Top Fives: Sri Lankan restaurants

Desperate for a taste of spicy South Asian cuisine? These fine Sri Lankan eateries should be right up your street...

1. Palm Palace

All Sri Lankan food tends to be remarkably good value, but Palm Palace is awesomely cheap. Try the fish cutlets - fishcakes will never be so good again.
80 South Road, Southall, Middlesex (020 8574 9209).

2. Sigiri

Rather more sophisticated than the normal caf?-style Sri Lankan. Solicitous staff are concerned in case the food is too hot for you. Good value.
161 Northfield Avenue, W13 (020 8579 8000).

3. Jaffna House

Very cheap food, particularly sound in the snack department - look out for the mutton rolls. This restaurant has a typically Sri Lankan love affair with the chilli.
90 Tooting High Street, SW17 (020 8672 7786).

4. Prince Of Ceylon

Tucked away beside an urban racetrack, the Prince is long-established and very successful. Good, authentic food. Particularly good hoppers. Moderate pricing.
39 Watford Way, NW4 (020 8202 5967).

5. Cinnamon Gardens

The most modern-looking Sri Lankan restaurant (it is one of the newest). Inexpensive. Good sambols and great squid dishes.
42-44 Ealing Road, Wembley, Middlesex (020 8902 0660).