Loanhead might not be an obvious location for quality Indian food, but tucked away on Clerk Street, The Radhuni is worth putting into your SatNav and checking out.
The frontage is so unassuming it is easy to drive past without giving it a second look, but once inside, The Radhuni is a Tardis, opening up into a beautiful, tastefully decorated space.
The sister restaurant of Itihaas in Dalkeith, The Radhuni seats 120 and has sectioned off areas for parties and families. There is a stylish long table right at the back, perfect for a larger groups of friends or family.
Although we visited on a pretty dreich November evening, the garden at the back looked like a good place for al fresco dining in summer.
The Radhuni, which means “passionate cookâ€, opened its doors in 2011 and has racked up numerous awards including a TripAdvisor Hall of Fame for five continuous years of excellence and chef of the year in the 2018 Scottish Curry Awards.
My neighbour, who was my dining companion, ordered King Prawn Puri as a starter – a kind of wrap of puffed fried bread filled with prawns, fresh coriander and a subtle sauce. It looked, and tasted, good.
My starter of Salmon Tikka was delicious: Scottish salmon marinated in spices, herbs and olive oil and cooked in the tandoor oven. It was so tender and turned out to be my favourite dish of the evening.
Chicken Korma was “lovelyâ€, according to my neighbour and the pilau rice and nan bread all of a high quality.
My Tandoori Murgh with mint and yoghurt sauce started off well, hot and sizzling and straight out the oven, however the larger bits of chicken proved to be a bit dry and, after a while, I gave up the battle. The portion sizes were very generous, so my the time I was finishing my main I was extremely full, which contributed to my waning interest in the Murgh.
Despite this, I would definitely recommend The Radhuni. The ambience was perfect for a Saturday night; it was reasonably busy and the staff were on the ball.
I can’t comment on the desserts, however a quick look at the menu revealed a good variety of ices, chocolate mousse, cheesecake and fruit.
Tapas Tuesdays sounded like a good way to “eat light†and a Sunday banquet consists of three main dishes, allowing for a bit of experimentation and discovery.
I wouldn’t have considered driving to Loanhead for a curry before this review, but with easy on-street parking and a 15 minute drive from West Edinburgh on the bypass, it’s an easy option.
Our two course meal, with poppadoms and four chutneys, shared rice and nan bread: £48.00.
The Radhuni, 93 Clerk Street, Loanhead, EH20 9RE.
Tel. 0131 440 3566.
Website: www.theradhuni.co.uk