Juboraj, Commercial Road, Newport

WHEN I was asked to review my favourite Indian restaurant in Wales, I thought Christmas had come early.

Newport's Juboraj, on Commercial Road is part of a group of four restaurants in South Wales.

I still get nostalgic for Indian restaurants decorated with flock wallpaper and water features, but Juboraj does the clean, contemporary look better than most.

On arrival you are offered a drink in the small bar area, I was tempted to try a bottle of Lafitte Rothschild - a snip at £220 a bottle!

Apparently Eric Clapton, Tom Jones and John Major have been spotted at Juburaj restaurants (not together!) - perhaps they insisted on the Rothschild.

No Indian restaurant experience is complete without checking out the poppadoms. Often the simplest dishes are the best way of measuring how good a place is.

These were crispy and delicious, served with pickles that were freshly prepared, vibrant and well balanced.

My partner and I then shared a selection of starters, which from delicately spiced lamb samozas to the light onion bhajees were excellent.

For the main course I had the subtle coriander chicken with aloo gobi, pilau rice and paratha bread. All were delicious, the meat tender, the rice perfectly cooked and everything arrived promptly and piping hot.

My partner's Karahi duck, mutter panir and mushroom-fried rice were also delicious.

The flock may have long gone but we finished the meal with a refreshingly retro ice-cream- filled coconut.

The bill was £48 - which we thought was very reasonable, and the service was polite and efficient throughout.

No wonder Juboraj is a hit with visiting stars and politicians.