THE Blue Tiffin is an unusual name for a restaurant and its origins are interesting, to say the least.

Tiffin is an old-English word for a light meal and in India it translates as ‘one who carries the box’.

Tiffin became the name for a multi-compartment lunch box, used to bring Indian food to the workplace.

And now The Blue Tiffin Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant has brought the Indian delivery concept to Stoke-on-Trent, offering a lunchtime tiffin delivery service, from which it has also taken its name.

The restaurant is located on Uttoxeter Road in Meir, and is slightly set back from the main road. It may not have a town centre setting, but its location just off the A50 and its parking spaces make it accessible and convenient.

In comparison to its authentic Indian cuisine and in keeping with the Anglo-Indian origins of its name, the décor of the Blue Tiffin is contemporary. The interior is white and blue and there is a well-stocked bar to the right of the entrance.

You’ll be greeted by friendly staff, like the owner, Shaz. The restaurant is busy – always a good sign – and the atmosphere is relaxed.

Blue Tiffin has all the usual favourites on its menu and also a wide range of chef’s specials, some of which you might never have heard of.

There are set meals available, priced at £14 for one person or £26 for two, for which you get a poppadom, starter, main course, rice, naan and a side dish.

Why not order drinks and poppadoms while you explore the menu? You’ll find the waiting staff attentive and full of useful suggestions.

There are 18 starters to choose from and options include vegetable samosa and shish kebab (£2.95 each).

Drawn by the chance to try something new? What about murgh bahar (£7.95), a chicken dish cooked with mincemeat and fresh herbs? Or there’s chicken and mushroom balti with added spinach (£7.75). You might also share items like a mushroom pilau rice and a couple of garlic chapatti. The curries are a good size and are full of flavour; spicy but not too hot.

Baltis, for example, are tasty and the sauces rich without being too oily.

Blue Tiffin has embraced the Christmas spirit with decorations and festive food.

Authentic Indian cuisine is on the menu for Christmas Eve (£23.95 per person), Boxing Day (£18.95 per person) and New Year’s Eve (£27.95 including live music). For Christmas Day there is a choice of either an Indian or traditional English five-course lunch (£27.95 per person) making Blue Tiffin well worth a visit. Call 017825 9597.