Mother India's Cafe

Tucked into the cobbled heart of Edinburgh Old Town, Mother India’s Cafe sits a stroll from the National Museum of Scotland and the castle, drawing locals and curious travellers alike.

The kitchen leans into classic comfort and contemporary verve with equal confidence. Think a crisp vegetable samosa to start, or a masala dosa folded around south Indian spiced potato. Seafood brings bright, coastal notes in prawns malabari curry and monk fish tikka, while beloved staples like butter chicken and chicken tikka masala offer familiar warmth.

For deeper, slow-cooked richness, there is railway's lamb curry, and the celebratory lamb handi biryani arrives in its copper pot with a flourish. Vegetarians are well looked after with creamy saag paneer and indulgent dal makhni, all designed for passing, sampling, and returning for another spoonful.

Set against the buzz of the Old Town, the atmosphere is convivial and unhurried, made for lingering over small plates as the evening unfolds. Gather a group, order broadly, and let the flavours do the introductions. Book in, share widely, and curry on with a smile.