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Top UK awards for Midlothian curry restaurants a triumph for Scotland

13th November 2023

Midlothian’s most award-winning restaurants have been congratulated in the Scottish Parliament after returning from London with the titles of the best curry chef and restaurant in the UK. 

The Chief Executive of Midlothian Council also joined in the praise, describing the victories for Matin Khan and his Itihaas and Radhuni restaurants as “a triumph for Scotland.” 

Founder and Executive Chef of Itihaas in Dalkeith and Radhuni in Loanhead, Matin was named Curry Chef of the Year in the Curry Life Awards in London last month at a gala dinner attended by more than 500 VIP guests. Sister restaurant Radhuni took the trade magazine’s award for UK Curry Restaurant of the Year.  

In a parliamentary motion Midlothian MSP Colin Beattie asked Holyrood “to appreciate the hard work and dedication taken to be awarded such high accolades” and thanked Matin for his ongoing support for local community projects. In a letter to Matin he added: “This is a fantastic  achievement.” 

Council Chief Executive Dr Grace Vickers also wrote to Matin to offer her congratulations “on winning this coveted and highly sought-after accolade… What a triumph, not only for Midlothian but also for Scotland in what would have been a fiercely competitive arena.” 

Since Matin opened the 80-seat Itihaas in 2007 its titles have included Scotland’s Curry Chef of the Year, Best South Asian Restaurant and Restaurant of the Year in the Midlothian and East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Awards. 

His son Habibur (in centre of photo with Rosette plaque), who has managed Radhuni since it opened in 2011 and has led it to become one of only a handful of  Indian-style restaurants to be awarded an AA Rosette, said: “My dad has been my inspiration and mentor.  

“It is remarkable that Midlothian and Scotland should not only have the best curry chef but also the highest rated curry restaurant in the whole of the UK