Curry Leaf Café
Brighton, East Sussex
Vexillologists will immediately recognise the green-and-orange exterior as redolent of the Indian flag, and those exuberant shades loom large throughout this colourful and casual space. 'South Indian street food & craft beer', they say; surely a mantra worthy of pursuit. Open naan wraps play to the lunchtime crowd (paneer tikka, chicken hariyali), with dosas and full-on thalis alongside regular small plates such as spinach and onion pakoras, and chicken 'lollipops'. Spicing is 'spot-on' in a rich Rajasthani lamb laal maas (also available as part of the lunchtime thali), with vegan and vegetarian options positively jumping off the menu – mushroom kuzhambu or soya and aubergine masala, for example. Veggies look away now, for the tandoor special is a veritable meat feast including tandoori pork chop and peshwari lamb seekh kebab with a host of chutneys and sauces. A gentle aroma of cardamom runs through a dessert of date and coconut rice pudding. Craft beers come from truly local producers such as Kemptown's Hand Brew Co and Worthing's Cloak & Dagger. If you fancy staying over, there's a bookable three-bedroom apartment upstairs ('bed and bhaji by the sea'), plus a kiosk at Brighton train station if you're on the move.
Dining Information:
Accommodation, Separate bar, Family friendly
60 Ship Street, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 1AE
01273 207070
