Scotland has, in recent years, come on leaps and bounds in terms of its restaurant scene. The voracious appetite for new styles of culinary delights has seen all kinds of global foods make their homes upon these shores. From Japanese style sushi bars to Brazilian restaurants, we are now spoiled for choice.
However, the craving for a cracking curry is never far from our hearts and thankfully the much loved Scottish Indian food scene has kept up with the times and there's now more ways than ever to get our curry fix.
Not to be outdone by its curry mad sister city Glasgow, Edinburgh's Indian food scene is burgeoning with great restaurants, eateries and cafes,
Here are what we consider to be the best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh.
Perfect for..... a beer and a curry
The Full Indian. Picture: Paul Johnston\Copper Mango We select our best Indian restaurants in Edinburgh
The new kid on the block, VDeep is making headlines for all the right reasons. Occupying the site of a former Vintage restaurant in Leith, Hardeep Singh Kohli’s restaurant bar concept combines wonderful Punjabi cuisine with quality Scottish craft beer.
The exciting Bombay street art style interior perfectly suits the relaxed mood, and the cuisine offers a lot of great twists on established classics.
The menu is tapas style, which we love as it means we get to try out all the different dishes without biting into our budget.
The Full Indian brunch is already legendary and we loved the East vs West fusion menu which included dishes like Bubble & Sikh and Venison Korma -both stunningly good - check the menu out here.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/VDEEP.CRAFTBEERANDCURRY
Twitter: @VDEEPLeith
(Henderson St, Edinburgh, EH6 6BT, 01315635293)
Perfect for..... those who love street food
Bhel Puri. Picture: Tuk Tuk
Paying homage to India's vast array of wonderful street food vendors, Tuk Tuk is a riot of colour, vibrancy and great food. The Indian street food menu features tapas-sized dishes, most of which are around the fiver mark, and it is recommended to to order three or four (well worth it).
The food itself is a selection of simple dishes made using delicious ingredients most of which are locally sourced, and is mouth-wateringly good. Great food at great prices? You might find yourself going back again and again, we did.
We loved the Gholgappa and the railway station lamb curry but really we wanted to try them all, check the menu out here.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tuktukindianstreetfood
Twitter: @TukTukEdinburgh
(1 Leven Street, Edinburgh EH3 9LH, 0131 228 3322)
Perfect for.... those who like great food with minimum fuss
Picture: Rivage
Don't be fooled by the understated exterior, this small restaurant, which doubles up as a quality take away, serves some of the best Indian food in the city. The cosy atmosphere and great service play second fiddle to the stunning food on offer.
We try not to over use the cliched 'hidden gem' but if any of the restaurants on this list fit the bill it's Rivage.
The Sonfiyani machli is stunning and a great example of the amazing dishes Rivage are capable of producing.
(126-130 Easter Road, Abbeyhill, Edinburgh EH7 5RJ, 0131 661 6888)
Perfect for..... those who want something a little more traditional
Chicken Karahi. Picture: Khushi's
Edinburgh's curry dynasty, the Khushi finally opened his first restaurant in 1947 and our now one of the first places people will think to go for a great curry. With food lying on the more traditional side of the spectrum, those looking for an old school curry night won't be disappointed.
Being big seafood fans, the Pepper Monk Fish Tikka we ordered was a delight. We also adored the south Indian style Kodambakkam Curry, check out the rest of Khushi's amazing menu here.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KhushisRestaurants
Twitter: @KhushisEdin
(10 Antigua Street, Edinburgh, EH1 3NH, 0131 558 1947)
Perfect for..... Impressing a date
Picture: Mother India
Pretty much the star of the Glaswegian Indian scene, Mother India's satellite restaurant in the capital continues the brand's desire to provide the best dining experience possible. Already well known in the west, Mother India is fast gaining a similar reputation in the east.
Another Tapas specialist, Mother India aims to create an immersive experience that everyone at the table can share and enjoy.
The Lamb Saag and Keema Samosa were delicious and we thoroughly enjoyed the classic chicken and fish pakoras. View the rest of the menu here.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Mother-India-Cafe/153980261296864
(3-5 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT, 0131 524 9801)
Perfect for...... lovers of vegetarian food
Dam Aloo Kashmeri. Picture: Kalpna
Serving the people of Edinburgh with quality, Indian style vegetarian food for over a quarter of a century, this family run business perfectly showcases the versatility of Indian cuisine.
Having travelled the various regions of India, Ajay Bhartdwaj, owner and head chef, takes the best dishes from Punjabi, Gujurati and South Indian cooking.
Eddi Reader has declared her love for Kalpna on Twitter, and she highly recommends the kebab.
Their speciality dishes include Kalpna's signature dish Dam Aloo Kashmeri - delicious Potato barrels filled with mixed vegetables, paneer and nuts - and Shahi Sabzi, check them out here.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Kalpna-Restaurant/114705301948643
(2-3 St Patrick Sq, Edinburgh, EH8 9EZ, 0131 667 9890)
