The Chilli Pickle
Brighton, East Sussex
'Punjabi beef keema and marrow bone curry, tandoori spiced monkish served on the bone... hell yeah,' exclaimed one fan. The Chilli Pickle's menu is a tantalising proposition and one that has continued to develop over the years; any regulars mourning the absence of an old favourite (take a bow, oxtail Madras), will always find something new to try. Alun and Dawn Sperring's colourful restaurant opposite the city's award-winning Jubilee Library positively rocks when it's busy – which is most of the time. The Subcontinent's multifarious regions provide inspiration – especially for lunchtime 'street eats and small plates', which might take you from Punjabi samosa chaats to BBQ Mangalore king prawns inspired by South Indian traditions. Generous thalis are another lunchtime favourite. The tandoor and sigri grill are at the heart of things, for 'fabulous breads' or whole sea bream, while the surf 'n' turf sizzler is a veritable feast with everything from prawns to Kashmiri best end of lamb. Spicing is forthright, as it should be, but not everything is hot, with curries such as the richly indulgent tandoori butter chicken suiting milder palates. Vegetarians do very well indeed – the clay-pot sabsi curry which comes with an idli dumpling, for example. Many dishes arrive with their own bespoke accompaniments such as vibrant pickles or bread, and sides can be added if required. Don't swerve the dessert menu as maple gulab jamun and suchlike are no afterthought. The wine list is arranged by style with handy advice for food pairing, while cocktails and a decent range of beers should bolster your options.
Dining Information:
Wheelchair access, Family friendly, Credit card required, Deposit required
17 Jubilee Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1GE
01273 900383
