Let’s get the semi-pretentious bit out of the way.

As we’ve visited India three times in the past five years or so, the other half and I are looking for a pretty authentic experience when we ‘go for an Indian’ back home.

And so we’re definitely not the sort of people who, like a fella on the table next to us at this intimate and busy (on our visit) establishment, would sit down and ask the waiting staff for “a chicken curry”.

It’s a shame that he did, because while Amity does offer a ‘basic curry’ selection (it’s actually called that on the menu), it is certainly the sort of place to go if you want something that’s a break from the Anglified version of an Indian meal out.

Even as people who’ve eaten out a lot in India, there are dishes at Amity that were completely new to us.

Alongside the familiar stuff such as biryani, balti, madras, vindaloo and the like, a substantial selection is on offer for those looking for something different.

So there are two places to head on the menu – Amity’s Exclusive Choices and the Chef’s Recommendations.

There’s the excellently named Oh! My Amity for one – a tandoori chicken breast stuff with vegetables, pan fried with mincemeat and smothered in Amity’s special (and secret) sauce.

Or Chicken Aladdin – marinated chicken breast with herbs and spices cooked with cinnamon sticks and bay leaves in a sauce.

Having indulged in the obligatory poppadums and dips, my other half and I both chose from the exclusive menu.

I went for the Amity Special Shashlik, which was marinated chicken barbecued over the tandoori oven with green peppers, onions and tomatoes before being fried in that secret sauce.

Falmouth Packet:

Amity Special Shashlik

I became a fan of shashlik in India, but this was like no other I’ve tried. Although heavy on the (and I’m talking several whole) onions, the chicken was succulent and that medium hot sauce was indeed heavy, but full of flavour.

I’d have to agree with my other half when they described their dish as like nothing they’d ever tasted in an English curry house before.

Said partner chose the Sham Sham.

You can have chicken or lamb, my partner going for chicken, and it’s seasoned with Amity’s special spices, cooked with mixed vegetables and potato, seasoned with chilli flakes and garam masala and served with medium hot sauce.

Falmouth Packet:

Sham Sham Chicken

The other half was bowled over by an aromatic dish with a gentle kick of heat, which we complimented with a bullet naan (the one with chillies).

Amity really does cater to all tastes – a small sample of other dishes on the chef’s recommendations include makhan chicken, passanda, Delhi korani, khazana and a personal favourite that I’ll need to try next time, butter chicken.

That’s just scratching the surface of a comprehensive menu.

It’s certainly one that will keep us going back regularly.

Key information

Drinks selection: Bring your own alcohol, plus the usual choice of soft drinks.

Our cost (two people, including four soft drinks): £45.90

Contact: 5 Higher Fore Street, Redruth, TR15 2AJ (01209 218222)

Opening times: Monday to Saturday 5pm to 10.30pm; Sunday 4pm to 9.30pm. Takeaway also available.

Ratings

Atmosphere: 4/5

Décor: 4/5

Food: 4/5

Service: 4/5

Overall: 4/5

Food Standards Agency Food Hygiene Rating: 4/5

In order to ensure objective reviews, the Mystery Diner is carried out on an independent basis without the prior knowledge of the establishment.