Seemor
Kahani Indian Street Food EdinburghB+Worth Trying
10 Antigua St, Edinburgh EH1 3NH
· Takeout Restaurant, Delivery service, Indian takeaway
· 4.4/5 Google (1431 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Modern Indian spot near the Playhouse delivering flavorful grills, biryanis, and chaats with BYOB policy; strong positives on food and value but notable inconsistency and service variability.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Kahani Indian Street Food delivers strong food quality with flavorful grills, biryani, and chaats that earn consistent praise, supported by attentive, friendly service and a convenient pre-theatre location. However, inconsistent execution—split reviews on burnt flavors and oversalting—and isolated food safety concerns prevent a higher grade, making it a solid neighborhood choice rather than a destination restaurant.
Restaurant Summary
Just off the Playhouse, this spot feels warm and bustling with maps on the walls, quick pre-theatre turns, and a BYOB vibe. Service swings from thoughtful and friendly to occasionally brusque, but many evenings read like easy wins. One diner summed it up: "Dinner was generous and tasty; staff guided us well." The kitchen leans elevated traditional with South Indian touches (Moilee, coconut, curry leaves) alongside grills, chaats, and biryanis. The culinary approach leans contemporary and produce-driven: recognizable classics with a few updates rather than fireworks. Best bets include mixed grills, dal, and chaats; seafood and lamb chops can shine but draw mixed feedback if execution slips. Families should do well here thanks to mild curries and naan, chips, rice, and the ability to temper heat. No formal kids menu is shown, but the menu has plenty kids will eat—korma-like sauces, chicken tikka, and breads—while spice lovers can ask them to dial it up.
At a Glance
- BYOB keeps costs down without compromising on food quality
- Strong starters and chaats with generous portions
- Inconsistent execution on busy nights (burnt/oversalted reports)
- Noise spikes at peak times and tight seating
- Seafood and lamb chops command a premium; choose carefully
What Sets It Apart
- BYOB_policy
- Pre_theatre_menu_suitability
- Balanced_North_and_South_Indian_offerings
What People Love
- Friendly staff who suggest dishes and portion sizes
- Flavorful biryani and comforting dals
- Crisp, well-seasoned pakoras and chaats
- Central location with relaxed, clean dining room
Points of Concern
- Pricing feels high on certain grills/seafood for some diners
- Service variability: a few experiences described as curt or disorganized
- Kitchen inconsistency: occasional burnt garlic or salty dishes reported
- Review patterns show some polarized experiences; weigh recent detailed reviews most
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£32-42 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable starter course (samosa, chaat, pakora) then split one grill and one curry with pilau rice and naan for value
- Seafood fans: pair South Indian Monkfish Curry with garlic naan; confirm spice and salt levels
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre dinner before a Playhouse show
- Casual group celebrations where sharing starters works
- Visitors seeking accessible Indian classics with some regional variety
- Weeknight dinners with BYOB to manage costs
Location Insights
Area: Central, near Edinburgh Playhouse; pre-theatre crowd, tourists and locals mix; lively evenings.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit main roads with steady foot traffic; occasional crowding at peak times.
Nearby: Steps from Playhouse and Omni Centre; hotels, bars, and transport links nearby; good for pre/post-show dining.
Old TownThe dining scene in Old Town is diverse, ranging from traditional Scottish pubs and casual eateries to upscale restaurants and trendy bars. The atmosphere is lively and bustling, especially during festivals and peak tourist seasons, with a strong emphasis on heritage and local flavors.
CowgateCowgate is a vibrant sub-area within Old Town known for its nightlife, affordable dining options, and eclectic mix of bars and clubs. It attracts a younger crowd and those looking for a lively, informal dining and social experience.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:00
Tuesday12:00–22:00
Wednesday12:00–22:00
Thursday12:00–22:00
Friday12:00–23:00
Saturday12:00–23:00
Sunday12:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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