A stone's throw from Haymarket Station lies an oasis of exotic aromas where the essence of cardamom…read moremingles with the whispers of cumin and coriander. Amidst the tapestry of Edinburgh's evening sky, where shadows dance upon the wall, one finds Omar Khayyam, a culinary oasis.
Whilst outside, on this chilly late January day, trams and North Face bejacketed locals and tourists pass by, the interior of Omar Khayyam remains cozy and vibrant, its warm colors and soft lighting casting a spell of comfort and tranquility. As we sit amidst this welcoming ambiance, surrounded by the tantalizing aromas of exotic spices and the gentle hum and laughter of conversation, we find ourselves transported to a realm far removed from the mundane world beyond the threshold. Here, the boundaries of time and space blur, leaving only the pure, unbridled joy of discovery.
On that chilly Saturday evening, Lady Veedenfleece and I were seated immediately by the professional and attentive staff and our drink order arrived quickly. Beneath the purple glow of the twinkling ceiling lighting, Lady Lauren and I relaxed in plush black leather chairs, a candle casting a warm reflection that gleamed across the dark wood table. We politely declined the offer of pickles and went straight to our entree choices. My Pravha draught arrived rapidly and was ice cold. Music of the Indian region played as other diners chatted, the sounds echoing off the stone and other hard surfaces, adding to the lively ambiance yet not reaching a level one could call shrill.
The entrees came with a salad consisting of a slice of cucumber, sliced onions, a lemon slice, and various greens in a quantity that did not overwhelm; a verdant surprise nestled within the folds of the main course.
Featuring prominently, a majestic naan, born of ancient fire and modern art, rose like a phoenix. Crisp yet yielding, its golden crust embraced the gentle curve of a perfectly seasoned arc in a size that rivaled the brim of my Faustmann Fedora. Flaky layers unfold, releasing whispers of cardamom and cumin, carried aloft by wispy tendrils of fragrant steam. A symphony of textures, a harmony of aromas, this mighty naan stood sentinel, guarding the gates of gastronomic nirvana.
And thus we arrived at the sauce accompanying the chicken tikka, like a sunrise breaking over the horizon, it painted the plate with hues of gold and orange, bathing the senses in a warm, inviting aura. Its creamy texture, born of ancient traditions and mystic spices, tantalized the taste buds, drawing forth the hidden depths of the dish. The sauce was, simply, the elixir of the gods, distilled into liquid gold. Its silky texture, like the first blush of dawn, coated the tongue with promise. Light, yet rich, it danced on the palate, leaving trails of delight in its wake.
Lady Lauren's lamb rogan josh reigned supreme, its tender flesh infused with the subtle nuances of Kashmiri spices. The Pravha lager provided a piquant counterpoint to the meal. With each sip of the Pravha, the bitterness cut through the rich tapestry of spices, refreshing the palate and awakening the senses. Like a splash of cool water on a sweltering summer day, the beer revitalized and rejuvenated, ensuring that every bite of the rogan josh was savored anew.
And finally, the pièce de résistance arrived in the form of a mango lassi, its sweet and creamy essence mingling with the lingering spices of the preceding feast. Like a gentle breeze on a summer afternoon, the lassi soothed and satiated, providing a satisfying conclusion to the culinary odyssey.
And so, as we concluded our epicurean journey, a steaming hot towel, fragrant with aromatic oils, was presented before us. With gentle strokes, we wiped our hands clean, erasing the residue of our indulgence and leaving our skin refreshed and invigorated.
And a final delight came with the check, a fine chocolate mint that sweetened the transaction.
In conclusion, Lord and Lady Veedenfleece bestow upon Omar Khayyam a resounding endorsement. With its rich tapestry of Indian spices, elegant service, and cozy ambiance, this Edinburgh gem promises an unforgettable dining experience. Seek it out, dear travelers, and indulge in a culinary odyssey fit for royalty.
