Go to Pavilion for best deal on Indian far – bar nan. – Mat Shaffer

      The $26.95 “meat lovers” house dinner for two at India Pavilion would easily serve three hungry people.

      You get two bowls of soup (try cumin-scented chicken or sweet coconut) and freshly made nan or chapatti bread. They’re followed by a smorgasbord of half a tandoori chicken, several minced lamb reshmi kebobs, shrimp malai (sautéed in tomato sauce with mushrooms and coconut) and smoky mashed eggplantbaingan bharta. All this comes with onion chutney and crispy papadams, basmati rice, coffee or tea and your choice of two desserts. (Maybe soupy kheer rice pudding or ricotta-like rasmalai homemade cheese in sweetened milk?)

       Of course, you can always accessorize your meal with glasses of mango yogurt lassi or a bottle of Kingfisher lager – but diners on a budget will be perfectly happy to do without.

       Cambridge’s first Indian restaurant has been a fixture in Central Square (across from the police station) Since 1979. With deals like this, no wonder.