YOU can't beat an authentic Indian - especially when it's within walking distance from your door. Situated just a stone's throw away from my Bournemouth digs, and reliably recommended by a number of friends, Jidan Taj ticked all the boxes.

So while the other half was in town for a spot of sailing we thought we'd wander over and sample their fare.

We were greeted at the door by a waiter for whom nothing was too much trouble, and the precedent was set for the evening ahead. With staff who were helpful without being officious, attentive without being annoying , this establishment certainly offers service with a smile.

Decorated in simple yet stylish fashion, with chic blues and reds complemented by minimalist modern art on the walls, it's not the Taj Mahal, but if the food is anything to go by you'd be forgiven for thinking you'd switched continents.

Their extensive menu features everything from starters to specials, side dishes to snacks, old favourites to a section for the slightly more adventurous.

With so many delicious delicacies on offer we struggled to decide, but their special mid-week, two-for-one main-meal offer (Wednesdays only) tempted us to push the boat out and order a selection of dishes to share.

Two onion bhajis, a peshwari nan, a portion of special fried rice, some tarka dall, a serving of vegetable niramish, some aloo gobi, one vegetable dhansak and a tenga chicken later, we were full up fit to burst.

We might have ordered enough for four, but each dish was so delightfully delicious, before we knew it we'd polished off the lot!

After a feast of waist-expanding proportions, it's hard to know what to recommend most.

Brimming with a variety of vegetables, the dhansak was in a league of its own. But how about the nan - fabulously fluffy and flavoursome? And we mustn't forget the aloo gobi - the perfect blend of potato and cauliflower with just the right chilli kick.

It's a tough call but if I had to choose a winner it'd be the tenga chicken every time. A complete taste sensation - tender chunks of chicken cooked with garlic, herbs and succulent strips of sun-dried tomatoes.

Less than £30 lighter, we set sail for home - slightly bursting at the seams but with two satisfied smiles firmly fixed on our faces.

11:29am Monday 28th April 2008

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