Though there are many foodie trends and fads that have come and gone over the years, there are few things as close to the Scottish heart as the love of good curry.
Thankfully the much loved Scottish Indian food scene has kept up with its culinary rivals and there’s now more ways than ever to get our curry fix.
Not to be outdone by its curry mad sister city Glasgow, Aberdeen’s Indian food scene is burgeoning with great restaurants, eateries and cafes, here’s six of our favourites:
Perfect for..... impressing a date
Picture: Jewel in the Crown
The chances are that if you ask an Aberdeen native what their favourite Indian restaurant is, there is a good chance that a large portion will say The Jewel in the Crown.
The owner Farooq, who runs the restaurant with his four sons, is a master at blending the traditional spices used in all of his dishes and coupled with the locally sourced ingredients, each presents a truly unique take on some classic meals.
The service is second to none (and includes heated hand towels) and the dishes are usually big enough to feed two, so they are usually great value for money.
We definitely recommend any of the Gosht dishes, the lamb is superb.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thejewelinthcrownaberdeen
(145 Crown Street, Aberdeen AB11 6HP, 01224 210288)
Perfect for..... those who love a modern take on classic Indian cuisine
Pictured: Ginger & Cinnamon King Prawn Starter
Cinnamon describe their menu as 'Bangladeshi & Regional Indian with a twist of Scottish, and there's a huge focus on seafood (which we love). Dishes on offer include Scottish king scallops, sea bass, salmon and lobster as well as seasonal game all cooked using traditional Indian recipes.
There's also a delightful range of both vegetarian and vegan options - which is always a bonus - as well as a 'meals on wheels' service for outside street food style catering.
We loved the Tandoori King Prawns, and can't recommend them enough.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CinnamonAberdeen
(476 Union St, Aberdeen AB10 1TS, 01224 633328)
Perfect for..... those who like a little variety
Picture: 8848
One of the most interesting restaurants on this list offering not only the best Indian cuisine but also the cream of what the Nepalese have to offer. The 8848 prides itself on recreating some amazing traditional Indian and Nepalese dishes with a modern twist.
The range of dishes Indian section does suffer ever so slightly due to the focus on the Nepalese cuisine, however all of the old favourites are there and the dishes we tried were fantastic.
We especially enjoyed the fantastic vegetarian range and couldn't have enjoyed the Machha special (Monkfish cooked in the Nepalese style) more if we tried. Well worth repeat visits to try both styles of cuisine.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/8848-Restaurant
(347, 347 Union St, Aberdeen AB11 6BT, 01224 595588)
Perfect for..... South Indian cuisine enthusiasts
Picture: Rishi's
Located in the heart of the city, Rishi's has grown such a sterling reputation in the north east that it's now expanding to Scotland's curry capital (Glasgow).
The most impressive thing about Rishi's is their dedication to providing an excellent vegetarian range. Seriously, the array of dishes for those who enjoy their meals without the meat is fantastic.
The Medu Vadai was a fun starter and the Poondu Kuzhambu (traditional south Indian curry) was mouth wateringly good.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/RishisAberdeen
(210 - 212 George Street, Aberdeen, AB25 1BS, 01224633610)
Perfect for.... those who love a bit of style
Picture: Shri Bheema's
Family owned and run, Shri Bheema's has one of the best reputations of any of the restaurants here and has already won several awards including the Best Indian Restaurant in Aberdeen and Best Chef.
Offering authentic South and North Indian cuisine, Shri Bheema's lays on the style without sacrificing that home made feel.
At the heart of the restaurant's ethic is the Sanskrit saying "Athiti Devo Bhava" which means Guest is God - we don't really need to say more than that.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ShriBheemasIndianRestaurant
(17 Belmont St, Aberdeen AB10 1JR, 01224 645555)
Perfect for..... those who like traditional Indian food in non-traditional surroundings
Blue Moon's unique decor. Picture: Blue Moon
We were sorely tempted to write Blue Moon is 'out of this world' but we won't, although that would be a pretty accurate description of this restaurant's food offering.
Ok, so the restaurant design is not exactly traditional, the food however is fantastic.
The prices are excellent and the dishes are great value for money. Should you be brave enough (or simply just love spicy food) then we recommend the Naga Mirchi. You'll be impressed by the sheer range of the dishes available and best of all there's a take away option so you can even try the dishes before heading into the restaurant.
(11 Holburn St, Aberdeen AB10 6BS, 01224 589977)
