INDIAN restaurants are popular with many, pulling them in time and time again. St Helen's Road dominates the city landscape, but CHRIS PEREGRINE went further afield to sample a relative newcomer.

Where?

8 Dillwyn Road, Sketty, Swansea.

Atmosphere?

Open since the summer of 2008, Zaal is tucked in among a row of other eating — mainly takeaway — establishments on that part of Sketty Cross. It has gone for the moody look rather than the bright option, with lighting kept to a minimum. It is spacious enough, although takeaway customers waiting for their meals might put off adjacent diners, such is their proximity. We were more inland, so it was not an issue.

Crowd?

Saturday night after a rugby international could be a cause for celebration, or it could be a few hours after Twickenham. The latter ensured an episode of perhaps quiet reflection rather than party time. A male group at the window table set the tone, which was replicated elsewhere in the restaurant. A few couples were dotted around the place, giving a pleasant atmosphere rather than a rip-roaring Six Nations debrief.

Menu?

The restaurant got a bit of attention when it announced its new Asian-Welsh fusion dish of laverbread curry, surely appropriate on match day. And there is plenty of what you would expect there as well — tandoori specialities, and traditional, balti and biriani dishes.

What did we have?

There were three of us, and we combined starters with mains. Chicken tikka got the main meal choice for the other two, one with peshwari nan bread and onion bhajees, and the other on its own, but with an accompanying large salad. I had a lamb tikka, with aloo tikka potato cakes. Back-up was provided in the form of a bottle of Mateus Rosé.

Disability access?

It is easy to get in, but also worth checking about access to the toilets.

The verdict:

This was my second appearance at Zaal. The first was a takeaway mission in December and I vividly remember leaving the premises with a bag containing a meal for two and a Christmas card from the management.

Nice touch, that, especially for someone making his debut there. I half thought I might get a present this time, but they obviously couldn't recall that previous visit.

Still, the post-meal sweets were gratefully received by us. We were not in feast mood, going a bit basic if anything.

The meal itself fitted our requirements and was well presented and tasty.

The bill: It came to £36.10 for three, very reasonable considering a third went on a bottle of wine.

Last word? It is certainly not the kind of place where the staff do the bare minimum. They are on the ball from the word go and want to know that you are enjoying yourselves. We were, even though ours was a low-key outing, more a case of having a quick bite to eat rather than it being the centrepiece of the evening. That may well come next time.