Kastoori

It can be tough to know where to eat Indian in Paris, and to steer away from the hyper kitsch, touristy venues towards something more authentic. Kastoori is a very good tip, then – a slightly hidden little dive on the stylish little Place Toudouze, where you’d usually expect to find the latest trendy bistro rather than a family-run joint like this. But it’s been here for 16 years, done out in comparatively sober tones and with the added perk of a heated, covered terrace.

On our visit, we could have done without the dry chicken shish kebab skewers to start, but the mains really delivered. The thali (€17) brings a medley of specialities (chicken with cinnamon and coconut, yoghurt and cucumber, potato cakes, curried spinach and basmati rice with saffron. Then a succulent lamb dish with cashew nuts, almonds and coriander, served in its own iron pot and warmed by a candle (€12). The extras aren’t included, so make sure you order things like sautéed vegetables, cheese naan, aubergine caviar or rice with raisins.

We also liked the open kitchen filled with white-clad cooks, and the aniseed biscuits that come with the bill. A simple, straightforward place ideal for satisfying those spicy food cravings.