This is hardly the most obvious name for an Indian restaurant. It started life some four years ago as a friendly little Bengal-accented cafe-restaurant in the back streets on the other side of the station, quickly making a name for itself as a reliable spot for authentic Indian cooking. Then three months ago they moved closer to the main tourist drag.

It's more than just a change of address, though; it's as if an exotic butterfly had emerged from an unremarkable chrysalis. Suddenly the fortunate folk of Kamakura find themselves blessed with a seriously good Indian restaurant.

The premises may be bigger now, but they're still just as welcoming. A hand-painted mural adorns the wall by the front door. Folksy-naive designs in primary colors have been daubed across the ceiling. The lamps are fitted with jaunty star-shaped shades. A Bengal tiger prowls across a wall-high carpet at the far end of the room. A small raised dais occupies another corner: This is used for occasional live performances of sitar or other Indian music.