Restaurants

If you can’t grab the attention of one of the friendly but busy waiters, simply walk up to the counter of this clean, no-frills café to place your order. Contrary to its name, Five Hot Chillies offers authentic Punjabi cooking that doesn’t scorch your taste buds. Yet even though your mouth won’t need cooling during the meal, your tastebuds will definitely appreciate a fresh passion-fruit juice while reading the extensive menu. We started with juicy lamb kebabs and a zesty plate of chilli paneer. For mains, choose one of the dishes made in a karahi, an iron wok used to prepare food in Punjabi households. The karahi gosht in particular is scrumptious. Made of tender mutton pieces in a thick tomato, ginger, garlic and chilli sauce, it is rather heavy on the stomach (and arteries), so order plenty of nan, roti, or rice to help soak up the oil. Sadly, karahi saag paneer – a blend of spinach and cream dotted with lumps of shallow-fried paneer – wasn’t as impressive. Finish with a refreshing almond kulfi.

Time Out Eating & Drinking Guide 2009