Chola Highlands – South Indian Soul Food

South Indian Soul Food in the Heart of Leith, Edinburgh

📍 Address: 138‑140 Duke Street, Edinburgh EH6 8HR
⭐ Rating: ★4.7 | 150+ reviews

🥥 About the Business

Chola Highlands is an Edinburgh-based South Indian restaurant bringing the rich, diverse culinary heritage of Tamil Nadu and beyond to the Scottish capital. Located in the historic and buzzing district of Leith, the restaurant blends authentic Indian flavours with a welcoming, contemporary dining experience.

Launched by a team passionate about both tradition and innovation, Chola Highlands quickly gained popularity for its deeply spiced dishes, comforting street food, and home-style curries. The name “Chola” reflects pride in Tamil culture,  a nod to the ancient Chola dynasty known for its cuisine, art, and architecture. The “Highlands” ties it firmly to its new Scottish roots.

From crispy dosas and fiery Chettinad curries to family-friendly thalis and indulgent biryanis, this eatery offers a culinary journey across South India, right from Edinburgh.

🍽️ Menu Highlights

Whether you're a vegetarian, meat lover, or trying South Indian cuisine for the first time, Chola Highlands has something to satisfy every craving:

🧆 Starters & Small Plates

• Chicken 65 – Deep-fried spiced chicken, a Chennai favourite

• Paneer Tikka – Tandoor-grilled Indian cottage cheese

• Gobi 65 – Cauliflower tossed in a crispy, spicy coating

• Medhu Vada – Savoury lentil doughnuts served with chutney & sambar

🍛 Mains & Curry Specials

• Madras Lamb Curry – Slow-cooked, richly flavoured

• Chettinad Chicken – Peppery and bold, from Tamil Nadu’s famed region

• Butter Chicken – Creamy, tomato-based North Indian comfort food

• Sambar & Rasam – South Indian soul food staples

🫓 Dosa & Tiffin Section

• Masala Dosa – Crispy rice crêpe with spiced potato filling

• Onion Rava Dosa – Semolina and rice crepe with crunchy edges

• Idli-Vada Combo – Steamed rice cakes paired with crispy lentil fritters

🍚 Rice & Biryani

• Hyderabadi Dum Biryani – Slow-cooked with aromatic basmati rice

• Vegetable Pulao – A lighter, fragrant rice option

• Egg Biryani – Perfectly spiced and balanced

🧁 Desserts & Drinks

• Gulab Jamun – Syrup-soaked milk dumplings

• Falooda – A refreshing layered dessert drink

• Masala Chai, Mango Lassi, and more

🧾 Perfect For:

• Desi foodies missing home

• Families looking for dosa nights or weekend thalis

• Students & professionals seeking value-packed meals

• Locals exploring authentic global cuisine

• Indian weddings, poojas, or community catering

Chola Highlands is a culinary hub for the South Asian community in Edinburgh. With friendly service, generous portions, and cultural pride in every dish, it’s become a favourite not only for those with Indian heritage, but for locals seeking bold, comforting, and flavour-rich food.
Check their Instagram and Facebook for food photos, weekly specials, and festival offers. You might even catch glimpses of Pongal celebrations, Onam sadyas, or Diwali thalis served with flair.