The Wicker has long been one of the most popular area's in Sheffield to get your hands on a takeaway meal.

Its reputation of being cheapand cheerful is changing however.

The street is going upmarket, with Asian eateries and kebab shops having make overs, and new competitors opening up. Among them is is the smart Chaman Grill and Balti, a 100 seater restaurant and takeaway which cooked its first curry a few weeks ago. Its owner has been in the business for over 25 years, and I found that his staff know how to rustle up a good meal.

After placing my order and going to collect it an hour later, I was not disappointed. The food is cooked in a stainless steel open kitchen, next to the tables and takeaway counter. The sight if pieces of tandoori chicken sizzling on a grill along with the delicious smell of spices set my mouth watering as I handed over my money.

I had a Desi Apna - style Balti Karahi curry made with kebab meat, chillies, ginger and capsicums. I was told that the Chaman is one of only two Indian restaurants in Sheffield serving the dish, which sits on the menu alongside old favourites such as the Bhuna, Rogun Josh and Biriyani. Given the ingredients, it was unsurprising to find the Desi Apna had quite a kick - but unlike some fiery curries, there was also plenty of flavour.

A friend chose the Dhansk which was also pretty spicy and packed with decent sized chunks of chicken, lentils and juicy pieces of pineapple.

Having already munched our way through poppadoms and pickles,, we struggled to finish the generously sized curries, naan bread and rice. I was impressed with the quality of food and the quick, friendly service.

Close to the city centre and open until the early hours of the morning, The Chaman is an ideal place to stop while on the way home from an evening out.

Free deliveries are available for orders over £8.00 within a three mile radius. If your taste buds need spicing up, give it a go - but make sure you have built up a big appetite!

Richard Marsden