Magnificent Indian food factory

There is no more competitive place for an Indian restaurant than Southall, which makes it all the more remarkable that Gifto has not only been busy for so many years, but continues to expand and add yet more covers.

Downstairs is a barn of a room with the open kitchen running along one side and serried ranks of tables on the other.

There's a newer room upstairs, but both are busy and there is often a queue at the door on Saturday or Sunday.

Gifto's Lahore Karahi specialises in freshly grilled, well-spiced meats and simple curries.

The food is good, cheap and takes a minimal time to get from chef to diner.

Whatever you add to fill out your order, you should start with bread.

The stuffed paratha is good - thin and almost flaky, and both the plain naan and the Peshwari naan are delicious.

Accompany them with an order of chicken tikka; the seekh kebab; or the splendid tilapia fish, whole, marinated and cooked in the tandoor.

The curries are served in a karahi here and taste very fresh and vibrant.

The saag gosht is exemplary, the spinach melting down to make a rich sauce.

Also good are the butter chicken, and the karela gosht - lamb and chunks of bitter melon in an intensely flavoured sauce.

Either drink the various freshly squeezed juices or bring your own supplies of alcohol.

Service is quick and efficient.

Gifto's Lahore Karahi
162-164 The Broadway, Southall, UB1