ISLAMABAD (DAWN/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - After the authorities cracked down on commercial entities operating in residential areas last year, several eateries disappeared from the map of the capital. Some saw reincarnation; others were never heard from again.

The problem with most sequels, be they in movie theatres or fine-dining establishments, is that they seldom live up to the expectations of their audience. But the capital's diners, it would seem, are just as discerning as Siskel and Ebert when it comes to picking restaurants.

The House of Bombay (HOB) is one such outlet that was forced to vacate its erstwhile premises in Margalla Road and it has now moved to the Super Market in F-6.

Though it has set up shop in a smallish space, it does not feel cramped, thanks to the presence of a floor-to-ceiling window.

Aside from shortening its name to HOB, the restaurant has also added two soups to the menu and a few bowls, which are now their main attraction.

The Hibachi beef bowl contains a generous helping of juicy spiced and fried strips of beef, tossed with noodles and green chillies.

The khao suey is noodles and chicken in a coconut curry - originally a Burmese dish - with a local twist. But this is not as interesting as the HOB curry bowl, which consists of brown rice, chicken and prawn in a mild curry, accompanied by a thick peanut and chilli sauce that renders it more suitable for desi palates.

The burrito bowl is, by far, the most interesting of the new additions to the menu, if only for the number and variety of ingredients.

The dish contains lettuce, rice, beans, corn and grilled chicken garnished with a dollop of sour cream. Doing away with the fried meat and curries, this dish is suitable for those looking for a healthier option.

When asked what its most popular dish is, the restaurant management said customers like the Singaporean rice the best. Consisting of seasonal greens and chicken stir-fried in hot sauce and served with rice, all of which are layered with crispy fried and spiced noodles, the dish is certainly not a disappointment.