Achosion I Laweni #7

(If you're wondering what this is all about, click here.)

#7 - Vegetarian Food Studio

Let's get one thing straight right at the start. I like meat. Always have done, and (I'm guessing) always will do. Lapsed vegetarians talk about the smell of bacon being fatal, but for me it would probably be the smell of any kind of meat.

So the fact that I wholeheartedly recommend the Vegetarian Food Studio should give you some indication as to how good it really is.

Tucked away behind the train station and the Millennium Stadium at the end of Penarth Road, it could be easier to find. But the fact that it's a little way out of the city centre and unlikely to be stumbled upon merely increases the sense that it's one of Cardiff's gems, known only to a select few.

Simply furnished, it specialises in authentic Indian cuisine with the twist that, duh, all the dishes are vegetarian. There's a wide range of choice - starters, mains, rices and breads - but the easiest and most satisfying option is the thali. You get a choice of two starters (the onion bhaji and atom bombs come recommended), a small dish of curry, a small dish of rice, a small dish of sauce, poppadums, breads and even a small dessert (a sponge soaked and floating in syrup). And all for just a fiver. Yes, a delicious and filling meal for £5.

On the alcohol front, they don't have a licence - but for just £1 per person corkage you can bring your own booze, and there's an off-licence handily situated next door.

You can also order takeaway - and, as we've had the pleasure of discovering, a selection of starters and sweets makes superb finger food for parties.

Quite simply, I very much doubt you could find better value or quality Indian food anywhere else in Cardiff. But don't just take my word for it - plenty more glowing testimonies here and here.

It's not quite Cafe Soya, but then what is? So good I don't mind being denied a meat option...