Shaffi's Indian Restaurant 石崗咖喱屋

Vibe: At first glance it looks like an ordinary Indian restaurant. The decor is simple and the tables are fairly tightly packed.
Yet Shaffi's has a long history. The restaurant, founded by the current owner's uncle in 1972, served curries to the British military at their Shek Kong base. When the garrison closed in 1997 the restaurant moved to Yuen Long, where it continues to serve an army of loyal fans.
Who to take: Go with the family, friends, or anyone who likes good Indian food. There are plenty of great options for vegetarians, too.
What's hot: Whether you're a meat lover, or a strict vegetarian, the menu at Shaffi's is certainly comprehensive. Appetisers include both meat and vegetable samosas, pakoras made with chicken, fish or mixed vegetables, and ever-popular onion bhajias - where onion is deep fried in chick pea flour and served with minty and sweet dipping sauces.
The menu also offers many snacks, that can be appetisers: try the potato cake or potato latkes - shredded potatoes and onions from Pakistan. They are mixed with spices, pan-fried and served with a light salad.
Meat eaters should enjoy another Pakistani dish, chapli kebabs. They are made of minced beef, spring onions and dried coriander, cooked on a steel plate and garnished with coriander leaves and a slice of lemon.
No Indian meal is complete without a curry and Shaffi's does not disappoint. Jalfrezi, korma and dopiaza versions are all available with chicken, lamb and prawn. Vindaloos, a Goa speciality, are well represented, and there are a dozen entirely vegetarian curries and dals to sample. Try the Bagian masala - roasted aubergine cooked with onion and tomato. Choose from the usual paratha and nan breads, or try cheese nan bread or mint paratha for a change.
For dessert, you could choose rasmali - cream cheese cakes poached in sweetened milk and garnished with pistachio
What's not: The restaurant was busy the moment it opened at 6pm. By 6.15pm there was a queue waiting for tables.
Cost: Appetisers and snacks range from HK$22-HK$32. Most tandoori dishes are HK$68. Vegetable curries are all HK$48; others are mostly HK$68.
Two people will eat well for about HK$130 each.