Dear fellow diner...
If you’re one of those people who believe that the best things in life take a wee while to perfect, then you’ve come to the right place. For in addition to lovingly preparing the gastronomic delights that await you, Khushi’s has something of a history to tell...
Khushi Mohammed was an enterprising chap. He bade farewell to the balmy climes of the Indus Valley, arriving here in the 1930’s to seek his fortune. Mr Mohammed was soon to become a familiar face to thousands of Edinburgh householders – as a door to door salesman! Over  the years others followed his path to these shores including gifted young academics and medical students from the Asian sub-continent. Mr Mohammed wisnae daft either, and he saw the market potential to cater for his homesick compatriots.
The Lothian Restaurant was born in 1947. Unsurprisingly, its fame spread far and wide – even if the catchy name didn’t! Khushi’s, as it soon became known, attracted an eclectic clientele, the communal seating plan facilitating a sort of currytural exchange; divas and dunderheids dined with doctors and detective inspectors, while hard-up students and henna hairy hippies rapped with radiographers and venerable visiting Imam. Ah, those heady days, I remember them well.
As Khushi’s celebrates its 60th birthday Mrs Mohammed’s sons have finally graduated from a 25 year apprenticeship under her all seeing eye. Fragrant and subtly spicy food, uniquely marinated, then cooked in its own succulent juices is an unbroken tradition. The brothers have also introduced a vastly expanded menu of authentically obscure and deliciously unpronounceable Punjabi dishes, adding lighter options that will keep your curves in the right places, and a whole new dimension of flavours and textures to excite even the most jaded palette. And there’s definitely a new look to the restaurant décor these days!
Cast a glance across the carved woodwork and furniture from Pakistan and up to the giant, twinkling chandeliers – it’s a far cry from Drummond Street’s formica and fluorescence. Our older customers might even wistfully remember the days when background music came from clucking chickens in the back yard and a table for six might just about be able to assemble a matching set of cutlery between them.
Some things don’t change, and you can BYOB or bring your pint from the pub down the street. The food is freshly prepared, if not actually running around outside. The Mohammed family are still very much in charge, working here as a team, on the floor and in the kitchen. They like people and it shows. So let’s rejoice in food, friends, and being part of the very special experience that is Khushi’s. After all khushi in Urdu means happiness...
Does anyone know the Urdu for Bon Appetit?