Edinburgh-based restaurateur Mohammad Abbas is celebrating a double success after two of his eateries were named in the UK’s top curry houses’ “Hot Hundred.”

His Cilantro off Leith Walk and Bo’ness Spice in the eponymous West Lothian town are included in the list, announced at the launch of the Official Curry Awards at the House of Lords in London.

Organised by the Asian Catering Federation, rankings were based on public votes and recommendations from a panel of expert judges.

Only 16 of the restaurants in the list are in Scotland. There are an estimated 10,000 curry restaurants throughout the UK.

Cilantro (another name for the coriander plant) was voted Best Newcomer in the Scottish Asian Restaurant Awards in 2022 and the following year judged their Best Restaurant in the Capital. It has just 20 seats.

Judges said it serves up authentic, flavourful Indian cuisine in an intimate setting ideal for casual or romantic meals. It had quickly become a firm local favourite.

It is not licensed but guests can bring their own alcohol.

Boness Spice, opened in South Street in 2021 as the town’s first Indian eatery, serves up authentic and innovative cuisine from across India’s diverse territories, judges reported.

“Using fresh ingredients and house-ground spices, all meals are made to order … the restaurant has become known for its rich flavours and traditional preparation methods,’” they added.

Mohammad may be heading for a triple triumph. In late Spring – too late for consideration in the ‘Hot 100’ – he opened fine dining restaurant Celestia in Eyre Place, Edinburgh.

He said the ethos of all three restaurants is based on his core philosophy: “”The three most important things in life are family, friends – and food.”

ACF Chairman Yawar Khan commented: “The Asian food industry strives to create the very best experience for its customers. Everyone listed in this guide has worked tirelessly to earn their place.”