Dakhin is a South Indian restaurant on the first floor of a listed building at 89 Candleriggs in Glasgow’s Merchant City. It was a pioneer for authentic South Indian regional cooking in Scotland and has served diners in this part of the city for more than two decades. The sleek dining room is close to City Halls and well placed for a pre theatre meal.
Rice, lentils, coconut and carefully layered spices define the kitchen more than the wheat breads associated with many northern Indian menus. Dosas, idlis, sambhar and regional curries reflect food traditions from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. Chicken, lamb and seafood dishes are balanced by an extensive vegetarian and vegan selection.
The entire menu is gluten free and nut free, and the restaurant is independently accredited by Coeliac UK. That gives coeliac diners unusual freedom to share from the same table, though guests should still communicate all dietary needs when booking and ordering. The approach is built into the cuisine rather than presented as a reduced alternative menu.
À la carte dishes are joined by lunch, pre theatre and group tasting formats. Shared plates allow a table to experience contrasting textures and regional spice combinations, while takeaway and delivery add flexibility. Dakhin offers a focused account of southern Indian cooking with accessibility for diners who often have to approach restaurant menus cautiously.
Address: 89 Candleriggs, Merchant City, Glasgow G1 1NP, United Kingdom
Dakhin Menu
Classics
Idli Sambhar
Four Idli soaked in Sambhar.
Vada Sambhar
Four Vada soaked in Sambhar.
Idli Vada Sambhar
Two Idli and two Vada soaked in Sambhar.
Dosa
Always served with Sambhar, Thengai Chutney & Takali Chutney.
Mysore Chutney
Add a spreading of spicy coconut chutney to the dosa for that extra heat.
Samundra Dosa
Prawns and fish, chopped together, spiced, sautéed and rolled in a dosa.
Mamsam Dosa
A dosa with a splendid filling of lamb, green peas, curry leaves and spices.
Koli Dosa
A serving of well-spiced chicken in a rolled-up dosa.
Palkatti Dosa
Homemade paneer makes for a great filling in this dosa.
Masala Dosa
A dosa with a traditional savoury spiced potato filling. A classic South Indian dish.
Biryani
Traditionally served with Pachadi, or choose one of our Sauce on the Side.
Yera Biryani
Cooked with king prawns.
Mamsam Biryani
With tender lamb.
Kodi Biryani
With soft and succulent chicken breast.
Kaikari Biryani
With mixed seasonal vegetables.
Sharing Menus
For groups of four or more.
Periyar
Vegetarian. 35 per person. Starters: Papad & Dips, Batata Bonda, Keerai Bhaji, Idli Sambhar. Main Course: Gutti Vankaya Masala, Bendakaya Pulusu, Batata Keerai Soung, Keerai Macial. Served with: Thengai Annam, Nimmakai Annam, Siru Uttapam, Paper Dosa.
Vaigai
40 per person. Starters: Papad & Dips, Chemmeen Varuthathu, Mamsam Pepper Fry, Karveipullei Koli, Keerai Bhaji. Main Course: Atterachi Thengai Kari, Venchina Mamsam, Kozhi Stew, Poondu Koli, Keerai Kootu. Served with: Nimmakai Annam, Annam, Siru Uttapam, Paper Dosa.
Kaveri
50 per person. Starters: Papad & Dips, Chemmeen Varuthathu, Varutha Attukari, Varutha Koli, Palkatti Pollichathu. Main Course: Meen Pulli, Mamsam Nilgiri, Mysore Chilli Koli, Kozhi Stew, Sundal, Keerai Kootu, Takali Chutney. Served with: Thengai Annam, Nimmakai Annam, Siru Uttapam, Paper Dosa.
Godavari
60 per person. Starters: Papad & Dips, Pedda Royyalu, Meen Chuttathu, Attu Varuval, Varutha Koli. Main Course: Yetti Masala, Erachhi Mappas, Poondu Koli, Kori Mangalorean, Keerai Kootu, Sundal. Served with: Thengai Annam, Nimmakai Annam, Siru Uttapam, Paper Dosa.
Starters
Poppadoms & Dips
A serving of crispy poppadoms and a selection of three different dips.
Masalegalu Onyon
Sliced & spiced red onions.
Chemmeen Varuthathu
King prawns and peppers tossed together with a tangy tomato and garlic sauce.
Attu Varuvaly
Flame grilled lamb chops marinated with roasted spices and curry leaves
Mamsam Pepper Fry
Tender pan-seared lamb with black pepper and green chillies.
Karveipullei Koli
Shreds of chicken flavoured with crushed curry leaves
Keerai Bhajji
Crunchy spinach and onion fritters. A popular street-side snack.
Batata Bonda
Soft battered dumplings of spiced potato.
Rajini Can
A mixed platter of Keerai Bhaji, Batata Bonda, Karveipullei Koli, Mamsam Pepper Fry and Chemmeen Varuthathu. Serves Two
Extra Chutney
Thengai Chutney
Simple chutney made from fresh coconut, herbs & spices.
Takali Chutney
A medium to spicy chutney made with tomatoes and garlic.
Mysore Chutney
A spicy coconut chutney for those who like a bit of heat.
Manga Pickle
Spicy and salty pickle made from unripe mangoes and chillies.
Flame Cooked
A selection of seafood, meats, and paneer specialities marinated and flame cooked on a skewer and served with a light garnish. As starter to share or a main course by itself.
Pedda Royyalu
Fresh jumbo tiger prawns.
Meen Chuttathu
Scottish monkfish.
Varutha Attukari
Lamb fillet.
Varutha Koli
Chicken Breast.
Palkatti Pollichathu
Paneer and mixed peppers.
Theeyil Chutta Sangamam
A mixed platter of flame cooked monkfish, lamb fillet and chicken breast. Serves Two to Three
Sauces on the Side
Recommended when ordered as a main.
Poondu
A spicy sauce abundant in garlic and crushed red chillies.
Nilgiri
A medium sauce of coriander, mint leaves and coconut.
Mangalorean
A mild to medium sauce with coconut milk and flavoured with curry leaves.
Moilee
A mild and velvety sauce of onions, tomatoes, turmeric and coconut milk.
The Ocean's Lure
Meen Moilee
Fresh Scottish monkfish stewed with coconut milk, onions, tomatoes and lemon.
Meen Pulli
This quintessential dish from the Malabar coast has Scottish monkfish in a spicy, tangy sauce of tamarind and red chillies.
Meen Manga
Sea Bream fillets in coconut milk a baby mango slices for a tangy finish.
Yetti Masala
Fresh jumbo tiger prawns, lightly fried and cooked in a thick flavourful sauce of onions, tomatoes and coconut.
Kuttanadan Konju
A Keralan prawn curry with ginger, garlic, tomato, red chilli and coconut.
Treats of Lamb
Venchina Mamsam
Fresh ginger and a touch of black pepper are used to bring out the taste of lamb in this time-tested recipe from Andhra Pradesh.
Erachi Mappas
Rich and full of flavour, these lamb chops are simmered with onions, tomatoes and coconut milk.
Mamsam Nilgiri
This herby lamb dish of coriander and a touch of mint is wholesome and refreshing.
Atterachi Thengai Kari
The fragrant aroma of cardamom and fennel, the richness of coconut milk and the tenderness of lamb make this dish a delight to the senses.
Pick of the Poultry
Poondu Koli
A spicy chicken dish with tomatoes and red chillies, complemented with ginger and garlic.
Mysore Chilli Koli
Chicken cooked with caramelised onions, tomatoes, coconut milk and green chillies – from the old Kingdom of Mysore.
Kozhi Stew
Chicken stewed with coconut milk, potatoes, carrots, exotic spices and aromatics.
Kori Mangalorean
This chicken preparation contains subtle spices combined with the mild richness of coconut milk and curry leaves.
Vegetarian & Vegan
Signature Preparations
Gutti Vankaya Masala
Whole aubergines shallow fried, cooked with onions, tomatoes and an assortment of herbs and spices.
Bendakaya Pulusu
An okra dish cooked with tamarind, onions, tomatoes and mustard seeds. An Andhra speciality with complex flavours.
Palkatti Mulakitathu
A traditional Kerala dish of homemade paneer and bell peppers in a mild to medium garlic and tomato sauce.
Batata Keerai Soung
Cubes of fried potatoes, shredded spinach and tomatoes cooked with mustard seeds and coconut.
Kai Kurma
An exquisite preparation of green beans, garden peas and carrots with coconut milk and subtle spices.
Palkatti Chettinad
Homemade paneer and mushrooms cooked with onions, intensely flavoured with black pepper.
Breads
Sada Dosa
A simple, thin crêpe of ground rice and lentils.
Mutta Dosa
A Sada Dosa cooked with a beaten egg on top
Chilla
A soft, thin and savoury bread of gram flour with fenugreek cut into four pieces.
Appam
Lacy, soft and bowl-shaped hoppers of fermented rice and coconut milk.
Siru Uttapam
Soft pancakes of ground rice and lentil with a variety of toppings – tomatoes, red onions and coconut.
Thosai Thattu
A delightful assortment of three different South Indian breads – Chilla, Appam and Siru Uttapam.
Paper Dosa
Crispy, delicate and paper-thin, this golden brown crêpe spans two to three feet. You have to see it to believe it!
Sides
Keerai Macial
A wholesome preparation of yellow lentils and shredded spinach.
Keerai Kootu
Shredded spinach sautéed with grated coconut and subtle spices.
Sundal
A delicacy of black chickpeas, tossed together with a hint of tomatoes, onions, herbs and spices.
Sambhar
Seasonal vegetables, lentils, tamarind and roasted spices, stewed together create this most popular South Indian staple.
Tarkari
A jumble of fresh tomatoes, cucumber, radish, carrots and red onions with a sprinkling of spiced lemon juice.
Pachadi
Cucumber soaked in refreshing cool yoghurt, flavoured with cumin, mustard seeds and coriander.
Rice
Thengai Annam
Basmati rice with grated coconut and mustard seeds.
Nimmakai Annam
Lemon juice, mustard seeds, lentils and curry leaves flavour this aromatic basmati rice preparation.
Annam
Steamed basmati rice.
Kids Menu
15 per person. Starters: Karveipullei Koli, Keerai Bhajji. Main Course: Kozhi Stew, Kori Mangalorean, Batata Keerai Soung, Kai Kurma. Served with: Annam, Siru Uttapam, Appam. Dessert: Vanilla Ice Cream.
Karveipullei Koli
Shreds of chicken flavoured with crushed curry leaves.
Keerai Bhajji
Crunchy spinach and onion fritters. A popular street-side snack.
Kozhi Stew
Chicken stewed with coconut milk, potatoes, carrots, exotic spices and aromatics.
Kori Mangalorean
This chicken preparation contains subtle spices combined with the mild richness of coconut milk and curry leaves.
Batata Keerai Soung
Cubes of fried potatoes, shredded spinach and tomatoes cooked with mustard seeds and coconut.
Kai Kurma
An exquisite preparation of green beans, garden peas and carrots with coconut milk and subtle spices.
Annam
Steamed basmati rice.
Siru Uttapam
Three soft pancakes of ground rice and lentil with a variety of toppings – tomatoes, red onions and coconut.
Appam
Lacy, soft and bowl-shaped hoppers of fermented rice and coconut milk.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Desserts
New York Cheesecake
A New York style baked cheesecake garnished with raspberry fruit preserve
Toffee & Chocolate Tart
A Crumbly chocolate pastry case filled with a toffee sauce and topped with a chocolate ganache
Scoop of Ice Cream
Vanilla; Scotch Tablet; Mint Choc Chip
Paal Payasam
A traditional cardamom flavoured pudding of rice and sweetened milk. Served warm.
Rum Affogato
A scoop of vanilla ice-cream, a measure of rum and a shot of hot espresso coffee.
Lunch
Monday to Friday: 12pm to 2pm.
Papad & Dips
A serving of crispy poppadoms and a selection of three different dips.
Vegetarian Thali
With preparations of vegetables, paneer, lentils and yogurt, served with rice, bread and dessert. Price: 15 pp
Non-Veg Thali
With preparations of chicken, lamb, lentils and yogurt, served with rice, bread and dessert. Price: 15 pp
Masala Dosa
The classic savoury spiced potato. Price: 15 pp
Palkatti Masala Dosa
Homemade paneer. Price: 15 pp
Koli Dosa
Spiced chicken. Price: 15 pp
Paal Payasam
A traditional cardamom flavoured pudding of rice and sweetened milk. Served warm.
Scoop of Ice Cream
Vanilla
Karveipullei Koli
Shreds of chicken flavoured with crushed curry leaves.
Batata Bonda
Soft battered dumplings of spiced potato.
Keerai Bhajji
Crunchy spinach and onion fritters. A popular street-side snack.
Venchina Mamsam
Fresh ginger and a touch of black pepper to bring out the taste of lamb in this time-tested recipe from Andhra Pradesh.
Mysore Chilli Koli
Chicken cooked with caramelised onions, tomatoes, coconut milk and green chillies – from the old Kingdom of Mysore.
Kori Mangalorean
This chicken preparation contains subtle spices combined with the mild richness of coconut milk and curry leaves.
Batata Keerai Soung
Cubes of fried potatoes, shredded spinach and tomatoes cooked with mustard seeds and coconut.
Annam
Steamed basmati rice.
Chilla
A soft, thin and savoury bread of gram flour with fenugreek.
Sada Dosa
A simple, thin crêpe of rice and lentils.
Pre-Theatre Menu
Two Courses for 25 pp. Monday to Friday: 5pm to 6pm. Saturday & Sunday: 1pm to 6pm. Available for groups of up to 8. Tables back in 90 minutes.
Mamsam Pepper Fry
Tender pan-seared lamb with black pepper and green chillies.
Karveipullei Koli
Shreds of chicken flavoured with crushed curry leaves.
Batata Bonda
Soft battered dumplings of spiced potato.
Keerai Bhajji
Crunchy spinach and onion fritters. A popular street-side snack.
Venchina Mamsam
Fresh ginger and a touch of black pepper to bring out the taste of lamb, in this time tested recipe from Andhra Pradesh.
Mamsam Nilgiri
This herby lamb dish of coriander and a touch of mint is wholesome and refreshing.
Mysore Chilli Koli
Chicken cooked with caramelised onions, tomatoes, coconut milk and green chillies – from the old Kingdom of Mysore.
Kori Mangalorean
This chicken preparation contains subtle spices combined with the mild richness of coconut milk and curry leaves.
Palkatti Chettinad
Homemade paneer and mushrooms cooked with onions, intensely flavoured with black pepper.
Batata Keerai Soung
Cubes of fried potatoes, shredded spinach and tomatoes cooked with mustard seeds and coconut.
Siru Uttapam
Soft pancake of ground rice and lentil with a variety of toppings — tomatoes, red onions and coconut.
Nimmakai Annam
Lemon juice, mustard seeds, lentils and curry leaves flavour this aromatic basmati rice preparation.
Sada Dosa
A simple, thin crêpe of rice and lentils.
Annam
Steamed basmati rice.
Mamsam Dosa
A dosa with a splendid filling of lamb, green peas, curry leaves and spices.
Koli Dosa
A serving of well-spiced chicken in a rolled-up dosa.
Masala Dosa
A dosa with a traditional savoury spiced potato filling. A classic South Indian dish.
Papad & Dips
A serving of crispy poppadoms and a selection of three different dips.
Keerai Kootu
Shredded spinach sautéed with grated coconut and subtle spices. Fresh and fragrant!
Sundal
A nutritious delicacy of black chickpeas, tossed together with a hint of tomatoes, onions, herbs and spices.
Pachadi
Cucumber soaked in refreshing cool yoghurt, flavoured with cumin, mustard seeds and coriander.
Sambhar
Seasonal vegetables, lentils, tamarind and spices, stewed together create this most popular South Indian staple. Available for groups of up to 8.
Manga Pickle
Spicy, salty South Indian pickle made from unripe mangoes and red chillies.
Tarkari
A delectable salad of tomatoes, cucumber, radish, red onions, carrots and lemon juice.
Tea
Breakfast
Chamomile
Earl Grey
Green
Mint
Lemon
Masala Chai
Coffee
Black Coffee
White Coffee
Espresso
Double Espresso
Macchiato
Cappuccino
Latte
Malt Whisky
Amrut
Indian Single Malt. Bottled at 46% it has depth of flavour and a unique bitter-sweet overture with characteristics of spice, fruit and honey, and a long, elegant, intricate fade.
Bowmore
12 Year Old, Islay. The heart of the Bowmore range, the 12-year-old exhibits some beautiful coastal notes with a gentle peat, it is the balance that the floral element presents that makes this a great entry bottling for Bowmore.
The Balvenie
21 Year Old, Speyside. Maturation in 30 year-old port pipes gives this whisky extra depth with flavours of fruit and hints of smoke. A silky-smooth full-bodied palate with a nut and cocoa finish.
Talisker
10 Year Old, Island. Spicy, peppery and complex, this is a truly elemental malt with an coastal peaty character and delicious toasty flavours.
Highland Park
12 Year Old, Island. A delicious sweetness of heather-honey and a warming, silky mouthfeel, this is a whisky that never lets you down.
The Macallan
Gold, Speyside. A rich whisky combining fruity citrus and caramel with spicy ginger and nutmeg with a warm, sweet and dry finish.
Laphroaig
10 Year Old, Islay. Full-bodied and smoky with a residual sweetness, a hint of salt amid the seaweedy, peaty notes before a long warming finish.