“No flirting with customers”, “no overnight sleeping”, “no open fires”, “opium-free chai” and “no livestock in washrooms”, say just a few of the many signs up at the Chaakoo Bombay Cafe in Edinburgh. Split into classes and decorated like an authentic 19th-Century Irani cafe, the spot boasts modern touches and budget-friendly dinner options.
Chaakoo on Lothian Road transports visitors back in time to the 19th Century, back when Bombay Cafes were just opened by Irani and Persian immigrants in India. With a selection of creative cocktails, Iranian kebabs, a huge selection of curries and small plates, the restaurant invites guests for an outing that won’t break the bank.
Most importantly, the Full Bhuna is a two-course meal for two at £22 per person available only on Tuesdays and Sundays, which comes with an eight-piece starter thali tray to share between two people, followed by your choice of three curries. Guests can also choose between Jeera Rice or Masala Fries.
Secret Edinburgh got the chance to try the massive dinner deal, and, honestly, there was so much food we could not finish it all. However, the dishes offered a wholesome and comforting fix, with the Chicken Korma and the Paneer Butter Masala stealing the show.
The starting Thali tray comes with two Machali, two Masahari, two Shakahari, two Cauliflower Kebab and a bowl of Raita, onion & peppers, mint chutney & pakora sauce (which was quite spicy, so proceed with caution).
The choice of curries is also plentiful, with the usual favourites like Chicken Tikka, Butter Chicken and Rogan Josh up for grabs. The curry tray also includes Daal Makhni with overnight cooked black lentils, red kidney beans, tomato purée, ginger and cream and tomato curry.
While there, guests can opt for iced tea of various flavours like Mango or Strawberry, as well as a number of imaginative concoctions. We were extremely impressed by the High Tea in Chennai with Puerto de Indias Strawberry Gin, iced tea, lemon syrup, Aquafaba and grenadine.