The Light of Bengal started out who-knows how many years ago as a take-away and has done very well in Winchester, a city which is surprisingly poorly-served by high quality places to eat. A few years ago it opened a modest dining room which is well-frequented by devotees although not to the extent that one has to book. Last year I spent quite a bit of time in India. Returning home from that trip is the only time I’ve not craved to eat our national dish immediately on returning to these shores. But for every other return home, and many, many other meals, the Light of Bengal does the trick every time, serving splendid and authentic dishes—they have on a couple of occasions prepared food to order when my partner I and have ordered off the menu—to all those lucky enough to drop in for a take-away or to sit in the (far too) modest dining room and enjoy not only the wonderful food but also the very friendly service. I tend not to like “fancy” restaurants. This is my favourite place to eat in Winchester. (Damian Stafford, d@staffordnet.org.uk)