CHUMMA KITCHEN, Ryde, is a first for the Isle of Wight, with its Indian and Sri Lankan food.
The kitchen is presently offering street food delicacies at knockdown prices, with plans to launch a full menu soon.
However, our advice is not to wait - we found plenty that pleased us in the slimmed-down version.
The welcoming staff explained unfamiliar dishes, including the Lovecraftian-sounding ulunthuvada, or savoury doughnuts.
These cute little deep-fried rings, with a light, doughnutty texture, were made of gram flour, herbs and spices. Alongside were delicious chutneys; which perfectly complemented the ulunthuvada.
A great start and a good recommendation from Chumma Kitchen.
Kothu roti is a flatbread that is served chopped and stir-fried with curry. This outstanding dish is by far the most popular street food in Sri Lanka, and now it's available here on the Isle of Wight.
Like all good street food it's simple, flavourful and easy to eat. Chumma rustled up some thick, spicy curry gravy which we found enhanced the experience further still.
When the proprietor was explaining to us what dosa is, he showed Matt his forearm and said "It's as big as that". This was a man who knows how to sell food - and Matt wasn't going to turn him down.
Nor was he disappointed. The mutton dosa was a vast, freshly-cooked gram-flour pancake rolled around a mutton and potato curry, served with chutneys and a thin, mild curry sauce.
Plain or vegetarian versions of this gluten-free treat were also on offer, but Matt was more than happy with the mutton.
Once more Chumma came up with an unusual and downright enjoyable Asian dining experience.
Even on the limited menu, we're tempted to come back for the spinach curry, or the devilled mutton - but that had to wait as after these dishes we were totally stuffed, and indeed we were not surprised when the folk on the table next to us packed away half their dinner in boxes to take home.
You'll have gathered that we liked Chumma Kitchen. It's new, interesting, excellent value and of course, good food.
Clearly it's the top Sri Lankan restaurant on the Isle of Wight, and if you have any interest in Asian food we'd recommend a visit to Union Street to try this one out.
MATT & CAT'S BILL:
Ulunthu vadai £2.50
Mutton dosa £8.50
Chicken kothu roti £8.90
TOTAL: £19.90
RATING: Four stars. Very good indeed; well worth seeking out.
CONTACT DETAILS: Chumma Kitchen, 59 Union Street, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2LG.
Tel: 01983 249000
Fb: chummakitchen
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