Around India In 80 Trains

First things first, there are two Sher-e-Punjabs on Colaba Causeway. If you're coming from Victoria Terminus, it's the one on the left side of the road that we ate in almost every day - and we're not ashamed to admit it. The menu was extensive, the food so tasty and the staff so helpful and attentive that we couldn't help but keep going back.

To cut to the chase, this Sher-e-Punjab is the one where you can down Kingfishers from morning til night in front of plasma screens showing the IPL, whereas the other one is an alcohol-free zone. So guess which one's always packed? And it's always a good sign when a restaurant with two storeys and an enormous extension at the back is frequented by local residents and full mid-week.

Their kheema and meat mughlai are two of the best items on the menu, as are the garlic naans, dhal makhani and their Hyderabadi biriyani. Steer clear of the chinese and continental menu, which although good, isn't what you come to India for. Beware of over-ordering as the portions are enormous and the jolly staff will fall over themselves to keep ladelling more onto your plate. And while you wait you'll have plenty of radishes, carrots, pappadums and chaat-covered yoghurts to pick at, and the raw vegetables are completely safe to eat. No iffy tummies here at all. And you won't spend more than Rs.300 each if you splash out.