacement quickly followed… as if by magic!
Highlights were the vegetable and prawn dumplings (light, delicious and incredibly more-​ish!), the aubergine with garlic (Mmmmm!) and little roasted cubes of potato done in a black bean sauce (spicy and extremely yummy!). My meat-​eating companions fell in love with the sticky ribs, and the sticky sauce made a good dipping sauce for the prawn crackers.
The menu is fairly set, but the staff are happy to substitute certain dishes to accommodate vegetarians and other dietary requirements, thus keeping everyone in the group happy!
The menu is extensive and reasonably priced, and the drinks menu has lots of lovely Chinese lager to accompany your meal.
A great place to go with a large group or as a couple… just make sure you wear loose clothing to give your tummy some post-​feasting space!

Went here with a group of friends for a banquet. It is great for the unlimited re-​orders so you can stuff yourself like it Christmas. Jin (the main guy) was a brilliant host and was very helpful when I asked him questions about what food contained sesame oil. If like me you have an allergy to sesame oil, the options are the ribs, northern chicken/​beef, fried aubergines and the chilli green beens and of course rice. All dumplings contain very small amounts of sesame oil so it would depend on what your tolerance is. Overall a good experience and even better because we got a good deal with a voucher.

This is the second Chop Chop in Edinburgh (the original is at Haymarket) and it is a good option if you fancy something different to a usual ‘Lemon Chicken /​Sweet and Sour’ chinese.
There are a wide variety of options but really you have to go for some of the dumplings as that is what they are known for. There is also the option of a banquet for which you get a selection of some of their best dishes and unlimited re-​orders. Drinks are reasonably priced for a restaurant with bottles of beer for around £2.50 and you can BYOB although corkage is now £5.
Service has always been fast when we have visited and I like the fact that you can book online on their website. They also have a loyalty card which soon stacks up points for money off repeat visits and you also receive vouchers on your birthday.

I took my wife to the new Chop Chop place in Commerical Street in Leith and it is a lot more intimate than the one near Haymerket train station. My wife is from Shandong Provence in China and the food served here is similar to what she is used to back home. the dumplings are excellent. the service was brilliant and the manager (son of the lady who is famous for making dumplings) was very attentive, informative and polie and we got a special surprise for my wife’s birthday in a molten sugar and baked apple desert. Yumm !!! :-)

Although I think Chop Chop is a wee bit overrated, it’s still one of the better dining options down at Commercial Quay. I’ve been once for dinner at the unlimited banquet, which was a great way to spend a friends birthday. They bring out loads of dishes, and you can request more of whatever you fancy. The business lunch is also good fun (I’m easily amused) as they hand you a piece of paper and a pencil and you get to tick off what you want. Because of their peanut noodle option, I’ve often found myself craving some Sharwoods with peanut butter.

I always used to nip in for a take away at the Haymarket Chop Chop when I had a chance. and was utterly delighted that they decided to open up shop in Leith. It has now a staple visit. The place is nice and airy and not noisy. The food is to die for. The excellent staff will give you all the time you need and as long as you are aware that the food comes out when ready (not lined in the way you ordered) you are in for a massive treat. Be aware though that when busy they tend to get things wrong, but that is always easily rectified. And on occasion popular dishes might run out as they are freshly made (beef & chilli dumplings, anyone?) They got their own ‘club’ or ‘loyalty program’ which will ensure you of special deals every so often. I say you go to try and you will agree with me.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 12 – 2, 5.30−10
Friday 12 – 3, 5 – 10
Saturday 12 – 2, 5 – 10
Sunday 12 – 10
Closed Tuesday

Opened in June 2010, this is the second edition of the Chop Chop on Morrison Street.
The interior is modern & spacious as with all the Restaurants on Commercial Quay! There are a couple of private dining areas in small ante rooms towards the Commercial Street side, the conservatory, the main dining area and outside dining. The tables were large enough to accomodate all the dishes!
We were glad that we booked a table on this Thursday evening as it was chock a block when we arrived! We were seated at table 12 which was rather close to the door and could be a bit draughty in colder weather.
They are doing BYOB with no corkage until the end of July, so just a couple of days left to get in quick! I am reliably informed that corkage will be £5 after that!
The ambience was great, the joint was buzzing and the staff were pleasant and efficient without being over the top!
The menu is divided into dishes rather than starters and mains as it advised just to pick a few dishes to share, anything under £5 is a small dish! Guess this is the Chinese version of Tapas!
We had sweet and sour ribs to start with, then steamed dumplings with Pork & chives, fried dumplings with beef and chilli, lamb with cumin seeds (dry dish) and noodles with pork sauce. A tasty selection of dishes which arrived in random order. We were just the right side of full and this cost us Just under £30 with a soft drink and a glass of water. The drinks prices were resonable I am assured by my other half, with a can of Fanta at £1.50 ish and a bottle of beer about £3. At the end of our meal we were presented with a questionnaire to complete and a £12 voucher for doing so! Well worth a visit and get in before the end of the month for your free corkage!