Two Edinburgh Indian restaurants named Local Covid Curry Heroes

The owner of two popular local Indian restaurants have been given extraordinary recognition for coming to the aid of people in need in their local communities throughout the pandemic.

Radhuni and Itihaas have been given extraordinary recognition for coming to the aid of people in need in their local communities.

Restaurateur Matin Khan who manage Itihaash on Eshbank Road, Dalkeith and his son Habibur Khan who runs Radhuni at Clerk Street, Loanhead, have jointly contributed over £10,000 worth of free meals to NHS workers, the fire brigade, police and ambulance services during the ongoing pandemic.

As most food places were closed the both restaurants provided the vital lifeline to many people were on desperate need for foods.

Both restaurants have been honoured with special recognition by leading national curry trade magazine Curry Life as Local Covid Curry Heroes.

Mr Khan said: “I am deeply pleased and honoured to receive this recognition. Our NHS and other emergency services have worked tirelessly this year to provide support to the many people who needed help across the UK, often in exceptionally difficult circumstances. At the Radhuni and Itihaash we were just doing our bit to support them."

Explaining the thinking behind the Local Covid Curry Hero initiative, editor-in-chief, Syed Nahas Pasha said: “Despite the unprecedented problems posed by the present pandemic, these curry houses have gone out of their way to be almost a fourth emergency service to vulnerable people.

“Their businesses and livelihoods have been severely impacted, but this has not stopped them offering a helping hand to the most needy in our society at a time of crisis.”

“During Covid-19, many curry houses have just managed to keep their heads above the water – absorbing the costs of closures, reduced capacity and Covid-19 compliance – many often putting their own lives at risk, as they themselves come largely from vulnerable BAME communities.

“Their efforts really deserve to be recognised as truly heroic-and we are delighted to be able to mark their magnificent contributions in this way.”

Not stopping their efforts there the restaurants have announced that for every single takeaway purchased over the next three weeks – no matter how large or small – the Radhuni and Itihaas will donate 15p to support children and families in need in Edinburgh and Midlothian. Additionally they will donate the entire cost of every takeaway onion bhaji sold on British Curry Day.

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