I consider myself a bit of a food explorer, and Geneva definitely tests your resourcefulness in finding little eating gems given how deprived it can seem on that front. Working on Campus Biotech tests your resolve even more - the only options being two rip-off Thai places, a sad-looking Chinese buffet place, an overpriced Lebanese posh restaurant and.... The biotech cafeteria, where you must pray to the food gods for food if you intend to eat after 12.45.

So I decided to venture out in freezing cold to Salsabeel, which I have walked past a number of times on the way to Sagano or the local coop but never been in. Having done some research, I find it is split into the shop/cafe and the sit down restaurant. Good signs when you enter the shop - plenty of students, meaning not expensive. Cleverly the place offers a student menu where for some dishes like chicken biryani, you can get a side salad and drink and eat in for the same price - a mere chf 12. The decor is simple and functional. What is great is seeing lots of people turn up for lunch - lone men, groups of students, and friends. Food is plentiful and chicken served on the bone; the rice piping hot. The vegetable samosa is a good size and at chf 2, even comes with a side of sweet chili sauce :) you can choose from a few curries and the three biryanis are available on thurs and fri only. Now don't get me wrong - this is not Lahore in East London or Tayyab - and the depth is not quite there on flavor. BUT it is a satisfying meal that hits the spot and brings happiness in this food void that is Secheron! And to see Indian/Pakistani food that doesn't rip you off at chf 20 for a curry and is the perfect stopover for a no-nonsense hearty lunch, brings a smile to all Geneva-based foodies I imagine. Keep it up, Salsabeel :)