INDIAN
In association with
what you’re going to eat before you’re presented with the menu, down to the staples that normally come as part of this cuisine’s traditional offering. That’s unless you consider Mother India’s Café, which has put a whole new spin on Indian dining by serving it tapas-style. The atmosphere is one of a bustling café, with a menu that is well balanced and enticing. The meat options, although plentiful, don’t dominate the menu, with fish and vegetarian dishes holding their own. The portion sizes are generous and the recommended three dishes per person make for a generous meal. The lamb here is exceptional – the methi keema mutter, a dish of minced lamb cooked with fenugreek and peas, is a real standout. The chana dahl also shows the chefs’ talents in turning the humble lentil into a dish with real flavour. + A varied and interesting menu - The bustle can be distracting
Namaste Kathmandu 17–19 Forrest Road, Old Town (Map 2A: C4, 53) 0131 220 2273, namastektm. co.uk | £7.25 (set lunch) / £15 (dinner)
With its clean-cut, modern wood-andmirror interior, Namaste Kathmandu isn’t your average curry house – and the broad selection of enticing Nepalese specials alongside Indian favourites on the two-sectioned menu show the restaurant’s true passion. Khasiko suruwa, a Nepalese lamb soup/stew, nicely balances richness and sourness, while mo-mo dumplings (available either fried or steamed) are little parcels of tender chicken or vegetables. Beans and pulses add depth and thickness to the tasty Nepalese main courses, with plenty of vegetarian options – and a vibrantly flavoured but not overly spicy khasi ko masu marinated lamb dish also stands out. Elsewhere, kormas, jalfrezis, dopiazas and the like are available for more traditional curry lovers in chicken, lamb or prawn varieties, and breads are fresh and well-executed – a peshwari naan is on the small side but generously filled and tastily singed. Service is knowledgeable and charming, with enthusiastic advice on how to mix the unfamiliar Nepalese dishes, and a goodvalue lunch deal and thali selection add to the restaurant’s appeal. + Nepalese specials and interesting, unusual textures and flavours - Can get busy during the festival
4 New Saffrani 11 South College Street, Old Town (Map 2: D4, 80) 0131 667 1597, newsaffrani.co.uk | No Kids (under 5) | Closed Tue | £16 (dinner)
Nestled on a cobbled street near Old College, New Saffrani is not the usual student retreat you might expect from this part of town. Instead of cut-price cuisine, crisp white linen and folded black napkins await you, as does a selection of inviting Indian food with a few unexpected additions including crispy chilli squid and haggis naan bread. The staff are attentive despite the busy whirr of takeaway orders and there are cooling yoghurt lassi drinks on offer from banana to strawberry, along with a selection of wine and beers. For starters the vegetable samosas are beautifully moist and generously filled, while for mains there are a wide number of vegetarian, fish and meat options from the expected traditional curries such as chicken dopiaaza, spiced with the perfect amount of kick, to house specialities including Goan fish curry. Still a relatively new kid on the block, New Saffrani has a lot to offer Edinburgh’s curry scene. + The wide and inviting menu - Rice portions could be smaller
4 HITLIST
INDIAN 4 Ignite Beautifully spiced and generously portioned dishes served in stylish surroundings. 4 Khushi’s Skilled in the art of spice, the Khushi’s experience is always consistent and of the highest quality. 4 Mother India’s Cafe Tapasstyle dining teamed with authentic Indian food results in a truly unique way to enjoy this cuisine. 4 New Saffrani Fresh and inviting flavours cooked with flare, with some clever twists on the classics.
4 Rivage This local gem is a real people-pleaser and delivers innovative dishes alongside beautifully executed standards. Pataka 190 Causewayside, Southside (Map 3C: C4, 25) 0131 668 1167, patakarestaurant.co.uk | £13 (lunch) / £13 (dinner)
Step into the unexpected but inviting Charles Rennie Mackintosh interior of Pataka and grab yourself a booth at one of the beautifully laid tables. This restaurant is not just a pretty face – the menu here is extensive, with starters including murgh tikka (chicken kebabs served with a deliciously spicy sauce) and ghobi bora (deep-fried balls of cauliflower, flour and spices). For mains take your pick from over 20 curries including delicate lamb passanda and spicy, succulent chicken bhuna, accompanied by fluffy pilau rice. A friendly team of waiters provide truly top service. Coming in a big group? Take advantage of the separate White Room function space for up to 35 people. Come and try the bountiful and flavoursome portions on offer and discover why Pataka is such a fi rm local favourite in Causewayside. You’ll be glad you did. + The unique and inviting interior - A busy takeaway service makes it a bit drafty near the entrance
Kasturi INDIAN GOURMET RESTAURANT
* *City Centre Location* 35-37 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh, EH2 4RG 0131 228 2441 ZZw.kasturi-ed.co.uk
A Culinary Experience to Remember
Punjabi Junction
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122–124 Leith Walk, Leith (Map 5B: A1, 2) 07865 895022, punjabijunction. org | Closed Sun | £5 (set lunch) / £11 (dinner)
Indian music on the radio creates a relaxed train-station vibe in this community-run café. A colourful tubemap style mural dominates one of the walls, depicting the spice trail across India and at the same time providing a useful signpost to the many flavours on offer as you set off from Punjabi Junction. A starter of crispy balls of haggis pakora reveal a hot and spicy centre concealed within the wafer-thin
“Every succulent chunk of prime fish had been perfectly marinated. The smoky flavour was truly amazing and the charred edges were a genuine treat for the tastebuds." - Tam Cowan, Daily Record
The List Eating & Drinking Guide 77