from mdavidson (89%) on August 7th, 2007 (10 months ago)

King's Balti, 79 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9LS, Edinburgh

Good value and good food. On my most recent visit to King's Balti I was part of a group of 20. We all opted for the "party menu" which was great value and filled everyone up (they brought out massive platters of pakoras, samosas and bhajis for starters) for a very reasonable £14 (or thereabouts) per head.

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from irishphat (76%) on August 17th, 2007 (10 months ago)

King's Balti, 79 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9LS, Edinburgh

Been here in large groups and as the other folk said it's excellent. If you're in a small group expect to be waiting an age though. Also there's bound to be one large group causing a ruckus -- so be it. Great grub, massive naan breads (order less than you think you need) and they give you free bits of orange on your way out the door. Top joint!

Although I'm told and do agree that it's not worth going in a group less than 6 as you will be waiting ages to be served.

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from jwjlewis (75%) on July 17th, 2007 (11 months ago)

King's Balti, 79 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9LS, Edinburgh

Perfect for a student birthday bash. They cater for large groups in their back room. I have never been disappointed here, but having never eaten in a small group here I cannot say much about how it suits couples looking for a quiet evening. Saying that, given that there are two rooms, one would presume that couples would be fine here.

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from EdinburghCritic (12%) on April 15th, 2008 (2 months ago)

King's Balti, 79 Buccleuch Street, EH8 9LS, Edinburgh

The King's Balti is a Newington stalwart, but despite having previously lived in the area for ten years, I ate there only once, as part of a large birthday entourage. On the previous occasion the food and atmosphere had been good, and I was curious to taste the food again last night.

A Monday night can be an excellent night to dine out. On a Friday or Saturday one has to contend with stressed waiters, loud groups, queues and restrictive booking times. Moreover the kitchen is likely to be operating at capacity and as a consequence, less care and attention can be lavished on preparation of excellent food.

We were the first people in the restaurant last night, and, perhaps because of this, were treated with exceptional courtesy by the waiting staff. Alternatively, it may be the case that they are always this attentive. Either way, there are a great many waiters who could learn a thing or two, from this old school restaurant. It is somewhat tangential, but it is astonishing how regularly one is met with poor service in restaurants, cafes and bars in Edinburgh, and it is lovely to made to feel special for a change.

The restaurant itself is a little basic in terms of appointment and the décor is looking dated. If you are looking to wow a date or business contact, the King’s Balti may be underwhelming. Nevertheless the restaurant was very clean and fresh (which, regrettably, can not be said of all eating establishments). If you are looking for a menu to tantalise your palate, however, look no further.

The menu is quite extensive, so we sought the recommendations of the waiter. He advised the North Indian Chile Garlic Chicken, with peshwari naan, with no rice. While this was being prepared, we feasted on poppadoms, which were crisp and freshly fried, together with fresh onion and chutney. It is refreshing not to be given a starter selection that does not look like it has been on five other people’s tables.

On arrival of the main dishes, we were greeted by food which was both visually and aromatically stunning. The taste did not disappoint. The dish was fairly hot, but this did not disguise the quality of the ingredients—succulent chicken with juicy onion and pepper. The naan was the perfect accompaniment, its sweet flavour offsetting the spice of the chicken perfectly. It is unusual in the UK to forgo rice with Indian cuisine, but not in certain parts of the subcontinent. It was a welcome change and one much recommended to others.

With the constant churn of the restaurant industry, there are good reasons why the King’s Balti has been in business so long. If you are looking for good quality ingredients, simply but deliciously prepared; attentive staff; and reasonable prices; you could not go far wrong with a trip to the King’s Balti.

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