Khana Peena is rather different from other Indian restaurants, writes Graham Moody.

For one thing, this South Croydon establishment prides itself on having its own special recipes, spices and freshly made desserts.

“All our dishes are made to our recipes,” says Matin Talukdar, co-owner with Abdul Khalique.

“We use special freshly- ground spices and make the ice cream desserts in the kitchen here from fresh milk we have delivered daily.

“We have two chefs, but because they are mine and Mr Khalique’s recipes it is not a problem if one leaves because we know the recipes and can teach them to a new chef.”

All those things make a real difference.

Mr Talukdar recommended one of the two set meals for me and my dining partner, and we went for the one without seafood. It was delicious.

We began with papadams, diced chicken with peppers on skewers, ground lamb with Himalayan herbs and fresh salad with a tasty yoghurt dip.

We tucked into some truly delicious chicken for the main course, cooked in those special Khana Peena spices and the most tender lamb I think I have ever tasted.

“We use lamb instead of mutton, and our customers spot the difference straight away,” explains Mr Talukdar.

This was served with basmati rice and a naan.

I even made room for home-made ice cream and a sweet carrot pudding. The restaurant also offers half price on takeaways collected between 5pm and 7pm and provides a popular outside catering service.

Khana Peena 177-179 Brighton Road South Croydon CR2 6EG Tel: 020 8688 9123.

khanapeena.co.uk (booking is advised on Friday and Saturday nights)