Rishi’s: 210-212 George Street, Aberdeen

I’M AN absolute chilli fiend, but the same old curries can get boring.

So, wanting something different, I went south Indian. And boy, I'm glad I did.

Methu vadai – incredibly light, savoury doughnuts spiked through with chilli and mustard seeds – were served with a heady cardamomy sambal (that's a thin, south Indian curry sauce to me and you).

My main of lamb chettinad was a little greasy but beautifully rich, packed with cloves, aniseed and coconut and with a lovely background hum of heat.

Slightly on the dry side was a spicy, deep-fried chicken 65, but a chicken Manchurian was the star of the meal.

Sticky, sweet and bitter, the soy and spring onion really made an impact and showed off the Malay and Chinese influence on the cuisine.

And a pair of paper-thin dosas were generously stuffed with onion and a cooling but flavoursome (and bafflingly mint-green) potato masala.

With a fluffy garlic-packed naan, my only nod to north Indian food, the whole feast came to £25.73.

With food like this, and portions to feed us for days to come, I’m very happy to make this food the rule rather than exception.