Seemor
The Original Mosque Kitchen & CafeB-Worth Trying
50 Potterrow, Edinburgh EH8 9BT
· Indian restaurant, Restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (602 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Crowd-pleasing halal canteen for fast, filling curries at student-friendly prices; come for value and speed, not polish.
Why it gets a B- for overall quality
The Original Mosque Kitchen & Cafe delivers reliable, exceptional value with genuinely friendly service and remarkably fast execution that define its appeal. Solid food quality anchors the experience, though inconsistent spice and sauce profiles prevent higher distinction. This is a beloved local gem for budget-conscious diners seeking authentic, no-frills curries and generous portions—exactly what it promises, executed well within its casual canteen identity.
Restaurant Summary
Tucked beside the central mosque, this canteen hums with fast, friendly service and the scent of simmering curries. Expect trays, a quick scoop at the counter, and covered picnic benches out front. One diner summed it up well: big portions at tiny prices with a line that moves fast, the kind of place you revisit twice in a weekend. It is simple and clean enough for most, though an occasional reviewer wished the seating felt tidier. The cooking sticks to classics—bhuna, korma, tikka masala, kebabs, and biryani—with a daily special rotation. The culinary approach leans traditional canteen rather than cheffy, with reliable, crowd-pleasing flavors and emphasis on value over finesse. Biryani and lamb dishes draw the biggest smiles; a few find some sauces too mild or sweet, and tikka masala can skew sugary. If you want deeply layered spice, choose bhuna or biryani over the creamier crowd-pleasers. Families will manage fine if they are happy with simple, familiar options like naan, kebabs, and mild korma. There is no kids menu, and it is counter service with limited indoor tables, so strollers and high-chair expectations should be tempered. Portions are generous and prices low, but picky eaters may prefer milder sauces and bread-focused combos.
At a Glance
- Big portions and low prices in central Edinburgh
- Fast counter service; easy in-and-out
- Strong vegetarian/vegan lineup and fully halal
- Some dishes reported as bland or overly sweet
- No kids menu and limited indoor seating
- Possible almond powder in tikka masala sauce; nut allergy caution
What Sets It Apart
- halal_canteen_next_to_mosque
- daily_curry_specials
- covered_outdoor_benches
What People Love
- Warm, welcoming staff and speedy service
- Biryani that overdelivers for the price
- Big trays piled high with curry and rice
- Vegetarian and vegan choices that are not an afterthought
- Being able to eat well without spending much
Points of Concern
- Some curries described as bland or watery; choose spicier options if you want more depth
- Chicken tikka masala reported as sweet and containing almond powder; allergy risk if nuts are a concern
- Limited indoor seating and canteen-style disposables; outdoor benches under tarp can feel basic
- Price increases noted by a few long-time patrons though menu remains budget overall
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (insufficient—no strong indicators); overall authenticity assessed as high
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost£10-14 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Value route: Any Two Veg Curries with Rice (£8.00) plus Naan (£1.50) for a filling meal under £10
- Protein-forward: Chicken Bhuna (£8.00) or Lamb Bhuna (£9.00) if you want more spice and less sweetness
- Kid-friendly combo: Chicken Seekh Kebab with Naan (£7.50) and a Mango Lassi if available
Perfect For
- Quick, filling halal meal near the university
- Budget-friendly group lunch outdoors
- Solo bites between classes or sightseeing
- Low-fuss family dinner when value matters
Location Insights
Area: University-adjacent, diverse and budget-friendly area serving students, worshippers, and locals; practical over posh.
Safety: Generally safe, busy by day and early evening with steady foot traffic around the mosque and university buildings.
Nearby: Near Edinburgh Central Mosque and University of Edinburgh; mix of cafes, takeaways, and casual eateries; Fringe footfall in summer.
BrunswickBrunswick is a lively neighborhood adjacent to the University of Edinburgh, characterized by a youthful and academic atmosphere. The dining scene here includes casual eateries, student-friendly cafes, and some trendy bars, reflecting the area's dynamic and diverse population.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:00
Wednesday11:30–21:00
Thursday11:30–21:00
Friday11:30–21:00
Saturday11:30–21:00
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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