Once in a while you walk into an Indian restaurant and you immediately know that you’re in for a real treat. Chettinad is just such a place. (Incidentally the name is that of a region in India’s Tamil Nadu region).

Situated just off London’s Tottenham Court Road, the restaurant is airy and spacious with wooden tables, giving it a modern feeling. But it is when you look at the menu that you realize that this place has more to offer than most. There is a large choice of dishes, many of which you don’t often see on most Indian restaurant menus.

Our starters included Chilli Chicken, Lamb Samosas and something called Aadu Chuka, a lamb dish which was totally brilliant. The waiter suggested we also tried something called a Manchurian; it turned out to be a succulently sweet dish based on deep-fried cauliflower. (If you think cauliflower is boring, try this!).

For our main courses we had three different chicken curries, each of which was distinctive and tasty, as well as the Lamb Madras. (The menu also features a good selection of Dosas. I did not get a chance to try them on this visit).

Although my appetite was failing, I did find room for a Kesari Bhath from the dessert menu. This turned out to be a sort of pudding made with semolina and nuts — interesting and certainly different.

Given that the service is friendly and efficient, and that the prices are very reasonable, I’m pleased to recommend this place, and I look forward to a further visit soon.