Vegetarian Food Studio

A Cardiff institution, this humble-looking eatery is renowned for its spicy curries, ‘amazing’ thali specials (£5.99) & authentic Indian sweets. Most of the food is vegan & the prices are low enough to inspire greedy ordering. A starter of ‘atom bombs’ (baby potatoes filled with garlic, chilli & cumin served with tamarind chutney) comes highly recommended; otherwise, sample paneer pakora, deep-fried cassava or masala muttar kachori (crisp pastry filled with peas & spices). Main courses range from familiar muttar paneer & tarka dhal through to tindora nu sak (ivy gourd in a spicy sauce). There’s also a list of traditional cold snacks such as idli chat & bhel-poori, alongside various South Indian specials & a pan-oriental selection offering the likes of chilli mushrooms or vegetable haka noodles. Wash it all down with traditional lassi or masala tea.