Two Edinburgh takeaways are vying to be named the best in Scotland at this year's Asian Restaurant Awards.
Over 20 Edinburgh eateries have been shortlisted across various categories this year, including Japanese, Chinese and Thai restaurants of the year. Meanwhile, there's a further eight restaurants up for regional Edinburgh award.
READ MORE: Popular Edinburgh restaurants make shortlist for Asian Restaurant Awards
But battling it out for the prestigious national takeaway of the year prize are two popular capital Indian restaurants, with loyal customer followings in their local area.
First up is St John's Curry Club, based on in the heart of Corstorphine, on St. John's Road. Their owners say: "Tasting the spice of life, you don't have to cross continent to find superb Indian cooking. Join the curry club closer to home and you'll be pleasantly surprised.
"Mouthwatering and flavourful Indian takeaway delicacies can now be quickly ordered from us! Once you have ordered our recipes, you are bound to enjoy the most memorable food experience."
The Curry Club scores a series of rave reviews, with one customer hailing the food as 'the best curry around' and another commenting: "Best curry in Edinburgh and the nicest people.
To find out more about St John's Curry Club and to see their menu, click here.
And the second capital food spot to make the best takeaway shortlist is Chennai's Marina, 'offering wide varieties of eclectic flavours of India and Sri Lanka, using exclusive spices, herbs and seasoning'.
With two locations, at Jock's Lodge and on Dalry Road near Fountain Park, the restaurants are so popular with some, one recent tourist even hailed at the best in the UK.
They said: "We are so glad to have found this gem, but so sad we don't live in Edinburgh and can't eat here every week." Meanwhile another positive review said: "One of the tastiest Indian food takeaways in Edinburgh. It made me nostalgic about India.
"Naan bread was so soft, while the paneer kadai I order was an exceptional culinary delicately, full of flavours." For everything you need to know about Chennai's Marina and their menu you can visit their website here.
The 6th annual Asian Restaurants Awards (Scotland) were launched at The Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 29th June. Organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), the awards have become 'a pinnacle for uniting the Asian restaurant industry in achieving recognition for innovation, vision and exceptional food.'
Organisers say: "The shortlist was determined by over 10,000 votes from members of the public. The establishments will all be visited by a panel of judges from the ACF who will determine the winners for both national and regional award categories at the finals in September.
"Scottish winners will also be included in the ACF’s new ‘One Hundred Top Curry Restaurants’ guide, which is being published currently, region–by–region across the UK, at www.Top100curryRestaurants.co.uk, with a printed version being available next year."
ACF Chairman Yawar Khan commented: "We congratulate all the Edinburgh establishments in making this year’s short-list for the sixth annual Asian Restaurant Awards (Scotland), an event which showcases some of the best dining establishments from across the nation. We look forward to unveiling the winners at our awards finals event in Edinburgh next month.
"Asian restaurants, which contribute £5bn to the economy and employ more than 100,000 people across the UK, are a key feature of Scotland’s food and cultural landscape. At a time when the sector is facing significant challenges with rising food and energy prices along with staff shortages, it’s important we acknowledge excellence and celebrate the success of the sector."
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