Janie D.
Yelp
Any culinary enthusiast in Brighton knows The Chili Pickle. Touting a Michelin Bib Gourmand and a lot of hype, this unique restaurant offers modern takes on Southern Indian cuisine. I attempted to make a reservation on their website for Friday dinner, and they appeared to be fully booked. I called to double check, and found that there were indeed some tables still available. So, I recommend calling.
We arrived 20 minutes early, and were invited to sit in their colorful waiting area and peruse the menu. The interior is bright and festive, with multicolored paper lanterns, and loud techno music. The decor did not feel specifically Indian-this could have easily been a Mexican restaurant. We were seated at 9pm, and promptly ignored for almost 30 minutes. No water, no server. I get it, it's Friday night and you're busy, but at least throw us some drinks. My boyfriend and I could not converse over the obnoxiously loud music (you literally need to shout to be heard), which gave us both anxiety.
When we finally got a server, he was great. Friendly, personable Spanish guy who was highly knowledgeable of the menu. To drink I had the "Star Of India" cocktail, which was the highlight of the entire meal. I was initially hesitant to order a cocktail using a low grade rum like Goslings, but this ended up being an exquisitely crafted beverage. Their house made syrup of fresh vanilla bean and star anise, combined with lime juice, create a refreshing and multifaceted flavor profile. You must order this cocktail. I also had the gin based "Hendricks", which was not nearly as good. I love a floral cocktail, but their mix of cucumber syrup and elderflower soda just tasted like potpourri.
To start we got the Punjabi Samosas, which were just okay. The potato and lentil filling was flavorful, but there was not enough of it-most of the samosa was bread, which was too dense and floury. The tamarind sauce and chutney served alongside were the highlight of this dish. We also got the Mixed Onion Pakoras, which were much better. Well spiced, without being too oily or salty.
I was slightly disappointed to find only two vegan entree options on the menu. I got the Idli Sambhar Pumpkin, which looked amazing, but was ultimately disappointing. The deconstructed dish is served on a metal cafeteria style tray, so you can mix and match the components as you please. The steamed rice and curry leaf dumplings are nothing like they sound-I almost thought I had been brought the wrong plate. They were three dense, flavorless lumps with the consistency of cornbread that I assume you are supposed to combine with the curry? They were much too dry to eat alone. The vegetable curry was okay, but had large inedible spice leaves and whole black peppercorns hidden throughout, which I kept biting into and had to spit out. The masala pumpkin was bland, and had inconspicuous green chilis on top that are actually EXTREMELY spicy. I love spicy foods, and even a nibble of this was enough to make my eyes water. I can't imagine a British persons reaction if they unknowingly ate a whole one-death, maybe?
My boyfriend got the Butter Chicken and enjoyed it, so perhaps I just ordered the wrong thing. Our bill came to £90, which felt really overpriced for what it was. I have had far superior Indian food for a fraction of the price, in a significantly less annoying ambiance. I would not be opposed to giving this place another try, but am in no rush to return.