Seemor
Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food SouthsideB+Worth Trying
16 Drummond St, Edinburgh EH8 9TX
· Indian restaurant
· 4.7/5 Google (1618 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout
Fun, fast Indian street-food spot with lots of veggie choices, quick service, and BYOB; flavors please most diners though portions are small and surprise add-on charges annoy some.
Why it gets a B+ for overall quality
Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food Southside delivers solid neighborhood dining through strong food quality and attentive, friendly service, with exceptional kitchen speed that keeps the energy lively. However, inconsistent execution—occasional lukewarm dishes and seasoning variability—prevents a higher grade, while small-plate pricing and surprise add-ons temper value perception. Best suited for adventurous diners seeking casual Indian street food near Old Town attractions.
Restaurant Summary
A bright, casual room just off the Old Town hums with lively energy and fast-moving plates. Servers are widely praised as friendly and helpful, with one diner noting, "they walked us through the spice levels and suggested great pairings." However, keep an eye on the bill—several guests mention add-ons like a charity line and service charge that feel unexpected unless flagged in advance. The cooking leans street-food and shareable, with chaat, crispy okra, and rich dals setting the tone—think classic flavors with playful touches more than fine-dining polish. The culinary approach feels elevated-traditional (innovation level 6.6): familiar Indian staples presented in small-plate format, quick from kitchen to table. Best hits include puri yoghurt bombs, daal makhni when on song, and the Railway lamb; a minority found biryani oily or curries muted, so expectations should be adventurous but grounded. Families do well here thanks to mild curries and sides (butter chicken, rice, chips), plus easy desserts like ice cream and kulfi. There is no explicit kids menu, but the format suits sharing and younger palates; spice customization is limited to simple tweaks, so very picky eaters may prefer the gentler dishes and breads to keep it kid-friendly.
At a Glance
- Fast, friendly table service with helpful guidance
- Great variety of vegetarian and vegan options
- BYOB near museum and Royal Mile, ideal pre-theatre
- Portions are tapas-style and can feel small for price
- Surprise add-ons (charity, service) reported by multiple diners
What Sets It Apart
- BYOB_corkage_available
- playful_chaat_selection
- speedy_kitchen_turnaround
What People Love
- Playful chaat like puri yoghurt bombs
- Crispy okra that steals the show
- Creamy, comforting daal makhni
- Speed that makes weeknight dining easy
- Warm, upbeat service style
Points of Concern
- Small-plate portions mean ordering 2-3 dishes per person for a full meal
- Some dishes arrive very quickly and mains may not be sequenced traditionally
- Reports of auto-added charity and service charges; ask to opt out if desired
- Isolated complaints of blandness, oily biryani, or reheated feel—quality can vary on off nights
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost£24-34 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair one chaat plate with a curry and a bread or rice for balance
- Choose a rich curry (Daal Makhni or Railway Lamb) plus a bright, crunchy plate (Kurkuri Bhindi) to cover texture and flavor contrasts
Perfect For
- Pre-theatre bite before a show or museum visit
- Casual group share-plate dinners
- Vegetarian or vegan-friendly outings
- Tourists seeking quick, flavorful Indian near Old Town
Location Insights
Area: Historic academic quarter near Old Town and university buildings; draws students, locals, and tourists.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked with strong daytime and evening footfall.
Nearby: Close to National Museum of Scotland and Royal Mile; theaters and student haunts nearby; strong pre-show and tourist flow.
NewingtonNewington is a lively residential area just south of the city center, popular with students and young professionals due to its proximity to the University of Edinburgh and good transport links. The dining scene is diverse, featuring casual cafes, traditional pubs, and a growing number of trendy eateries, reflecting a relaxed yet vibrant social atmosphere.
Drummond StreetDrummond Street is known for its eclectic mix of affordable restaurants, bars, and takeaways, making it a popular spot for informal dining and socializing. It has a friendly, community-oriented vibe with a focus on accessible and diverse food options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday12:00–22:30
Tuesday12:00–22:30
Wednesday12:00–22:30
Thursday12:00–22:30
Friday12:00–22:30
Saturday12:00–22:30
Sunday12:00–22:30
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout
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