Authentic Indian Cuisine Just a Short Drive from Edinburgh

Located just a 25-minute drive from the bustling heart of Edinburgh, The Radhuni is a hidden gem offering a truly authentic Indian dining experience. Named after the aromatic wild celery seed, the restaurant proudly showcases this symbol, embodying its unique identity and rich heritage.

Recognized Excellence: Scotsman’s Scran Awards Finalist

I was thrilled to learn that The Radhuni is one of three finalists in the Scotsman’s Scran Awards, under the Hidden Gem category for Edinburgh, Fife, & East Lothian. Competing alongside Cilantro on Leith Walk and Dhoom Indian Streetery & Cocktail Bar in Dunfermline, The Radhuni is currently open to public voting. The anticipation is building as the winner will be announced at the awards ceremony.

I asked Habibur Khan of The Radhuni, what winning this award would mean to him and his restaurant teams.

Ambiance and Dining Experience

Nestled in Loanhead, The Radhuni might appear modest from the outside, but stepping inside reveals a (tardis-like) spacious, vibrant dining area. The interior boasts jewel-colored decor, a bar area, and an enclosed garden for outdoor dining too. The seating options cater to all preferences, from intimate tables for couples to a large banquette perfect for groups.

Extensive Menu and Delectable Choices

While we were deciding what to order from the extensive menu (and in particular for me, an excellent range of vegetarian dishes for both starters and mains) we were served poppadoms with a selection of chutneys - mango, mixed pickle, and an onion salad; and I picked one of their premium gin selection, the Edinburgh Gin rhubarb and ginger, with tonic. The poppodoms were precisely crisp and dry, with that perfect ‘snap’ as you break into them!

The A La Carte menu is split up into both vegetarian and non-vegetarian starters; then for mains a whole array of Tandoori and Balti dishes, Radhuni classics and specialities, Vegetarian, Biryani, and a small selection of European options too. Add to this a choice of side and rice dishes, breads, and raita. A big selection but all foods are cooked fresh to order, and of course your server can help shape your best meal, wherever you sit on the spice scale. The A La Carte menu is also complemented by separate Takeaway, Lunch, and Sunday Banquet menus.

Highlights from Our Meal:

• Starters: I opted for the Dhal Puri (stuffed flatbread with spiced lentils), while ‘Mrs’ TPT chose the Haggis Pakora (spiced Lamb Haggis in traditional batter).

• Mains: I picked the Sabzi Sambar (mixed vegetables with lentils) for me and the Malayan Chicken (almonds, coconut, pineapple, fruit juices, and cream) for him.

• Sides: We shared a pilau rice and a plain naan between us.

The food was delicious throughout, presented well and service was attentive and friendly. Thankfully we were afforded a small break after enjoying our starters, and when we were ready for the mains the table was set up with a heated burner to keep our curries warmed throughout eating. Portions were large, and costs fair.

Dessert Options

If you’re looking for something sweet afterwards, there is also a good selection of desserts, and if I’d had room, it definitely would have been for the Toffee Twilight (dairy toffee and vanilla ice creams swirled with toffee sauce and topped with toffee pieces). We just didn’t have that room (we’d probably over-indulged in the poppadoms and chutneys) but we enjoyed the meal immensely.

The Private Traveller’s View

I can definitely see why The Radhuni has been nominated for this award - very high quality food and service in good surroundings, yet I’d say very much a hidden gem in its out of Edinburgh location and from such a small entrance front. I can attest to all the vegetarian options, and ‘Mrs’ TPT certainly enjoyed his non-vegetarian options too. Gives us more coverage of a menu and able to represent different types of diners.

Visit The Radhuni

You can find The Radhuni at 93 Clerk Street, Loanhead, EH20 9RE. It's open six days a week, closed on Mondays. Their sister restaurant, Itihaas, is located on Eskbank Road in Dalkeith. For more details, visit their website.

The Scotsman Scran Awards

The Scotsman Scran Awards will be held at Platform, Glasgow, on June 17, 2024, featuring 18 categories, including Newcomer of the Year, Best Gastro Pub, Best Craft Beer, Whiskey, & Spirit, and Scottish Restaurant of the Year. For more information, visit The Scottish Scran Awards 2024 by The Scotsman.

Authentic Review by The Private Traveller

The Private Traveller was a guest of Habibur Khan, Managing Partner of The Radhuni, and was facilitated by Hotel PR. All views and opinions however are totally independent; I’d rather say nothing at all than something I didn’t believe in.