Kalpna

Thanks to an intrepid chef who traveled through the Indian subcontinent before establishing himself in Edinburgh, Kalpna boasts a menu that draws together regional Gujarati, Punjabi and South Indian cuisines. Globetrotter Ajay Bhartdwaj knows the value of fresh ingredients however, and makes sure his kitchen is stocked with locally-sourced ingredients when he creates his incredible dishes. A word to the wise, Kalpna is an Indian restaurant specialising in vegetarian cuisine, as is common in South Asia, so this is a godsend for students from the nearby University of Edinburgh or Newington and Southside residents looking for a non-meat alternative. A good way to take the temperature, quality-wise, of what’s on offer is to opt for the Gujarati thali platters, otherwise take your pick for a satisfying Indian meal.

Serving lucky foodies for over 25 years, Kalpna is Edinburgh’s most highly revered vegetarian restaurant. This stylish and iconic space, located on Patrick Square in Newington, first began dishing up its now famous curries in 1982 and now has several awards under its belt. The concept behind Kalpna is simple – serve wholesome and nutritious vegan and vegetarian food that’s packed with flavour. Which all sounds pretty darn good to us! So, what should you expect from the menu here then?

Firstly, we recommend starting your Kalpna food journey with starters to share with your pals, consider the sev dahi poori which are popular Indian roadside snacks made from potatoes, chickpeas and onions and then served with honey, tamarind-date sauce and green coriander chutney. A visit to Edinburgh’s Kalpna is never complete without ordering the signature dum aloo kashmiri, which consists of potato barrels filled with veggies, paneer and nuts. You’ll also find all your favourite classic curries on offer in this Newington haven, so whether you’re in to try something new or after an old favourite, Kalpna is the place for quality and delicious vegetarian Indian cuisine each and every time.