Best Indian Food in Edinburgh

I've lived in Edinburgh for three years now and it's hard to come across good Indian food. With inflation, I can't afford to order mediocre meals. However, there is one stop which seems like fine dining, and it nearly is, but the prices are pretty much the same as any other.

I tried Chakoo and Kahani, both were underwhelming. Kahani served overly oily food for which I paid a bomb. It personally touched me because it misrepresented my food, which many British people think is so unhealthy and steeped in oil. But real Indian food is supposed to be wholesome.

So, for the grand reveal, the best Indian food in Edinburgh is found at none other than Dishoom.

P.S. Dishoom is not an actual hindi word. It's the sound of punch (like pow!)

Firstly, the vintage ambiance resembling Irani cafes is curated articulately; it carries the rusticness of Bombay in a sophisticated manner. The warm dim lights, the underground bar, everything vibes. Secondly, the service is so on point; it's better to book a table, but I usually get to walk in with a slight wait at their bar, unless they are super busy, which tends to be the scene on weekends. Order their bottomless chai (not chai-tea) while you wait.

MENU HIGHLIGHTS

1. Vada Pav: This was straight out of Bombay, the vada pav here is absolutely authentic with the elastic bun, perfectly fried patty, and the fiery green chili. It comes at a reasonable price as well at only 6.50 quid, in this economy.

2. Paneer Rumali Roll/Chicken Kathi Roll: Recommended for breakfast or to go.

3. Sheekh Kebab and Makhmali Paneer: For a mouth-melting experience.

4. Chicken Ruby: Close to Butter Chicken, a North Indian's dream. Pair with naan.

5. House Black Daal: Cooked over 24 hours, reminds me of home. Pair with naan.

6. Puri Chana Halwa: Although the puri could use a dab of paper towels to remove excess oil, the chana was flavorful and the halwa is the star laden with fragrant ghee. I could sleep after this meal.

Room for improvement: side dishes. The raita is to westernised with a smooth greek yogurt and misses the tang and curdled texture of yogurt in India. The naan is also thicker, authentic naan is supposed to crispy and light.

Trust me when I say this, Dishoom is as close as it gets to home. Being from Delhi my standards are high and Dishoom doesn't disappoint. The only thing that is disappointing is that they don't deliver, but that is probably the best for my bank balance. In fact, if it was open in Delhi I'd probably visit quite often, mostly for the ambiance. It has become one spot which I keep returning to when I need solace from missing home.