The Mosque Kitchen — Restaurant in City of Edinburgh

Visited Edinburgh with family for a weekend and thought I'd check this place out as it's meant to be one of the highest rated halal Asian places in the city. Walked in and there was noone to greet us so we just wandered over to a table near the buffet-style counter, where we made our orders. One member of my party ordered a curry and got it pretty much instantly. Another ordered some rice and got it a few minutes later. My cousin ordered a burger and I ordered doner with chips and cheese but these were nowhere to be seen. 10 minutes later we remind the staff what we ordered and he said "ah yes" as if he forgot half our order and assured us it'd be here in 5 minutes. Then my cousin's burger arrived. They still forgot my kebab. The staff member who took our order sat down on the table next to us to eat and was full-on arguing in Urdu with a female staff member who was behind the counter, in front of all the paying customers. When I finally asked about the kebab I got another "ah yes" and had to wait another 10 minutes. Then came the worst part. My doner, chips and cheese arrived absolutely DOUSED in mayonnaise. I did not at any point ask for mayonnaise. I don't dislike mayonnaise; I'd eat it if it's on a burger but I wouldn't drown my food in it. The rest of my family weren't too happy with their food, but I actually enjoyed the tiny bit of mine that wasn't slimed all over. A sad taste of what could've been, and what never will be because I doubt I'll be returning next time I'm...

5 days later:

This is the worst food poisoning I’ve ever had in my life. For the past 5 days I’ve had an incredibly sore stomach, a mild fever and headaches non stop. The bathroom has become my hunting ground.

Though the food was tasty, the chicken was clearly contaminated, and has destroyed my week. I urge you to please up your hygiene standards.

Original Review:

This place being rated 4.1 is criminal. Oh my goodness it was excellent. Cafeteria style service with Michelin quality food. Got the chilli chicken curry with rice a garlic naan and a cola (all coming to £12) and it was treeeemendous.

Excellent curry full of chicken onions and peppers spiced so that I could feel it but I wasn’t crying with some of the most fragrant rice I’ve ever had in my life.

Maybe it’s personal preference but when I can walk up to a counter get served a huge helping of delicious curry in a split second, that ends up as a massive green flag for me.

Just staring at the curries, pakoras and veggie dishes on display made my mouth water. Getting a big plate of scran with a delicious little coke (that supports the Palestinians btw!!) just made the day for me.

Excellent food, lovely staff, great atmosphere. A must go for Edinburgh.

Edit: I got something closely resembling food poisoning and have been bed bound for 2 days. Regardless of the delicious food it absolutely...

My wife and I found this place entirely by accident when it popped up as we were searching for the venue a friend's show was at (Surgeons' Hall). I read the description and it sounded like proper home made curries, so my mind was made up there and then.

Well, it was at least 100% of everything I had hoped for. The curry was absolutely everything I had wanted it to be. Fresh and sharp, with perfectly cooked rice, ridiculously incredible chana, delicious samosas, beautiful beautiful lamb curry (my wife had an aubergine curry with a lentil dish accompanying). And we also had some gelato (there are also a couple of varieties of kulfi). It's basically a caff serving fabulous home made curries, and we only paid twenty odd quid for the lot.

If you're looking for candelabras and chandeliers, you'll be disappointed: it really is VERY basic, with disposable plates and cutlery, although pretty good ones that truly don't detract from the amazing food. And there are cost free pitchers of water, like anywhere serving real home made curries. It's also wheelchair accessible, including the properly adapted toilet. And although there were customers constantly making their way in and out, it was large enough to never feel too busy.

Seriously, if you're in Edinburgh and anywhere near Nicolson Street, do yourself a massive favour and DON'T miss...