Shish Mahal — Restaurant in Scotland

The Shish Mahal opened its doors in 1979 and quickly became not only a popular place to dine-in for the people from East Lothian, but many people would travel from a much further distance on hearing people spread their word of mouth recommendations. It soon became an institution somewhat, and built a wonderful reputation within the community, providing a warm atmosphere and welcoming service to all, along with dishing up some exquisite cuisine. For the duration of the 80’s Idris Khan (Founder) and the late Akram Awan (RIP) were the perfect team, and the restaurant was always busy and had a distinct buzz in the air, especially at the weekends. The noise often from the hall was full of laughter and happiness it was rather addictive and a very special place to be.

Move forward into the 90s and Mr Khan and his eldest (first) son really had the business growing year on year, it was such a busy yet charming, cosy restaurant that had not only a loyal fan base of regular customers who would visit weekly, it was a place where everyone knew your name… to this day many people still reminisce on how the decor was very warm, magical even, and the red carpeted walls do bring back so many memories for the people of Musselburgh and beyond. Younger generations grew up eating with their families only to become regulars themselves as they got older.

In the early 2000’s business continued to remain consistent but as time was passing after the Millennium, The Shish had to make changes to the decor which did create a stir as the foundations from the past were in need of a facelift. This was a challenge as it does change the traditional atmosphere that was loved by all. Eventually with Mr Khans two eldest sons moving away from the industry as the years passed by, the restaurant has faced further challenges; including a pandemic, cost of living crisis and staff changes, it really is incredibly difficult keeping everyone happy but with the remaining 3 brothers of 5 supporting the business, in recent times standards have clearly slipped and the business suffered in comparison to past successes in the 80’s and 90’s, which were the most incredible years, it is possible to have the restaurant buzzing again and by keeping standards very, very high through dedication; hard work and a passion for the business in providing a better atmosphere, award winning customer service and great food!

The Shish Mahal has been an important part of the restaurant and takeaway scene in the Honest Toun for so long, I would love to see the younger generation mature, learn and gain experience from the elders who had this business thriving not just surviving. I only hope they will take the business in to the future once they truly understand the local culture and community. The restaurant and its potential 50th anniversary is not too far away and should be celebrated. Customer feedback is extremely important and I would encourage everyone to share your recent experiences whether you’ve had a takeaway or a sit-down meal at the Shish. BYOB has returned which is was very much needed.

There’s a reason this “was” the best curry house for miles and miles in the past. Stay humble and make The Shish great...

Very disappointed in our visit to the shish Mahal the food was ok bute waiter the servis was very poor we ordered drinks had to as for the non alcoholic one twice we had our starter, waited on our main after a group at another table who came in well after us had there main before us ,when receiving the main meal the waiter spillet my friends wine all over her she was soaking he also broke the glass didn't even apologized l had to say to him there was glass all over her chair round her feet he brought over wine that had already been open not the bottle we had been drinking and were paying for cheap rubbish,to replace her wine ,it was such a poor service from a waiter who is probably past serving now no enthusiasm at all , didn't even ask if we would like water with our meal or would you like to see the sweet menu we had vouchers for the restaurant from merkat the waiter said he didn't do that even although we showed him the voucher he said he's worked there 45years and they don't do this when clearly the advert had there name and address on it never got offered a free drink or discount on anything due to our friend sitting in wet wine and broken glass it was awful on the way out not even a thank you won't be back hope this is helpful to any one thinking of going...

Ordered on food hub app paid in full plus £1 tip(yes £1 isn't much but it's the thought) The restaurant then phoned me to say that the delivery price is wrong and now while most places would make you aware of this and complete the order this once, No the asked me to pay another £6 to the driver. When I said no there is no way I would be paying £10 delivery, they didn't cancel then and there they said we will speak to the driver so 25 minutes of wondering what's happening this my order before I proceed to get the phone call telling me it's cancelled.

Now I understand that the food hub app is wrong but if the restaurant isn't on the ball then for the sake off £6 I think they should put that down to customer service. Fact since put down £1 tip the restaurant could have used that towards it. To me it just shows that they really couldn't care about customers when they were not willing to complete the order over the sake of a few pound when it wasn't the customers fault. Now the reason I had to wait until the spoke to the driver was because they had started cooking my order bet they will probably hand that to someone else even if it has been sitting since they...