Indian food is extremely popular in Scotland, so much so that the Shish Mahal restaurant, Glasgow is said to have invented Chicken Tikka Masala. However, Mrs Singh from Punjab included a similar recipe in her book, Indian Cookery (1961).
So what is behind the name Vinyasa? This Sanskrit word means a style of yoga, the balance between the breath and body movement, in the pursuit of good health and well being.
When I arrived one warm Summer evening, there was, thankfully, no Yoga class being taken, just an invitation to experience an traditional Indian meal. To promote healthy eating, I was pleased to see that a section of Vegetarian Indian dishes is listed within an extensive menu of classic favourites.
To get the taste buds buzzing I began with a starter of a vegetable samosa and a couple of Fiazas, (lentil pakora), which I ate like bite-sized canapés, licking my fingers!. With this, I sipped a glass of House white wine, a fresh, light French Sauvignon Blanc.
Then to the main event: Tandoori Specialities include Lamb Tika Kebab, marinated with spices then roasted on a skewer in a clay oven. Under Popular Dishes, choose between chicken, lamb or king prawn with either a mild Kurma or a hot Vindaloo sauce.
From the Vinyasa Special Dishes, I selected a King Prawn Rogan Josh, described as a rich spicy tomato sauce with green pepper and garlic. To accompany this I ordered Pilau Rice (saffron basmati), and also Saag Aloo to add a green vegetable.
The generous portion of Rogan Josh could probably be sufficient for two people - so ideal that I was able to serve myself from the three dishes, taking a few spoonfuls of curry, rice and “spinach with potato.” And then a second helping. Very tasty, but no way could I finish this feast, complemented by a plummy, smooth French Merlot.
The restaurant is run by Team Vinyasa, a family affair with Masterchef Grand Pops, the grandfather in the kitchen, grandson at front of house, granddaughter behind the bar, and other relatives in the business. This creates a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
Browsing through Trip Advisor, Vinyasa is highly recommended by 96% of diners, a cross section of city residents and holiday visitors. The fact that on the night I visited there were a few Indian people, perhaps proves its quality, authentic cuisine.
This is a popular, buzzing place, so make sure you reserve a table. A Take Away service is also available.
“We ate here the day we had run the Edinburgh Marathon. We loved the food even though the service was a bit slow - but in our state we weren’t in a rush! ..” Visitors from Kent.
In a prime location, just a few steps from the Canongate, this warm and welcoming Restaurant has proved very popular since opening in January 2013. The decor is cool and contemporary, with framed silver chain creative art along the walls; high-backed cream leather chairs and two spacious crimson-velvety banquette booths cater for all, couples to larger parties.