FEW THINGS CAN provide comfort like food can and boy did I need a hug. My cat, Lola, suddenly passed away on Sunday following a short illness, resulting in having no desire or energy to cook. Suddenly our home is silent and lifeless so I decided to go and sit in St Giles cathedral to light a candle for my faithful little girl. Although very familiar with Tanjore, I’d never written a review of it; this would also help take my mind off things.
I must have walked past this restaurant on Southside a thousand times before making the effort to dine here after reading Chitra Ramaswamy’s glowing review in The Times a couple of years back. Located on Clerk Street, it’s in the heart of Festival country in an area I’ve often waxed lyrical about with the abundance of excellent eateries in this part of the city. Tanjore isn’t your typical Indian fayre; its roots are in South India, where the focus is on rich, flavour-packed dishes. Think dosas, sambals, idlies and chutneys, which are all prepared in house to traditional recipes. It also happens to be BYOB, which is an added bonus, especially with Woodwinters and
a Majestic close by.
The dining area is homely and there always seems to be an interesting mix of clientele, from doctors to students, locals and tourists alike; the atmosphere is always vibrant. We begin by sharing a starter of aubergine and paneer bhajis (£6.95) which are freshly made with the cheese being enveloped in a crispy, piping hot batter. Paneer is very mild flavour-wise and is awoken by a delightful coconut chutney.
For mains, there’s a wide range of meat, fish and veg options and I opt for the Chettinad village-style chicken (£16.50). You’re instantly transported to flavour country with this one. I adore how you can taste all the spices individually: the aniseed notes from fennel and star anise, the sweet fragrance of cinnamon and cloves, and the subtle warmth of black pepper. The meat yields easily in the mouth and there’s plenty of sauce for the rice and accompanying parotta to absorb. These parottas are absolutely amazing and far superior to naan bread, in my opinion. Crunchy, yet pillowy soft at the same time and brimming with layers of buttery goodness, I’d happily sit with a pile of them and a bucket of sauce. 
Sarah ordered the Keralan prawn curry (£16.95) which was, again, bursting with perfectly balanced aromats. A generous serving of plump and juicy shellfish intermingled perfectly with a rich, yet somehow light sauce; so moreish and delicious. You can tell it’s a family-run affair at Tanjore as service is so warm. It’s as if you’ve been invited into their living room and staff know the food inside out.
Web: tanjore.co.uk
Phone: (0131) 475 6518
Instagram: @tanjore
Address: 6-8 Clerk Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9HX
Open: Mon - Sun 12 noon - 10 p.m.
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