April 2025 by Shaz Khan
A trip down memory lane???
The Shish Mahal opened its doors in 1979 and quickly became not only a popular place to dine-in for the people from East Lothian, but many people would travel from a much further distance on hearing people spread their word of mouth recommendations. It soon became an institution somewhat, and built a wonderful reputation within the community, providing a warm atmosphere and welcoming service to all, along with dishing up some exquisite cuisine. For the duration of the 80?s Idris Khan and his business partner the late Akram Awan (RIP) were the perfect duo, and the restaurant was always busy and had a distinct buzz in the air, especially at the weekends. The noise often from the hall was full of laughter and happiness it was rather addictive and a very special place to be.
Move forward into the 90s and Mr Khan and his eldest son really had the business growing year on year, it was such a busy yet charming, cosy restaurant that had not only a loyal fan base of regular customers who would visit weekly, it was a place where everyone knew your name? to this day many people still reminisce on how the decor was very warm, magical even, and the red carpeted walls do bring back so many memories for the people of Musselburgh and beyond. Younger generations grew up eating with their families only to become regulars themselves as they got older.
In the early 2000?s business continued to remain consistent but as time was passing after the Millennium, The Shish had to make changes to the decor which did create a stir as the foundations from the past were in need of a facelift. This was a challenge as it does change the traditional atmosphere that was loved by all. Eventually with Mr Khans two eldest sons moving away from the industry as the years passed by, the restaurant has faced further challenges; including a pandemic, cost of living crisis and staff changes, it really is incredibly difficult in keeping everyone happy but with the remaining 3 brothers of 5 now running the family business, Mr Khan does try to enjoy his retirement (he is as always forever eager to pop in though), it?s really been amazing for me personally to see some innovative ideas put in to practice this year as more recent times standards had clearly slipped and the business sadly has suffered in comparison to past successes in the 80?s and 90?s which were the most incredible years, but it is possible to have the restaurant buzzing again and keeping those standards very, very high through dedication; hard work and passion for the business in providing a better atmosphere, award winning customer service and great food!
With the recent refurbishment the premises are looking fresh and the best they have done so for several years. New customer facilities are a welcome and a much needed improvement. An exciting new menu has been introduced; adding some new flavours for everyone to try along with keeping the majority of all the dishes from the past that customers have enjoyed for many, many years. The Shish Mahal has been an important part of the restaurant and takeaway scene in the Honest Toun for so long, I would love to see the younger generation really take the business in to the future in what will be a very special time for The Shish, Idris and all the family. The restaurant and its 50th anniversary is not too far away and should be celebrated.
Hope you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane, I know many will and many of you like myself, will have stories to tell on your experiences through the years? whether it has been picking up your weekly carry out or dining in with friends and loved ones here?s to what will hopefully be another 50 years for a local family run business.
I?ve written this as I recently had the pleasure of catching up with some old friends and we all shared some very precious memories from times spent at The Shish Mahal.
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February 2025 by Martyn Stillman
This place was ok and the food was alright but nothing special. I went for a hot dish which wasn't very hot and tasted more sweet than spicy. The saag aloos was nearly all spinach and hardly any potatoes and the naan was so big but also thin it went cold very quickly! The mushroom bhaji was nice though and tikka chicken which was a plus.
The building was really cold and I couldn't really get comfortable.
Not a bad restaurant but won't be in a hurry to get back there again anytime soon
January 2025 by Rony Ron
Hi don't to mention my name but unfortunately I am really unhappy to post this in this group I ordered my food from SHISH MAHAL , MUSSELBURGH .
I order lamb karahi & 2 nans & they charged me 22 £ it was a collection order , & on the top I found a dark brown hair in my lamb karahi , and I called to the manager and I asked him how he wants to sort it out but he replied me if I want to post it anywhere online I can but he will give me only a 20% discount which is if I spend £20 I will get £4 discount really really disappointed with their service. I wouldn't suggest anyone to go there it's better to order from different places around in the area at least they provide us good customer service we don't mind paying them the money they ask they work for but actually they need to provide a good customer service.
Realy bad service
@Shishmahal musselburgh
December 2024 by Steven Dupuy
Just had a takeaway, was absolutely tasteless. Was supposed to be a masala but had no taste of tomato whatsoever and next to no chicken. Ended up binning it. Assuming I was over charged to as £21.99 for a meal for one is ridiculous. Won?t be back.
November 2024 by Gillian Duffy
Always order frim here, never had a problem with food, always lovely - ordered last night and couple of small things, the nan bread was tasteless for a garlic nan and halfed in size, no spiced onions and the poppadoms were soft. Main meal was lovely.
October 2024 by Zachary McEwen
Ordered on food hub app paid in full plus £1 tip(yes £1 isn't much but it's the thought)
The restaurant then phoned me to say that the delivery price is wrong and now while most places would make you aware of this and complete the order this once, No the asked me to pay another £6 to the driver. When I said no there is no way I would be paying £10 delivery, they didn't cancel then and there they said we will speak to the driver so 25 minutes of wondering what's happening this my order before I proceed to get the phone call telling me it's cancelled.
Now I understand that the food hub app is wrong but if the restaurant isn't on the ball then for the sake off £6 I think they should put that down to customer service. Fact since put down £1 tip the restaurant could have used that towards it.
To me it just shows that they really couldn't care about customers when they were not willing to complete the order over the sake of a few pound when it wasn't the customers fault. Now the reason I had to wait until the spoke to the driver was because they had started cooking my order bet they will probably hand that to someone else even if it has been sitting since they clearly don't care
September 2024 by Blair Hamilton
Fantastic family run curry house where you're made to feel so welcome. The food is authentic and super tasty. Also very reasonably priced.
September 2024 by Emma Heggarty
Great Indian restaurant - travel from east linton for takeaway. Hanan who works there is great also.
September 2024 by Rebecca Choat
We order regularly from Shish Mahal, sometimes twice per week. We absolutely love the food. Delivery is always on time and food is always piping hot. We wouldn?t go anywhere else for our Indian food. Thanks so much to the team including manager Hassan for always being amazing!
September 2024 by darren Walker
Absolutely amazing food highly recommended only place I would go for the best curry full of flavour and good portions 10/10
July 2024 by Julie Woods
Absolutely fantastic food and service love this restaurant and have been going for years oh and the peshwari nan is fantastic. Staff are so friendly and deliver a world class standard thank you for this wonderful longstanding restaurant in this town
June 2024 by Ian Wood
Excellent food and very friendly service.
May 2024 by Claire McHugh
We regularly order from Shish mahal - the food is always delicious and the Chicken tikka masala is the best I have had. Service always reliable and friendly . I have dietary requirements and I know they cater well for these. Hanan is very helpful when taking the order .
May 2024 by Mari Jones
Lovely food, great value, especially the thalli! The staff are very nice. We go here all the time.
May 2024 by Chloe McDowell
Great food and wonderful service from Hanan, thank you very much. Will be back!
