The Spice Dabba in Belmont Street departs from the usual Indian fare to offer patrons another glimpse of the subcontinent's varied culinary repertoire. An elegant, airy restaurant with a fine view of the Denburn Valley, this family run establishment is a good introduction to south Indian food. The vibrant, warm space appeals with its modern décor and colourful touches. The name refers to the ubiquitous spice box present in every Indian kitchen.

The menu reflects the family's roots in the southern states of Andhra Pradesh and Kerala. You can start the meal off with spicy fish ball or sambar vada, savoury lentil doughnut dunked in a spicy lentil sauce. Then savour the different taste of the crepe like dosa, with a choice of cheese, chicken or the extra crispy and long paper roast. Rice dishes include lemon rice, coconut rice, lamb and prawn biryani. The pork pepper fry or the Malabar fish fry will spice up the meal even more if that's the way you like it. Finally, soothe the taste buds with tender coconut pudding or mango kulfi, traditional Indian ice cream.