Kebab Mahal, Edinburgh

My first ever visit to Kebab Mahal was atleast 2 years ago. Tub's dad had discovered it when taken there by a business associate and the family had been going ever since.

From the outside, it's easily over-looked as a grubby take away. if you dare to venture in, you will find outdated far-eastern style decor with formica tables. Not the most appealing, but don't write it off until you taste the food I say.

If I recall correctly, the first time I ordered a Chicken Tikka Masala. Tub went for the Chicken Rogan Josh as usual. We had a Shish Kebab for starter, which came with a hot chilli sauce and a milder yoghurt sauce, with fresh onions, sliced cabbage, tomato and cucumber, The kebabs come sausaged shaped, and contained lamb and spices. At around £2, it was excellent value and tasted delicious.

After we finished our starter, our mains arrived not much later. As curries are made to order, they can take quite a while to come but seeing as the place wasn't that busy, they didn't take too long.

The Masala was a creamy yellow colour with generous chunks of chicken and accompanied by a huge pile of steaming rice. Tub, who doesn't like rice, had asked for a garlic naan, which arrived smelling fantastic with a generous coating of garlic. His Rogan Josh looked excellent too, with a variety of spices and herbs.

The curries were roughly around £6 each. Mine included rice while we paid about £1.50 for the naan. Considering the portion sizes, Kebab Mahal is very good value. If you do visit, you will notice that mostly the clientele are of asian decent, which in my book, is a sign of quality.

There is also a fridge where you help yourself to a chilled drink, however all tables are served with a jug of water and glasses on request. At the counter, there are usually a selection of asian desserts. All meals are also available as take away too but there is no delivery service.

For people of more simpler tastes, Kebab Mahal offer a selections of pizzas and turkish kebabs. The pizza bases are made of naan bread and aren't that great, but the kebabs are good and cheap too.

Thanks to Tub's love of curry, we are regular visitors. The staff treat us like old friends, and although their english is not great, you are always greated with a warm welcome. For me, there is no where else you can get an authentic curry like those served in Kebab Mahal. I really would recommend this to curry lovers who want a real taste of Pak-Indo cuisine.

Food 9/10
Price 9/10
Service 8/10

kebab Mahal
Nicholson Square,
Edinburgh
(Parking is available accross the square for around £1.50 an hour)
http://www.kebab-mahal.co.uk/