Cutting Chaii is a modern indian restaurant in Leith, Edinburgh. Rated 4.7 stars from 423 Google reviews. Known for lamb biryani that outpaces the obvious comparison and staff who actually pay attention. Best for group dinner and date night. Ranked #11 of 16 in Leith. Price range: £20–30.
Rankings updated April 2026
Cutting Chaii
Zone Ranking
Ranked weekly from live Google review data
in Leith
↓ Down 4 this week
Quick Verdict
Yes. Reviewers come back repeatedly and compare it favourably to Dishoom. The Lamb Biryani alone justifies a trip.
You want fresh, flavourful Indian food in a cosy atmosphere without the tourist-trap pricing — order a couple of dishes to share rather than one per person.
About Cutting Chaii
Cutting Chai is a modern Indian restaurant on Salamander Street in Leith that does small plates and sharing dishes. You'll find it casual and cosy; the smell alone tends to draw people in. The kitchen turns out fresh, flavourful cooking — reviewers consistently mention the quality of spice work and ingredient freshness. Service is attentive without fuss; staff like Lalita and Kritika are named repeatedly for looking after tables properly. The space works for solo diners at the bar, groups sharing plates, and couples wanting a relaxed night out. They do dine-in, takeaway, and delivery. Vegetarian options are strong enough; one reviewer noted its particular appeal for plant-based eaters. Expect £20–30 per head for a proper meal with drinks.
What Stands Out
Lamb Biryani that outpaces the obvious comparison
One reviewer stated it's 'the best i have ever had and streets ahead of Dishoom.' Multiple reviewers praise the quality and flavour of dishes, with one noting everything ordered was 'full of flavour and freshly made.'
Staff who actually pay attention
Lalita and Kritika are named in multiple reviews as 'friendly and very attentive.' One reviewer noted the service was 'top-notch' and another praised it as 'at the top.'
Small-plates format that encourages sharing and value
One regular advised 'order a couple of dishes and share rather than one dish per person' and called it 'very reasonable.' The venue highlights small plates as a core offering.
What Customers Say
I absolutely love cutting chai, they are hands down my favourite place for Indian food.
The Lamb Biriyani is the best i have ever had and streets ahead of Dishoom .
Very reasonable, order a couple of dishes and share rather than one “dish” per person!
Real quotes from Google Reviews
Practical Information
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Frequently Asked Questions about Cutting Chaii
The Lamb Biryani. One reviewer called it the best they've ever had and streets ahead of Dishoom. The Garlic Chilli Chicken and Maa's Butter Paneer also get consistent praise. Order a couple of dishes to share rather than one per person.
Yes. One reviewer singled it out for vegetarians and praised the quality of the Maa's Butter Paneer and Chinese-style Chilli Tofu. Vegetarian options are listed as an offering.
You can dine-in without a reservation, but dinner reservations are recommended and the venue accepts them. No online booking system is available — phone or visit to reserve.
Cosy, casual, and trendy. Reviewers describe it as 'warm and welcoming' and 'chill'. It's full by dinner time and the smell alone pulls people in. Good for groups, couples, and solo diners at the bar.
£20–30 per head for a proper meal. One reviewer noted the price is 'extremely good considering the quality of the food and the dining experience.' Sharing small plates makes it better value.
Also in Leith
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Rankings are recalculated weekly from live Google Business Profile data. Our Hot Score weighs review velocity (new text reviews in 90 days), recency (how fresh), baseline rating, and Google Business Profile completeness. No editorial picks, no paid placements — just what the data says this week.
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