Since 2011

Rishi's Indian Aroma

A Celebration of India's Rich Culinary Heritage

Where It All Began

From Temple Kitchens to Your Table

The story of Rishi's Indian Aroma begins not in Scotland, but in the ancient temple kitchens of South India — where rice and lentils were ground on stone mortars, fermented overnight, and transformed into the iconic dosas, idlis, and vadas that have nourished generations for over 1,500 years. We brought that very tradition, unchanged and uncompromised, to the cobblestone streets of Scotland.

Our Kitchen

A Menu That Spans the Subcontinent

At Rishi's, we don't pick one corner of India — we celebrate the whole journey, from the temple cities of Tamil Nadu to the royal kitchens of Old Delhi.

South Indian dosa, idli, and vada spread

South Indian Classics — The Heart of Rishi's

This is where it all began. Our Masala Dosa and Mysore Masala Dosa are made from batter fermented overnight — just as it was in the ancient temple kitchens of Tamil Nadu over 1,500 years ago. Alongside, the steamed Idli served with sambar and chutneys, the crisp Medhu Vada, and the fragrant Gunpowder Ghee Idli tossed in ghee and fiery podi represent the soul of our menu. Our Kothu Parotta — shredded, stir-fried layered Madurai bread — brings the sound and energy of a South Indian street stall right to your table.

Tandoori kebabs and butter chicken

North Indian & The Clay Oven

Our tandoor burns at over 450°C, giving our Chicken Tikka, Seekh Kebab, and Tandoori Leg Quarters their unmistakable smoky char. From the curry pots come the North Indian classics: Old Delhi Butter Chicken in its rich tomato-fenugreek sauce, Chicken Tikka Masala — Scotland's adopted national dish — and the slow-simmered Dal Makhani of Punjab. Our Hyderabadi Chicken Biryani, dum-cooked with fragrant basmati, is sealed and steamed to perfection. Every naan — from Garlic to Peshwari to Chilli Cheese — is hand-stretched and baked fresh in the clay oven to order.

Chettinad spices and regional Indian dishes

Chettinad, Coastal & Regional Treasures

The Chettinad cuisine of Tamil Nadu's Nattukotai Chettiars uses a symphony of roasted spices — star anise, fennel, black stone flower — that you'll taste in our signature Chettinad Lamb Chops, Chettinad Lamb Chukka, and Chettinadu Curry. From Andhra Pradesh comes the fiery Nellore Kodi Vepudu; from Kerala, the gentle coconut-kissed Fish Moilee and Malabar Chicken Cutlet; from Goa, the bold Goan King Prawn; and from Hyderabad, the rich Bagara Baingan. Our Railway Lamb Curry recreates the heritage dish once served on India's long-distance trains — slow-cooked lamb with baby potatoes and chef's masala. We even honour Sri Lanka with our Jaffna Lamb Masala and crispy Sri Lankan Mutton Rolls.

Indo-Chinese fried rice and chaat street food

Indo-Chinese & Indian Street Food

India's obsession with Chinese food gave birth to an entirely new cuisine. Our Manchurian — whether Gobi, Paneer, Chicken, or Prawn — features crispy bites tossed in a garlic-chilli soy sauce that is unmistakably Indian. The sizzling Schezwan Fried Rice and wok-tossed Noodles round out this beloved fusion. And no Rishi's experience is complete without our chaat counter: Panipuri with tangy spiced water, Yogurt Bombs bursting with sweet-sour chutneys, and the irresistible Samosa Chaat — crushed samosa topped with chickpeas, yoghurt, and three chutneys.

Vegetarian thali and paneer dishes

Vegetarian & Vegan — Never an Afterthought

South India's vegetarian heritage means that over half our menu is naturally plant-based. From the indulgent Paneer Butter Masala and Kaju Mutter Paneer to the earthy Dal Tadka, the tangy Bendekai Gojju of Mysore, and the classic Chole Bhatura — our vegetarian dishes are never compromises. Our Veg Thali is a complete feast on one plate: a curated selection of curries, rice, chapati, pickle, and sweet that captures every corner of India in a single sitting. Vegan guests have dozens of authentic options like Bombay Aloo, Channa Masala, and Lemon Rice.

Our Journey

The Rishi's Timeline

2011

Aberdeen — Where It All Began

Rishi's Indian Aroma opened its first doors in Aberdeen's Granite City. With a simple mission — to serve authentic South Indian food that Scotland had never tasted before — we introduced dosas, idlis, and Chettinad-style cooking to the northeast.

2023

Stirling — Friars Street

Nestled in the shadow of Stirling Castle, our historic Friars Street location brought the warmth of Indian cuisine to the heart of Scotland's ancient capital, serving students, families, and visitors from around the world.

2025

Perth — The Fair City

Continuing our journey across Scotland, Rishi's opened in the historic city of Perth — bringing the same beloved flavours and warmth of South Indian cuisine to a new community in the heart of Perthshire.

2026

Edinburgh Flagship — Shandwick Place

Our crowning achievement: the flagship restaurant at 91-93 Shandwick Place in Edinburgh's West End. A premium dining experience with an open tandoor kitchen, extended seating, and our most ambitious menu yet — featuring over 125 dishes spanning South Indian, North Indian, Indo-Chinese, and Chettinad cuisines.

Across Scotland

4 Cities. One Family. One Mission.

🏔️ Aberdeen
🏰 Stirling
🏛️ Perth
🏛️ Edinburgh
Our Promise

What Makes Rishi's Different

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Authentic Recipes

Every recipe comes from the kitchens of South India — from Chettinad to Kerala, Udupi to Hyderabad. No shortcuts, no fusion gimmicks.

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Live Tandoor & Tawa

Watch our chefs work the clay tandoor and iron tawa at our open kitchens. Every naan is hand-stretched, every dosa is spread live.

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Vegetarian & Vegan First

South India's vegetarian heritage means over half our menu is naturally plant-based. Vegan guests have dozens of authentic options — not afterthoughts.

Experience It

Taste the Story

Every dish tells a story that spans centuries. Come experience the flavours that have captivated Scotland.