It is many years since a visit to Staggs (Musselburgh) was followed by Curry. When Dr. John suggested that he, and his brother – Dr. Henry, should join Hector for Curry in The Capital, goblets (sic) were thrown down. Hector had to find a worthy venue, and Dr. John had to be taken out of his comfort zone. Dr. Henry would stick to his usual, regardless. Both make their inaugural appearance in Curry-Heute, it will be interesting to see where we go next.
Mera Lahore (26/27 Haddington Place, Edinburgh EH7 4AF), one of the ribbon of Curry Houses on the stretch down towards Leith, has been on Hector’s radar for some time. A Punjabi restaurant in Edinburgh, and one of only four known in this city which serves Karahi Gosht by the kilo, i.e. in the authentic manner.
The walk down from Princes Street was completed at an admirable pace. Being a tourist in the east, obligatory photos were captured en route. Ah, the memories of the Playhouse.
We arrived at Mera Lahore at 19.40. Two tables were occupied in a venue which I shall describe as a – Pukkah Cafe. Two chaps, then a mother with two weans, were in situ. The toddler felt it necessary to climb all over the furniture, the baby was a screamer. The screaming was relentless, the worst ever experienced, and the Hector has made many a comment on this subject. What are parents thinking when they take these entities out to dine in public? A simple – there-there – or however this translates into Urdu, clearly does not work. Get the wean out, deal with it.
We couldn’t hear ourselves speak – the chaps at the adjacent table were keen to tell me when I went to take my photos of the surroundings.
In time we had the place to ourselves and would be well looked after by Aqib and Asha.
Having – persuaded – Dr. John in advance that we should share the kilo of Lahori Butt Lamb Karahi (£34.95), and that a Starter would be out of the question, he searched for this on the menu, whilst I photographed all. Aqib showed us the page.
£4.00 more for – Boneless, interesting. Having prepared the appetite for late eating, I knew we should manage the kilo, Boneless, no, but then that’s not the true authentic Dish.
Desi style please, on-the-bone.
Desi-Apna – I added, belt and braces. Aqib acknowledged this.
A Plain Naan (£2.95) was ordered – we can order another if required.
I do wonder at venues where the price of single Roti is £2.95. Rice prices were no better. Dr. Henry ordered Boiled Rice (£3.95). Note: Mushroom Rice (£5.95), Hector’s typical go-to, come on. The price of our Kilo, to be fair, was competitive, especially allowing for Edinburgh.
Henry would have his Chicken Korma (£15.95), preceded by Vegetable Pakora (£4.95). With no price differential here for Chicken, Lamb or Veg Curry, a rethink here is surely required.
Dr. John ordered a Cola (£2.95), a jug of Tap Water was asked for otherwise. The Tap Water was tepid, where was the ice? This is June. Dr. Henry:
The water (was) a bit on the warm side.
A Chilli Dip, Raita and a Modest Salad were brought to the table. No Poppadoms, so accompaniments for the Pakora? As is written oft in Curry-Heute when dining in company, why pay for them, if they wanted us to have them, they would have brought Poppadoms.
As I made my tour of the premises, so the chaos had subsided. The high chair disposed of.
I note that Mera Lahore is open on Sunday mornings for Desi Nashta. I wonder how many avail themselves of this? The Punjabi presence in the east of Scotland is minimal compared to the west.
I had anticipated at least at thirty minute wait for the Kilo, as would be the case at Rustom Restaurant (Haymarket), the only other venue where I have enjoyed the King of Karahi in Edinburgh. Not only did the food arrive quicker than expected, it all came together. Henry’s Starter, and the main courses. Really?
Vegetable Pakora
Supposedly double-fried, the Pakora was well done. A decent portion. Dr. Henry:
The Pakora was a little more spicy than I was expecting.
The seemingly small Naan, cut into quarters – why? – was peely wally. Thin, hardly risen, it was closer to Pitta. On removing two quarters from the plate it was clear 
another would be required.
I instructed Aqib:
Served whole please, well fired.
Sorted, much better. Why serve such a poor offering initially?
*
Lahori Butt Lamb Karahi
The Meat covered the full extent of the flat karahi, no doubting the portion size. An array of Bones were visible, different cuts of Lamb, I could see thick Chops and a Sucky Bone!
Topped with minimal Coriander and Ginger Strips, sliced Bullet Chillies were conspicuous by their absence. The appearance of the Masala immediately had me won. My last two such Karahi: Taste of Lahore (Lisboa) and DumPukht Lahore (Glasgow), have been served with a Masala approaching – Soupy. I’ve was hoping to get – efficacious – into this Blog, and so I have managed it. This was the – reet proper – Dry, Thick Masala, no red, a brown approaching – grey – as my eyes see it. Dr. John may think I need help here.
I let my fellow diner did in, he took but a few morsels initially and purloined some of his Henry’s Rice. There must have been enough.
I helped myself to a typical Round #1 portion. Note the almost complete absence of Oil, this may have explained mouthful #1.
The Masala lacks Seasoning – was my first note. That would turn out to be my only negative.
The first intake of Meat was close to a – Wow! – moment. The suitably Tender Lamb was bursting with Seasoning and Spice, this is why I was here. Meat that gives off a true depth of Flavour, it is what I hope for in every Curry and is so rarely delivered in the Mainstream venues, a la Monday at Banta Wala (Glasgow). This was a Desi Karahi, a treat, if readers will let me away with that.
In time, I unearthed a piece of Cinnamon Bark, a Black Cardamom, a Curry Leaf and a single slice of Bullet Chilli. Where did the rest go? Did I mention the – Sucky Bone?
Alternating between Meat then Naan & Masala, I was back on side with the latter, synergy. A true Desi Karahi.
The appetite still coping, Round #2 was just as satisfying. Dr. John was doing his bit, we would manage this. Three sharing might have permitted a Starter.
Of the two scraps of Bread remaining, the smaller was Naan #1, abandoned. Henry took care of the larger piece, a dipping he would go. Meanwhile, across the table…
Chicken Korma
This is what Dr. Henry orders, this is what he likes. If the Pakora was found to be – a little Spicy – then the base level has been established. This Chicken Korma was as Henry, and many other diners, are accustomed to. Dr. Henry:
I enjoyed my curry this evening. My Chicken Korma was sweet and tasty and the boiled rice a tiny bit on the dry side. Overall a satisfying meal.
Well, you don’t think the Hector is going to leave this there?
A bit of Naan was dipped into Henry’s surplus Sauce, I cannot bring myself to use the term – Masala.
Sweet, Creamy, Coconut-rich, a Dessert. Each to their own.
My issue here is: apart from the Chicken, just what was in the karahi? Presumably no more than spoonful of Sauce from The Big Pot, a mass of Cream and a dose of Coconut. Chef could take the day off. Just what is one paying for here? Especially with the uniform pricing.
I have kept Dr. John’s first contribution, considered words, in Curry-Heute until the end. Other than highlighting, as sent:
Was excited to take part in a Curry-Heute review and sample my first ever 1kg of Lamb Desi Karahi.
Restaurant was somewhere between a British traditional Indian restaurant and a street food cafe. Staff friendly and helpful.
Atmosphere spoiled by crying child.
Pakora Chilli Sauce and salad provided but no popadums. Sauce very good, Salad ok but could have been a bit fresher.
Food came much quicker than expected which slightly concerned me – pre-cooked and reheated? Quality of meat just ok – acceptable but not great.
John had told me in advance that he is exacting when it comes to eating Lamb in a restaurant. He was willing to have a go, else, this review would not have been possible.
Sauce quite dry, and not a style I am familiar with, so difficult for me to comment on quality.
1st Naan undercooked, 2nd OK, but not fantastic.
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the experience but Lamb Desi Karahi would not be my preferred choice of dish.
I would be pleased to participate in further Curry-Heute reviews but would prefer to comment on dishes I am more familiar with.
It looks as though we shall go to the ball once more.
The Bill
£68.65
The Aftermath
The Calling Card was issued, Aqib and Asha introduced themselves, the photo inevitable. They are an interesting partnership, find out for yourself.
I acknowledged the Tandoori Chef in the window as we departed.
On the train back to the former Curry Capital, the hidden Cumin Seed dislodged itself. Yay.
And yes, I know, the sun was setting well to the west of Leith.
2025 Menu
