Rasa W1 - Mayfair

When it first opened, this was virtually a clone of the original Rasa in Stoke Newington, but with a West End postcode and higher prices to match its swanky location just behind Fenwicks, it concentrated on the vibrant vegetarian cuisine of Kerala, arguably the most civilised and alluring region on India's Malabar coast.

These days, it stills displays the trademark Rasa pink paintwork and lots of native artefacts, and the menu still has its share of meatless specialities. As ever, meals open with brilliant chutneys and a selection of crunchy nibbles. On the vegetarian front look for the fine dosas, little dishes like Mysore bonda (deep-fried spicy potato balls with coconut chutney) and a host of curries and vegetable dishes including beetroot and spinach with yoghurt and sweet-and-sour mango with banana.

Meat, poultry and – to a lesser extent – seafood also make their presence felt on the menu, which promises carnivorous delights like lamb puffs and a Malabar variation of chicken biryani with cashews.