Craving a flavour explosion? Look no further! Our guide to the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh dishes up the tastiest options, from traditional curries to modern twists and Indo-Scottish fusion fare. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Edinburgh | Scotland
Forget the tired stereotype of greasy takeaways. Edinburgh’s Indian food scene is experiencing a vibrant renaissance, fueled by a wave of innovative restaurants. These new players are shaking things up, leaving behind the one-size-fits-all menus of the past.
Instead, a focus on regional specialities is taking centre stage. Diners can now embark on a culinary journey through India, exploring the distinct flavours of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, or Punjab. Fresh, seasonal ingredients are the stars, with lighter cooking styles replacing the heavy curries of old. Think fragrant street food alongside succulent tandoori dishes, all bursting with vibrant aromas and spices.
This isn’t just a change in taste, it’s a shift in perception. No longer is Indian takeaway a homogenous option. The best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh are educating customers about the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine. Every bite becomes a chance to explore a different region, its unique ingredients, and its rich culinary heritage. As diners delve deeper into this flavorful world, their understanding of Indian food evolves, transforming the takeaway experience into a delicious adventure.
As Indians residing in Edinburgh, coming across Indian food in a foreign setting has been exciting. We have grown up with the flavours, understand the cultural context, and experienced the diversity of Indian food. Today, we bring the understanding gained from that lifelong immersion and nuanced palates to finding the best Indian food Edinburgh has to offer!
Best Indian Restaurants in Edinburgh
Sabzi
Venture down Ferry Road in Edinburgh and you’ll stumble upon Sabzi, a hidden gem offering a unique take on Punjabi cuisine. Forget your standard chicken tikka masala – Sabzi specializes in innovative, flavour-packed dishes that playfully blend Indian comfort food with unexpected twists.
This family-run restaurant is known for its ever-evolving menu. One week you might find yourself savoring aromatic Lamb Rogan Josh infused with hints of rosemary, while the next could bring a vibrant Vegetable Biryani bursting with seasonal Scottish vegetables. This focus on fresh, local produce ensures a dining experience that’s always exciting. Sabzi isn’t afraid to experiment, introducing unexpected flavour combinations that surprise and delight. Diners with adventurous palates will relish exploring the unexplored corners of Punjabi cuisine with a modern twist. They also do dishes from other Indian states: once they had kathi rolls straight from Kolkata on the menu and we ran to get them!
But fear not, traditionalists! While the menu changes frequently, there is always a selection of classic Indian dishes available. Whether you are craving a comforting bowl of Dal Makhani (black lentil stew) or some Chhole Bhature, Sabzi will delight you.
So, if you’re looking for a taste of Punjab with a contemporary twist, Sabzi is a must-try. With its commitment to fresh ingredients, innovative dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere, this hidden gem promises a truly unforgettable culinary adventure. Sabzi truly ranks as one of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh!
Chennai’s Marina
Craving a taste of South Indian food in Edinburgh? Look no further than Chennai’s Marina, a popular Edinburgh restaurant with three branches conveniently located throughout the city. Whether you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal or a quick takeaway, Chennai’s Marina dishes up the cuisine of Southern India: food from Pondicherry and Tamil Nadu.
Chennai’s Marina prides itself on serving authentic South Indian dishes. Their menu caters to all preferences, with classics like Vegetable Navaratna Curry and Crab Curry sharing the spotlight with meat dishes such as Chicken 65 and Lamb Ularthiyathu. Don’t miss the Seeraga Samba biryani, a fragrant rice dish layered with meat, vegetables, and fragrant spices, or the Kothu Parotta, a unique Sri Lankan dish featuring shredded flatbread stir-fried with vegetables and protein.
No matter your branch of choice – 54 Clerk Street, 192 Dalry Road, or 23 Jocks Lodge – Chennai’s Marina promises a delicious journey through the vibrant culinary landscapes of India and Sri Lanka. So, explore the menu, savour the spices, and discover your new favourite Indian restaurant in Edinburgh.
Tanjore
Located on Clerk Street in Edinburgh is Tanjore, one of Edinburgh’s most popular Indian restaurants. Tanjore is known for its South Indian dishes and flavourful thalis. Unlike the typical Indian eateries offering curries and rogan josh, Tanjore transports you to Tamil Nadu and its regional specialities such as the biryanis from Thanjavur.
Tanjore, one of Edinburgh’s best Indian restaurants, is famous for its delectable dosas: crispy rice and lentil crepes that are eaten with sambar and spicy chutneys. Tanjore’s menu has a variety of dosa fillings, each bursting with flavour. From the classic Masala Dosa, stuffed with a spicy potato mixture, to the more adventurous Mysore Masala Dosa, featuring a fiery spice paste, there’s a dosa to tantalize every taste bud. The Ambur biryani is a must-order here!
TIP: Tanjore is cash-only. While it might seem inconvenient, it allows them to keep their prices competitive, ensuring a delicious and affordable South Indian experience.
So, next time you’re craving something different, ditch the usual vindaloo and head to Tanjore. With its focus on fresh ingredients, and a menu starring the star of South Indian cuisine – the dosa – Tanjore promises a unique and unforgettable culinary adventure.
Rishi’s Aroma
After a refreshing day exploring the charming port town of Newhaven, Edinburgh, a delicious meal awaits at Rishi’s Aroma. This inviting Indian restaurant on Lindsay Road has become a favourite among locals for its warm hospitality and wide-ranging menu.
Rishi’s Aroma specialises in South Indian cuisine. Crispy dosas and flavourful vadas are a delightful change from the usual curry house fare. But fear not, curry lovers! The menu also has a fantastic selection of classic curries, biryani rice dishes, and tandoori grills, ensuring that every craving is satisfied. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere, with friendly staff accommodating children’s needs. Highchairs and a spacious layout make it easy for families to enjoy a comfortable meal together.
Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch after a brisk walk along the Newhaven pier, or a tasty dinner to cap off a day exploring Edinburgh’s hidden gems, Rishi’s Aroma offers the perfect solution. With its extensive menu, catering to both adventurous and familiar tastes, and its commitment to a welcoming environment, Rishi’s Aroma guarantees a delicious and memorable dining experience for the whole family.
10-to-10 in Delhi
Situated on Nicolson Street in the heart of Newington is one of Edinburgh’s best Indian restaurants, 10-to-10 in Delhi. This unassuming restaurant, famed for its delicious and affordable Indian and African cuisine, has become a beloved institution among students and locals.
Forget fancy tablecloths and high prices. 10-to-10 in Delhi embraces a relaxed and casual atmosphere, perfect for a quick bite after lectures or a cosy dinner with friends. The friendly staff and student-friendly prices make it a haven for those seeking a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
But affordability isn’t the only draw. Here, you’ll find a menu that defies categorization. It’s a delightful mix of Indian classics like Chicken Tikka Masala and Tandoori specialities, alongside African favourites like Jollof rice and lamb domoda. This fusion approach caters to diverse palates, ensuring everyone finds something to tantalize their taste buds.
The restaurant’s interior reflects its easygoing vibe. Think comfortable seating, splashes of vibrant colours, and an eclectic array of rugs and textiles imported from India. It’s not fancy schmancy, but it is undeniably charming, a space where you can relax and enjoy some of the best Indian food in Edinburgh.
Dishoom
Look for any list of the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh and you will find a mention of Dishoom, a popular restaurant on Edinburgh’s St Andrew Square. Step inside and you’ll be transported to the vibrant Irani cafes of Pune and Bombay, experiencing a culinary adventure steeped in Parsi heritage. Parsi cuisine, influenced by Zoroastrianism and centuries of migration, is the heart of Dishoom’s menu. Dishes like the fragrant Keema Pau (minced lamb in a melt-in-your-mouth bun) and the Akuri on Toast (scrambled eggs with a spicy kick) are a testament to this unique culinary tradition. But Dishoom doesn’t stop there.
Their menu brims with some of the best Indian food in Edinburgh. Flavour-packed options, from melt-in-your-mouth Sheekh Kebabs to the iconic Black Daal – a rich lentil stew simmered for hours are the favourites here. Vegetarians are try dishes like jackfruit biryani (a unique dish where succulent chunks of jackfruit replace meat) and chhole chawal. Dishoom’s commitment to quality extends beyond food. Their innovative cocktail program takes inspiration from India’s colonial past. Think refreshing Chai Biis (tequila and chai) or a potent Permit Room Gimlet, all served in vintage glassware.
The atmosphere at Dishoom is eclectic. The art deco interiors, adorned with quirky Bombay memorabilia, transport you to another era. The open kitchen lets you see the culinary magic unfold. Dishoom isn’t just a meal; it’s a journey to the heart of Parsi cuisine. With its high-end ingredients, innovative dishes, and commitment to a vibrant atmosphere, Dishoom offers a flavour-packed adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Mother India
Located on Forrest Road in Edinburgh is Mother India, a restaurant offering a heartwarming take on Indian cuisine. Unlike the typical all-you-can-eat buffets, Mother India embraces a “small plate” philosophy, perfect for sharing and sampling a delicious variety of dishes.
This approach caters perfectly to the Scottish clientele’s desire for a relaxed and social dining experience. Imagine a table brimming with vibrant colours and enticing aromas: fluffy peshwari naan bread alongside fragrant lamb samosas, a creamy lentil dahl sharing space with a fiery chicken tikka masala. Each portion is sized for sharing, encouraging conversation, and a communal dining experience. The menu itself is a celebration of wholesome Indian comfort food. Familiar favourites like tandoori chicken and sag aloo (spinach and potato curry) are prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring a familiar yet elevated experience. For the adventurous, there are unique regional specialities like Chettinad Chicken, a fiery dish hailing from Tamil Nadu, or a fragrant Goan Fish Curry, showcasing the diverse culinary tapestry of India.
So, whether you’re a resident seeking a familiar yet delicious Indian meal, or a visitor looking for a taste of home away from home, Mother India offers the perfect solution. With its small plate approach, focus on fresh ingredients, and dedication to creating a comfortable family-friendly atmosphere, Mother India promises a delightful and satisfying taste of India in the heart of Edinburgh.
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