Haldi Restaurant, Southside - The Kind of Place Locals Whisper About
There’s a certain kind of Edinburgh restaurant that never shouts for attention. No neon signs, no PR machine, no frantic social‑media presence. Just a steady stream of regulars who slip through the door with the quiet confidence of people who know something you don’t.
Haldi, tucked away in the Southside, is exactly that kind of place.
It’s the sort of Indian restaurant that rewards curiosity, the “out‑of‑the‑way” spot you only discover because someone who loves you (or loves food) insists you go. And once you do, you understand immediately why the locals keep coming back. The cooking is tremendous: generous, deeply spiced, and rooted in the kind of homely warmth that makes you feel looked after from the first bite.
Haldi isn’t chasing trends or trying to reinvent the wheel. Instead, it delivers what so many restaurants forget - flavour, comfort, and consistency, served with the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like a regular even on your first visit. It’s a Southside staple for good reason, and one of those rare places where the best thing on the menu might just be the welcome (the food is great too!)
The restaurant is small but perfectly formed with around 28 covers; understated in all the right ways, and quietly stylish without trying too hard. It’s the kind of intimate space that immediately feels like a find. At the heart of it all is owner‑operator Madan, who is an absolute joy: warm, welcoming, and genuinely delighted to talk you through the menu. His passion for every dish is infectious, and his hospitality sets the tone for the whole experience.
We just missed the cut‑off time for Haldi’s five‑course tasting menu (£45.50 per person, minimum of two), but there wasn’t even a flicker of disappointment, the à la carte menu was absolutely packed with dishes we couldn’t wait to dive into.
And honestly, Haldi had us from the very first bite. I always think the poppadoms and chutney tray (£4.75) set the tone for what’s to come, and here it was a quiet little promise of a great meal ahead. The crisp lentil wafers were feather‑light and freshly made, the kind that snap cleanly between your fingers, and they made scooping up the trio of chutneys an utter delight. It’s simple, yes, but when a restaurant gets the simple things this right, you know you’re in for a good night.
Madan gently nudged us towards the Dirty Samosa Chaat (£8.50), and thank goodness he did. It arrived as a glorious, chaotic mountain of crushed samosas, chickpeas, yoghurt, chutneys and sev; a riot of texture and tang that hits every corner of your palate. It’s messy, generous, and completely irresistible.
Next up was the Beetroot Galouti Kebab (£8.75): soft beetroot patties scented with aromatic spices. It wasn’t my personal favourite of the night, but if you’re veggie you’ll be absolutely thrilled with it. Earthy, tender, and beautifully seasoned, it’s a thoughtful dish that shows just how much care goes into Haldi’s menu.
Then came the Duck Seekh Kebab (£11.50), served with a cooling mint yoghurt. Juicy, gently spiced and beautifully charred, it was one of those dishes that disappears far too quickly because every bite is better than the last.
But the real showstopper, the dish I could have ordered on repeat, was the Chicken 65 (£9.50). South Indian–spiced crispy chicken tossed with curry leaves, heat, crunch, and sheer joy. Wow. It’s the kind of plate that makes you pause mid‑conversation, look up, and silently agree that you’ve just found something special.
I couldn’t resist the Old Delhi Butter Chicken (£18.75), the promise of a smoky gravy was far too tempting. What arrived was a generous plateful, rich and velvety, with that subtle wisp of smoke threading through the sauce. Comforting, familiar, but lifted with just enough depth to make you pause and appreciate it.
And then came the Prawn Malabar (£20.75): king prawns simmered in coconut, ginger and green chilli. I haven’t seen a Malabar on a menu since my South African days, so spotting it here felt like a little reunion. The sauce was fragrant and gently spiced, the prawns plump and perfectly cooked, a dish that carries sunshine in every spoonful.
To finish, Madan treated us to a little tasting of all three desserts on the menu (£6.25 each), a gesture that perfectly sums up his generosity. The Carrot Halwa, slow‑cooked with milk, sugar and cardamom, was my favourite of the trio. Soft, comforting and gently spiced, it reminded me of rice pudding in the best possible way.
Then came the Gulab Jamun, syrup‑soaked and fragrant, and a wee slab of rose Kulfi, cool, creamy and fragrant. A sweet, simple ending and exactly the kind of thoughtful finish that makes Haldi feel so special.
Haldi is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why small, owner‑run places matter. It’s heartfelt, consistent, and quietly brilliant, the sort of spot where the food is made with care and the hospitality feels personal. Madan’s passion shines through every dish and every interaction, and it’s impossible not to be swept up in it. If you’re willing to wander a little off the beaten track, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best Indian cooking in the Southside. No fuss, no fanfare just tremendous food and a restaurant you’ll want to keep coming back to.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT HALDI
They are a small restaurant and reservations are recommended
There is on street parking available
They are closed on Tuesdays
They can cater for vegetarians and gluten free
Haldi, 38 Mayfield Gardens, Edinburgh, EH9 2BY, United Kingdom https://haldiedinburgh.co.uk/
My Spoon Award : Tartan Spoon 10/10
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