Though I'm sure that Indian food is a common staple in some parts of the US, where I am from, and most of the places I had lived before coming over to the UK, it was a rather rare thing to see an Indian restaurant and the names of these exotic spices they flavour their dishes were somewhat of a mystery to me. So the introduction to the wonder of Indian food was something that, as a food tourist, I was hugely looking forward to enjoying when I moved to the UK.

And to my delight I was not disappointed. So if there is the chance that you haven't previously tried Indian food, I would highly recommend that you give it a go while in Britain; in the same way I would recommend Mexican to those visiting Texas, as it is a different food than you get in its home country. (Tex-Mex, to those who have visited Mexico know, is a very different food to traditional Mexican, though no less wonderful.) The same can be said of Indian; and British-Indian food is a wonderful concoction. And the best place I have had the pleasure of enjoying this food in Edinburgh is the Prince Balti House.

Though a little bit out the way on the outskirts of town just past The Shore on Seafield Road, it's easy to get to by bus or with a car and is worth the little bit of extra effort. The food is fantastic, and though this is not a fine dining experience, it is incredibly flavourful and an altogether great place to eat. I took the last visitors I had from the US there for a night out before they left, and we spent the evening, just a short walk from some great pubs and the seashore, enjoying the delicious and varied menu, and sampling each other’s dishes to see who had the best.

Possibly my favourite thing about this particular restaurant is the staff. I don't know if I've come across staff in Europe so pleased and delighted to be of service, so happy to get your business and just so generally pleasant. The service was good, but mostly it was the genuine pleasure they got in serving us that made it so nice.

And I can't complain about the food either, in price, flavour, or quantity. Four of us each got one of their special dishes from Madras to Rogan Josh, as well as some poppadoms for around £6 each (about $12) gleefully sampling each other's different meals and went home stuffed.

This is such a nice place to eat that I can't recommend it enough. They have a Huge menu and often offer specials at a very good rate. They do take out as well with free delivery over £12 if you just feel like chilling out in your hotel.
They accept all major credit cards and are open 7 days a week. A Great place to sample British-Indian food.