Seemor
Makani Indian Arab KitchenB?Proceed Cautiously
88 Haymarket Terrace, Edinburgh EH12 5LQ
· Kerala restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1245 reviews)
Delivery · Takeout
Destination for Kerala and Indo‑Arab mandi and biryani with big flavors and variable service; great food value on-site, but expect waits at peak times and mixed delivery consistency.
Why it gets a B? for overall quality
⚠️ Review concerns: This assessment reflects moderate uncertainty due to questionable review patterns. See details in Authenticity Assessment. Makani Indian Arab Kitchen delivers bold, satisfying Kerala and Indo-Arab flavors with standout biryani and mandi that justify its strong local following, but inconsistent execution on portions and dish reliability and stretched service during peak hours prevent a higher grade. While moderate authenticity concerns create some uncertainty in assessment, the core dining experience—when timed right—offers fair value and genuine culinary appeal, though operational friction and recent service complaints temper confidence in consistency.
Restaurant Summary
Makani brings Kerala home-style depth and Indo‑Arab grills to Haymarket, the kind of place where the room feels warm and bustling and platters of mandi drift past. Service ranges from personable to stretched at peak hours; one diner put it simply: staff were welcoming but timing slipped when the room filled. However, there are moderate authenticity concerns suggesting some reviews may be solicited or influenced. The culinary approach leans elevated traditional with Indo‑Arab accents: Kerala spice signatures on biryani and beef roasts, plus Yemeni‑style mandi adapted to local tastes. When it hits, the food is generous, aromatic, and deeply satisfying; a few dishes divide opinion (peri peri mandi seasoning, sweetness in some curries), and sellouts during specials can frustrate. Families will find it fairly accommodating: plenty of kid-comfort breads and rice like plain naan, porotta, and pilau, though heat levels can be assertive and there is no dedicated kids menu. At busy times, waits and course timing can test patience, so earlier visits are kinder for little diners.
At a Glance
- Bold Kerala flavors with standout biryani, mandi, and beef roasts
- Portions are generally large and pricing is fair for the area
- Peak-time waits, course timing issues, and occasional stockouts
- Inconsistent experiences on delivery and a few hygiene complaints
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- indo_arab_mandi_specialty
- kerala_diaspora_favorite
- large_portion_traditions
What People Love
- Fragrant jeerakasala rice in the biryani
- Tender mandi meats with aromatic rice
- Authentic Kerala beef roast depth
- Friendly staff when not slammed
- Reasonable prices for generous plates
Points of Concern
- Peak-time delays and messy course pacing reported by multiple diners
- A few hygiene incidents (hair in food) and defensive issue handling
- Stockouts during promotions lead to disappointment and walkouts
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (very high 5-star share, templated responses, many low-activity reviewers) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£22-33 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- For first-timers: Malabar Chicken Dum Biriyani with Garlic Naan
- For Kerala regulars: Kerala Beef Roast + Ghee Rice + Porotta
- For grill lovers: Chicken Kuzhi Mandi Quarter plus extra Mandi Rice
- Vegetarian set: Paneer Tikka starter, Channa Masala, Pilau Rice
Perfect For
- Sharing a hearty mandi or biryani feast with friends
- Kerala diaspora cravings for beef roast and ghee rice
- Casual family dinners with spice-tolerant eaters
- Travelers near Haymarket wanting bold regional flavors
Location Insights
Area: Busy transport hub and mixed commercial corridor serving commuters, students, and visitors.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit, steady foot traffic around Haymarket Station.
Nearby: Near Haymarket rail/tram, hotels, pubs; parking can be limited or metered.
HaymarketHaymarket is a bustling neighborhood centered around the major transport hub of the same name, providing excellent connectivity. The dining scene here is diverse, featuring casual eateries, gastropubs, and contemporary restaurants that cater to a mix of commuters, locals, and visitors. The atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, with a balance of traditional Scottish and international cuisine.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday13:00–22:30
Tuesday13:00–22:30
Wednesday13:00–22:30
Thursday13:00–22:30
Friday13:00–22:30
Saturday13:00–22:30
Sunday13:00–22:30
Available: Delivery, Takeout
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