Mother India’s Cafe Edinburgh is an Indian restaurant on Infirmary Street in the Old Town. Its modern, comfortable dining room sits close to the National Museum of Scotland and the Royal Mile. The cafe’s defining idea is to serve Indian food in small portions, encouraging diners to share and explore more than one dish.
Samosas, pakoras and dosas begin the menu, followed by separate selections of fish, seafood, chicken, lamb and vegetables. Dishes range from butter chicken and railway lamb curry to Malabari prawns, spiced haddock and paneer with spinach. Ordering three or four plates between two people creates contrast across sauces, spices and cooking methods.
Vegetable and vegan choices are extensive, using lentils, chickpeas, aubergine, okra, mushrooms and cauliflower. Rice, naan, paratha and chapati help complete the meal and provide a way to balance richer or hotter sauces. Food is prepared from fresh ingredients, and allergen questions should be directed to the duty manager.
Wine, beer, lassi, masala tea and other hot and soft drinks give diners several pairings for the spices. The small plate format works equally well for a quick lunch and a slower group meal because more dishes can be added as the table decides. Mother India’s Cafe gives traditional recipes a flexible, sociable structure without losing their individual character.
Address: 3–5 Infirmary Street, Edinburgh EH1 1LT, United Kingdom