The limits of the points-based system may have been shown in a final question to Gordon Brown from a Bangladeshi journalist, who asked about Indian curry houses facing a shortage of chefs because of immigration laws.

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The river around the island is known for its abundant fishing, where you can while away the day, or just relax in your private hut and wait for the local staff to cook mouth-watering Indian dishes such as fish curry, pappadam or vegetable korma.

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Yet, Indian food is far more than curry.

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Enter the possibility of a Ghost chili curry at my all-time favorite Indian restaurant, the Clay Oven.

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More unusual ingredients, such as tamarind paste and aromatic curry leaves, can be found in Indian grocery stores or specialty shops.

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Brick Lane is popular among students for its many inexpensive Indian restaurants like Muhib and Tayyabs, which serve heaped bowls of curry, and a popular option for a night out is to start with dinner in the area -- where many of the restaurants allow diners to bring their own alcoholic beverage -- then move on to the numerous nightlife locales nearby.

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The curry and rice dishes on sale at the back of the hall add an Indian wedding buffet charm to the proceedings.

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