Friday May 1st 2026
Itihass and Radhuni Managing Partner Habibur Khan and Executive Chef Matin Khan at the awards yesterday at the House of Commons
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Two family-run curry restaurants in Midlothian have beaten more than 13,000 competitors across the UK to be named among the country’s top Asian dining destinations – with both honoured at a prestigious ceremony inside the House of Commons.
Itihaas in Dalkeith and Radhuni in Loanhead were ranked among the UK’s top 100 Asian restaurants at the Asian Restaurant Awards, placing them not only among the best in Scotland, but among the elite nationwide.
In a category dominated by major city venues and Michelin-recognised kitchens, the Midlothian duo stood out as the only restaurants from small neighbouring towns to make the list – marking a major moment for Scotland’s Indian dining scene.
The awards ceremony, held in the Members’ Dining Room at the UK Parliament on 30 April, celebrated excellence across the UK’s diverse Asian food sector, spanning cuisines from across the continent.
Managing Partner Habibur Khan, said: “To see two restaurants from small towns in Midlothian recognised at this level – competing against some of the UK’s most celebrated and Michelin-starred establishments – is incredibly special.
“This is more than an award for us. It’s recognition for Scottish curry houses and the passion, skill and innovation that exists here. We’re proud to have represented Scotland on a national stage.”
Radhuni, already recognised as Scotland’s Curry Restaurant of the Year by Curry Life magazine, has also held an AA Rosette for culinary excellence for five consecutive years – a distinction achieved by only a handful of Indian restaurants in Scotland.
Executive Chef and founder Matin Khan, previously named Scotland’s top curry chef and one of the UK’s leading nine chefs at the 2025 Curry Life Awards, added: “Being placed in the top 100 out of thousands of restaurants across the UK is an incredible honour.
“This achievement belongs to our entire team – and to our loyal customers who continue to support us. Their belief in what we do makes moments like this possible.”
The Asian Restaurant Awards are organised by the Asian Catering Federation and this year were hosted by Bobby Dean MP, with awards presented by BBC journalist Samantha Simmonds.
With only one other Scottish restaurant – based in Edinburgh – making the UK top 100, the recognition cements Midlothian as an unexpected hotspot for award-winning Indian cuisine.
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