Spicy discovery

I thought it would at least take some investigating and some less-than-satisfying saag aloo before stumbling across a good Indian in Geneva. Luckily it looks as though my fears were unfounded.


Bollywood is in a square in Paquis, a surprisingly edgy district of Geneva where ethnic eateries jostle for position and the city's sex trade is evident on every corner. A sort of Swiss Soho, if you like.


The interior of the restaurant itself is charmingly old fashioned with red carpets and gold Ganeshas on display but on balmy evenings the terrace is the place to be. Diners can tuck into poppadums, chutney and a cold beer or two while watching the cool crowd of Paquis passing by.


A lover of tandoori lamb, I thought my usual choice perhaps a little wintry for such a sultry summer night so I went for fish instead. The firm flesh of the salmon came apart in succulent morsels while the tangy tandoori flavour lingered long after the final bite.


The accompanying tarka dhal was pleasingly thick and less liquidised than its British equivalent, the naan bread crisp and brown around the edges - and refreshingly free of butter.  


Though I'm sure the people of Mumbai think nothing of devouring hot and spicy food in searing temperatures, I still associate subcontinental cuisine with winter. When the colder weather arrives this autumn the excitement of skiing and fondues will now be matched by the prospect of further forays into Geneva's spicy restaurant scene - and perhaps a return visit to Bollywood.