Edinburgh and its surrounding cities and suburbs have no shortage of restaurants catering to a range of different cuisines.
So it is perhaps unsurprising that almost 20 Edinburgh and Lothian restaurants have made it onto the Asian Restaurant Awards Scotland’s shortlist for 2021.
A total of 19 restaurants have earned nominations for this year’s awards, with two Edinburgh restaurants earning nominations in two categories.
The Asian Restaurant Awards celebrates different varieties of Asian cuisine on show across Scotland. An array of categories highlight restaurants offering the best delivery and takeaway service alongside specialist grub.
Eleven Edinburgh restaurants are shortlisted for the 2021 Awards’ regional category crowning the Best Asian Restaurant in Edinburgh – with independent restaurants and chains battling it out to win.
Last year’s awards saw Haymarket Indian restaurant Ignite win the Edinburgh accolade, while Mother India’s Cafe claimed the Best Asian Restaurant Edinburgh award for casual dining.
The winners of this year’s awards will be announced at the Asian Restaurant Awards ceremony on Monday 20 September at the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa.
Here are the 19 restaurants across the Capital and Lothians which have been nominated for the Asian Restaurant Awards Scotland 2021.
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5. Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food, Edinburgh
The Edinburgh restaurant of popular Indian street food chain, Tuk Tuk, has made it onto the Asian Restaurant Awards shortlist for the Best Asian Restaurant Edinburgh in 2021. With light, tasty street food bites like its chicken lollipops (pictured) and a range of curries, the Bruntsfield branch is always a busy one. Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food Edinburgh can be found at 1 Leven St, Edinburgh EH3 9LH. Photo: Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food
6. Kalpna Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurant, Edinburgh
One of the City's most popular Indian restaurants, Newington-based Kalpna offers a wide variety of dishes for vegan and vegetarian Indian food fans - earning it a nomination for the Best Asian Restaurant Edinburgh at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2021. The restaurant has been serving up vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free grub for over 40 years. Kalpna is based at 2-3 St Patrick Square, Edinburgh EH8 9EZ. Photo: Kalpna
7. Itihaas, Dalkeith
Itihaas in Dalkeith is one of just two restaurants nominated for Best Asian Restaurant in Midlothian. Having opened in 1997, Itihaas has won numerous awards for its Indian and Bangladeshi dishes and high quality service. Itihaas is based at 17/19 Eskbank Rd, Dalkeith, EH22 1HD. Photo: Itihaas
8. Namaste Kathmandu
Located right in the heart of Edinburgh's Old Town, Namaste Kathmandu is a popular city centre haunt for foodies in search of delicious Nepalese dishes. It made it onto this year's Asian Restaurant Award shortlist for the category, Best Nepalese Restaurant. You can find Namaste Kathmandu at 17-19 Forrest Road, Edinburgh, EH1 2QH. Photo: Namaste Kathmandu