The Himalaya Bird

On a hot day, picture yourself relaxing in the cool hill resort of Simla, sometimes spelled Shimla, in northern India. To make the dream more realistic, pick up an order of chicken Shimla from Flavor of India in West Hollywood. It’s a light, not very spicy curry. The chicken is sauteed in olive oil and seasoned with onion, ginger, garlic and lime juice plus a few subtle spices.

Add to this steamed basmati rice and an order of spiced shalgam (Indian turnip), which is cooked with ginger root, green chile and mustard seeds. The chicken and turnip are creations of Darshan Singh, who formerly cooked at the Bombay Cafe. Singh and his brother Tarsem, who are from Jullundur in the Punjab, own this restaurant.

Chicken Shimla (half a chicken), $9.50; spiced shalgam, $5.95; basmati rice, $2.50 at Flavor of India, 9045 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 274-1715.