Khushi’s

Delicious food. Everything was simply amazing, and the prices were reasonable. Be careful, the food is spicy but we ate every bite. When we were there in May 2015, they did not have a liquor license but you could bring your own with no corkage fee. A bit of a walk from the royal mile but well worth the trek.

I’ve been disappointed with Kushi’s before in other locations, perhaps with other staff, but this time they nailed it. Tellingly, the dips and chutneys with the papads were something special: a good indicator that the rest would work. Recommended — the stuffed paneer starter, the aubergine main, delicious naan.

I feel like I should be giving this place a 5 star for all the hype that attends it. However it wouldn’t be fair to those that genuinely want to know how a restaurant is. This place is a staple on the Edinburgh food scene and I kind of get it but then I kind of don’t. They’ve done a fab job on the décor and the ambience of the joint for sure. They take bookings but be warned in August they don’t after 7.30. The place when we arrived was packed but we were shown straight to our table. So far so good. It’s BYOB btw. Don’t forget that. If you don’t drink alcohol they do do some lovely mocktails. The menu isn’t what you’d typically find in an Indian restaurant which I really like. It’s not pages of dishes you’ve seen a hundred times before. There’s a decent enough selection for you to pick from meat, fish and vegetarian. Then the food arrives and it just doesn’t quite live up to expectations. I have to say the calamari I had to start was quite yummy but the mains… I just couldn’t detect any layers of flavour in the dishes which is exactly what you’d expect from a decent Indian dish in a restaurant everyone raves about. I had a prawn main which was packed with them but the sauce, guys the sauce was a miss.
The service here to say how busy it is is very good. We didn’t wait long at all for our food and drinks once we’d ordered. This place is A-​OK. Not something I would rave about but somewhere where you can get a half decent meal in nice surroundings.

I feel like I SHOULD like these guys, given the length of time they’ve graced Edinburgh’s curry scene. Hell, they pretty much established it. And after an initial meh experience some time back, I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt this Friday past.
That proved to be one benefit of the doubt too many.
Recommended by a friend on both occasions (hence the aforementioned benefit), who absolutely swears by them, I can only imagine how his palate would fair in the likes of Mother India Café or Ghurka Café or Kismot, where they are a little more mercilees with their spicing. Because Khushi’s is blaaaaaaand!
My first visit saw me try the Lamb Karahi. My second saw the Old School Lamb Curry… the former was weak, the latter was barely lucky to call itself a curry. On top of that the starters were nothing to write home about, chicken pakora that I’ve seen done better by takeaways. Just really nothing special.
I know a few folk that sing their praises, but I think something has gone missing over the years and these guys seem to be running on a decades-​old reputation still.
Originally intended to award 3 stars, however the narrative that accompanies those three is ‘A-​okay’, and these meals were not okay. They were below par by a long way and I can’t see a return on the cards for me. Too many better options around the town.

I came to Khushi’s late on Saturday night with a bunch of friends. It was busy and quite noisy. We had a reservation, which seemed necessary judging by how crowded it was.
There were 8 of us and we shared a selection of starters. The others ate lamb whilst I only ate the potato pakoras and the chickpea chat with coriander sauce. Both were pretty good. I ordered rice and a small portion (£4.95) of a spicy paneer dish as my main. The portion was sufficient and many people on my table had too much naan so I had to help… The curry wasn’t the best I have had but certainly not the worst. The spice level was pretty good though. The basmati rice which came with the meal felt a little plasticy-​maybe reheated? The naan was a little too dry too. Most of us got a mango lassie to go with our meal which was average, it is difficult to mess up, though I had to ask for them to bring ice to the table as they weren’t cold.
The highlight of the meal was the meal time entertainment. A waiter spilt some coriander sauce on one of my friend’s jackets. After apologising profusely the waiter came back with a bucket and a sponge and ended up giving my friend a complimentary massage/​scrub which lasted for a good 10 minutes whilst my friend was laughing silently.
Overall, lovely staff, but my bill came to £16.45, strange considering I opted small portions and the food was pretty mediocre.

There are two Indian and one Pakistani restaurants along this stretch of road, and I picked Khushi’s for my takeaway because the dining room was packed and hopping — it was quite loud and animated and that encouraged me that this was a good place to order from. And I was not disappointed! I ordered the «old style Lamb curry» and it was delicious. I’d return if I was back in Edinburgh, it was the best meal I had in the city.

I was walking around looking for something to eat. Didnt matter where, but I wanted something good. I found this place and looked it up on Unilocal.Was not disappointed!
Ordered the chicken tikka masala and it was amazing. Had a side of basmati rice and garlic naan.
Wait staff was attentive and friendly. Downside no wifi but I would go back in a heartbeat!

Visiting from California we came across Khushi’s as we wandered around the city. The pakoras were great and flavorful but the three veggie mains we had were spicy (hot) but otherwise bland. The service was inconsistent and impatient (it’s a bustling place). We asked for advice from the waiter on the size of the portions yet still ended up with too much food. Perhaps it is popular because they let you byob at no charge. So if I lived here I might give it another try but I would imagine there are better options for Indian food.

Khushi’s provided me with one of the best meals I’ve eaten in the city and I’m sure I missed a number of really good restaurants so I can’t judge and compare them against everyone but this is a gem in my opinion.
We started out with some pickles and other starters but the real winner before dinner was the «garlic naan» this was sooooo tasty you really have to measure how much of this you eat so you can enjoy your meal. So let’s get to it because it was over the top great.
I ordered the Lamb Curry with rice it may have another name but thats what it was it was cubed lean lamb grilled and folded into a red curry that was to die for, when ordering I wanted to ensure it was authentic and as hot and spicy as I could get it after all this part of the world can offer up some rather bland cuisine (no offense). I asked the server how hot could I get it he told me as hot as I wanted so I told him extra extra extra spicy and make sure the chef understands. After munching on the naan for awhile our dishes finally arrived the girls were served first then the chef delivered mine and he and two others stood at our table to make sure we were happy with the dishes we order… Well that is not exactly true they were there to see my reaction to their atomic curry that I was sure they amped up as much as possible since I was so insistence when I ordered.
Before I jumped in I asked for a refill of water anticipating the worst, I carefully spooned my rice onto my dish and ensured I had the proper ratio of rice to atomic curry to dilute it if required and then my first bite. The tender lamb melted in my mouth it had the most wonderful texture and it was followed by this intense heat that I had been craving for over a week. Yes it was extremely hot and the chef and his small group of kitchen help were surprised I went for another bite instead of the water glass I looked up with a smile and gave them the thumbs up and off they went to leave me with my plate of pleasure, as soon as they were gone from sight I quickly grabbed the glass of water to extinguish the fire in my mouth it was hot but I enjoy extremely hot food so I was able to eat it all and enjoyed every bite. I know when the temperature is perfect my hair will get a little damp it certainly was perfect :-). If you like Indian Cuisine I highly recommend giving this place a shot the service was great we enjoyed the complete experience.

Lamb Kahrahi was amazing! Very busy night during Hogmanay week yet we got seated quicker than originally stated. Garlic naan was excellent. While they don’t serve alcohol they do allow BYOB and will supply glasses.

I was in need of a good cry. A week of country eating (albeit GOOD eating!) had us craving a bit of heat. And so back to the city we headed, parked our trusty four-​wheeler, and went off on another exploratory stroll down Leith St. A wee twist here, a skip there, a bop and a hop and a random waddle brought us to good fortune… and some really lovely eats. Jackpot!
To be honest I don’t have a spanking idea of what we ordered, but ooooh was it sparkling good. And spicy. That really lovely wonderful fantastic kicks-​you-​in-​the-​sinuses-​then-​turns-​into-​smooth-​all-​over-​happiness kind of spicy. They do a mean curry — mean in a good way. The good kind of mean that makes you cry tears of culinary joy. Naan was crisp on the outside, chewy on the inside. Did I order a salad? I have no recollection — but there it was. Usually that’s the last thing I’d ever get at an Indian joint, but the light vegetable break was a welcome pause to the otherwise fiery choices. Maybe they just knew — they took one simple glance at me and they knew — she’s going to need a handful of non-​spicy, fresh and light vegetables to counter the (wonderful!) pain. She asked for extra spicy, that silly girl.
Oh now don’t be frightened off by all my blethering on about a few chilis. I love the spicy food — I just can’t handle it as well as I think I can. Plenty of excellent options on the menu to certainly satisfy all grades of taste and preference. The neighboring table had ordered the mixed grill and had my cup not been overflowing, we might have shamelessly requested one for our table — it looked fantastic. We got lucky in finding Khushi’s — the service was great, very thorough and attentive. The waiter never once laughed (in my face) as he brought extra napkins for me to wipe down my brow. And he was most kind and sympathetic when more water and lassi was ordered to cool the mouth. Even amateurs like us were warmly welcomed and treated — wooooo!
A tad bit on the pricier side but the food and drinks went down well. Soooo… happy happy happy.

Whenever I walk past this restaurant, it is always packed. I have always wondered why. Now I know :)
It was a Friday evening and my friend suggested we have dinner here. We were offered a 6.30 booking and the restaurant was already full when I arrived.
A waiter asked if we wanted poppadoms to start with, sure why not. They were accompanied with 2 dips: mango chutney and a spicy onion dip (?) — real kick to it.
I had a mixed grill for my main course. It is a mixed platter of chicken tikka, prawn, lamb chop and seekh kebab. The chicken tikka was my favourite — I didn’t know chicken can be so melt in the mouth stuff!
The platter came with a simple chickpea salad and we shared a naan bread.
The service at times felt a bit rushed. I’m not sure if this is because they really are so popular (e.g. a couple could not get a table as they had no reservation) and it was a Friday. Howerver the food was nice. Khushi’s has a BYOB policy and no corkage charge which possibly is another factor to their popularity.

I’ve eat a grat fish, fresh, a good curry, bread and fresh and cruncy salad, the weiter was polite and useful, he knew all his dishes. Clean place, floor and chear, good service. Thank you, Giuseppe.

Okay overall — nasty burnt garlic in sag paneer (big points off) but naan was good. Mango lassi was great.
The sign on the door about beer & wine was confusing — I thought it meant they had only beer & wine and no cocktails. But it actually means there is no alcohol — you can bring your own, but only beer and wine.
The décor is very nice.

Was recommended to this place by my friends who are actually from India… I expected authenticity and wasn’t let down in the food department.
The place is dimly lit and nicely decorated to reflect its heritage… (which reminds me, I really must find chandeliers similar to the ones found in Khushi, they are very pretty!)
The portions are small, which makes the prices appear slightly steep.
The food (We had naan and lamb biryani) tastes pretty decent, but my friends didn’t enjoy the service and the staff as they put on too much of a «show». I thought it was manageable and let that slide.
All in all, if you have the right company and are craving for indian food, this place is pretty ok.

I was very dubious about trying Khushis again. I used to be a dedicated follower and must have gone at least every couple of months without fail for years. Until the old restaurant opened on Victoria Street that is and the quality of the food as well as service just went straight down the hill! The last time I went I had a disastrous meal involving raw prawns and a chicken bone which although the head chef himself came out to see what was going on as he could see that we were not happy, instead of helping turn out experience round for the better he just decided to conceal the evidence and walk away without so much as an apology!!!
Needless to say I never went back. However, I don’t hold too much of a grudge and am willing to give out second chances so when the new restaurant opened on Antigua Street I pondered over whether to try it or not.
I have to say though, I’m definitely glad I did!!!
Although I was nervous when walking through the door the friendly and attentive staff put me at ease quickly. This setting is lovely. Although the other one was really swanky Antigua Street restaurant has still managed to keep that element alive but with a more cosy atmosphere rather than the cold and open feel the old place had. The ceiling is full of glass lanterns which fill the place with colour and sparkle.
That’s not the only colourful thing about the place though. The new and improved menu is amazing — they have far more fish courses than I remember and the Baltic curries come in a clay pot with an Indian bread lid which look delightful. The quality is back up to scratch and the prices not half bad either for curries ranging from £6+!!!
But lets not forget about the deal breaker here — it is BRING YOUR OWN BOTTLE and one of the only B.Y.O.B.s in Edinburgh that doesn’t charge corkage!!! Your purse will thank you so go for it…

Bah. You know when you keep giving somewhere just another chance because it used to be good? Well, I think last night was the night I gave up.
I used to love Khushi’s in Victoria Street. It was a dramatic building, and I had some great food there.
Then it burnt down, and they moved to a fairly boring cellar under the Pear Tree and — I don’t know, seemed to lose their way. Sauces were boring and tasted ‘out of a jar’, and worse, the staff would positively force feed you to get you out fast. But I reasoned to myself that I had gone during the festival and at Christmas, and nowhere is at its best when it’s so busy.
Finally, Khushi has its new home, in Antigua Place at the top of Leith Walk. It’s taken over a big space that used to be Massimo’s (I miss Massimo’s), and from the outside it looks bright and cheerful and the place-​to-​be.
So last night I called and asked for a reservation for four. They had a table, though we’d have to be out in 90 minutes. That seemed fair, we just wanted a quick meal.
From the second we arrived, though, it all went wrong. We were shown into a bare ‘overspill’ room off to the side, harassed to order fast, and then the unsmiling waiter announced that he’d ‘bring your starters and mains at the same time, because you have to be out soon’. Charming…
And so he did, slapped everything down and off he went, to practise his lack of social skills on someone else.
The food was okay, I suppose — fish pakora were tasty, the veg pakora a bit dry for my liking. My tandoori monkfish — I’ve had it before there and loved it, but last night it was a bit overcooked. And… maybe not actually monkfish? The texture just wasn’t quite right so I was suspicious.
Anyway, we ate, we got full. Mostly it was basic British Indian food in over-​creamy sauces. And we were finished long before the time they were due to throw us out.
There are too many good restaurants in Edinburgh to have to put up with actively rude service. I’ve had enough, and won’t be back.

Despite living in Edinburgh for almost 4 years, I hadn’t made it to any of the infamous Khushi restaurants so decided to pay a visit for my birthday night out.
I had a booking for 10 people, for a two hour slot, and was quite surprised at just how busy it was for a week night between Christmas and New Years. The Khushi reputation clearly drives a great trade…
Having made an «executive» decision to dine from the Christmas set menu (£18.95 pp), minimising the agonies of making a selection from the vast a-​la carte and the squabbles over «who had what» when it came to paying the bill, I was very impressed with the selection (and quantity) of the offering.
A pre-​starter of Pickles and Popadoms kept us going while we waited for the last few of the party to arrive, followed by a variety of starters including the typical Chicken Tikka, Onion Bhajii and Pakora. The main course selection included a tender Lamb Jalfrezi, tasty Fish Curry and Chicken Korma, served with rice and Naan. There was something to cater for the taste of everyone. It was a perfect way to try a selection of different dishes.
The food was served buffet style and there was plenty to go around, I’d be surprised if anyone could have managed dessert after such a feast.
Coupled with the BYOB offering with no corkage charge, the night was a success… great value for money. My only niggle would be the constant reminder from the waiting staff of the two hour booking slot, not only to me but also to some of my guests which I felt added an unnecessary sense of urgency to the experience.
Will definately visit again to dine from the a-​la carte menu.

Khushi’s has been serving Indian food to Edinburgh residents since 1947, so is woven in to the fabric of the city. This new place sticks to their tried, tested and trusted formula.
Overall, we said: «This isn’t a new restaurant at all. It’s the same old Khushi’s. If you like it, and loads of people do, you’re going to be delighted with this new outlet. For me it’s ordinary and doesn’t provide anything fresh… It’s so well-​established in the Edinburgh dining consciousness that I’m confident it will continue to be a successful business in its new location. I can’t see me paying a repeat visit anytime soon, though, as it lacks any spark to raise it above being merely OK.»

I have a bit of a grudge against Khushi’s — in its old incarnation of Victoria Street a kitchen fire burnt down one of my favourate bars next door. So grr.
Anyway, me and a party of 27 others turned up to Khishi’s to celebrate with a curry and a few drinks with the bring your own bottle policy that they have at Khushi’s. The restaurant is suprisingly big, being able to easily cater to such a huge group — and it is really modern looking inside, which is a nice change to other Indian restaurants I have been in.
The staff were incredably friendly, helpful and just generally nice — as well as being excellently efficient and fast as we ordered from our menu’s, which had a large selection of traditional and modern indian dishes.
When our food arrived I was over joyed — it tasted fabulous and the portions were the perfect size for me. Sides such as rice and naan were also great, if a bit small and stingy.
Anyway, Khushis’s has more than made up for burning down that bar — by providing great food, good atmosphere and an excellent night overall!