10 Must-Try Indian Dishes in Brighton for Every Food Lover

10 Must-Try Indian Dishes in Brighton for Every Food Lover

There’s a moment that happens at a good Indian table. The breads arrive still warm from the tandoor, the curries land in a slow parade of colour, and someone reaches across to steal a forkful before you’ve even decided where to start. That moment is what we chase every night at The Golden Peacock, tucked away on Ship Street in the heart of Brighton’s Lanes.

Brighton is spoilt for choice when it comes to food, but authentic North Indian cooking – the kind built on clay-oven smoke, slow-simmered gravies and spices toasted fresh – is a category all its own. So whether you’re a lifelong curry devotee or someone about to try Indian food properly for the first time, here are ten must-try Indian dishes in Brighton that tell the story of who we are, one plate at a time.

Hungry already? You canbrowse the full main menu here or skip straight to booking a table. Otherwise, let’s eat.

1. Old Delhi Butter Chicken – the one everyone comes back for

If there’s a dish that turns first-timers into regulars, it’s this. Our Old Delhi Butter Chicken is a beloved North Indian classic made with char-grilled chicken pieces simmered in a silky, buttery gravy, finished with a kiss of cream. It’s mild, comforting and quietly addictive – the kind of curry that gives your soul a hug. Mop it up with a warm garlic naan and you’ll understand why butter chicken is Brighton’s most-ordered curry for a reason.

2. Rajasthani Lal Maas – for those who like a little fire

Every menu needs a showstopper, and ours is the Rajasthani Lal Maas. This is a fiery yet deeply flavourful mutton (lamb) curry, cooked with rustic spices and yogurt for a rich, satisfying heat that builds rather than burns. It’s a proper regional dish – the sort you rarely find done well in the UK – and it’s for the food lovers who believe a great curry should have a bit of attitude.

3. Punjabi Tandoori Chicken Tikka – smoke from the clay oven

Some of the best Indian food in Brighton starts before the curry even arrives. Our Punjabi Tandoori Chicken Tikka is marinated overnight in yogurt and aromatic spices, then grilled in a traditional clay oven until it takes on that unmistakable smoky char. Served with a fresh green herb chutney, it’s a starter that sets the tone for everything that follows. Explore more of these on our starters menu.

4. Punjabi Paneer Butter Masala – the vegetarian hero

Vegetarians, this one’s your butter chicken. Punjabi Paneer Butter Masala features melt-in-your-mouth paneer nestled in a velvety gravy of tomatoes, butter and aromatic Indian spices. It’s rich, mellow and endlessly scoopable – proof that some of the most memorable Indian dishes in Brighton never go near meat at all.

5. Veg Samosa Chaat – North Indian street food on a plate

Close your eyes and this dish will walk you down a busy Delhi street. Our Veg Samosa Chaat takes a crispy, flaky samosa filled with spiced potato and peas, then crowns it with tamarind chutney, yogurt and coriander chutney. Sweet, tangy, crunchy and soft all at once – it’s the perfect example of why North Indian street food has such a cult following.

6. Golgappe – the most fun you’ll have at dinner

Also known as pani puri, Golgappe are crisp, hollow shells filled with potato and chickpea stuffing, served with tangy mint-and-tamarind water. You crack one open, fill it, and eat the whole thing in a single, slightly reckless bite. It’s interactive, it’s a little theatrical, and it’s guaranteed to get the table talking – ideal for sharing when you’re in for a relaxed evening in the Lanes.

7. Amritsari Cholle – humble chickpeas, big personality

Don’t underestimate the chickpea. Our Amritsari Cholle steeps them in a medley of dark, roasted spices, capturing the soul of North Indian street cooking with its rich aroma and tangy bite. It’s hearty, naturally plant-based friendly, and a firm favourite among diners looking for something comforting yet full of character.

8. Kerala Style Seafood Molly – a coastal detour

Fitting for a seaside city, this dish brings the coast to your table. Kerala Style Seafood Molly is a gentle curry with a North Indian twist – delicate seafood simmered in fragrant coconut milk, lightly spiced and beautifully balanced. If you fancy something lighter and a touch different from the classic curry, this is the plate to order.

9. Tandoori Paneer Delight – smoky, meat-free, unforgettable

Another star for the vegetarians. Tandoori Paneer Delight takes chunks of Indian cottage cheese, marinates them in spices, then chargrills them in the clay oven for a smoky finish, served with mint chutney. It carries all the drama of a tandoori grill with none of the meat – a genuine crowd-pleaser to start your meal.

10. Lamb Chops – pure indulgence to finish the list

We’ll end where indulgence lives. Our Lamb Chops are seasoned with garlic and rosemary and roasted in the clay oven until juicy, tender and full of flavour. Three generous pieces, best enjoyed slowly. They’re a treat, and every food lover deserves one now and then.

How to build the perfect order at The Golden Peacock

If you’re planning a visit, a good rule of thumb is to share two or three starters, pick a couple of contrasting curries – say one mild like the Old Delhi Butter Chicken and one fiery like the Rajasthani Lal Maas – and add breads and a creamy Dal Makhani to round it out. Pair it all with something from our drinks and cocktail menu, leave room for a Gulab Jamun, and you’ve got the makings of a proper night out.

Want to know more about how we cook and why? Take a moment to read our story.

Come and taste Brighton’s North Indian favourites

These ten dishes are just the beginning. The best way to discover your own must-try Indian dish in Brighton is to pull up a chair at The Golden Peacock, 71 Ship Street, right in the heart of the Lanes.

Book your table now – perfect for date nights, family dinners and special occasions. Got a question about allergens, group bookings or catering? Get in touch with us here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the must-try Indian dishes at The Golden Peacock in Brighton?
A. Our most popular must-try dishes include Old Delhi Butter Chicken, Rajasthani Lal Maas, Punjabi Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Punjabi Paneer Butter Masala and Veg Samosa Chaat. Together they offer a balanced taste of authentic North Indian cooking, from mild and creamy to fiery and bold.

Q. Does The Golden Peacock serve vegetarian Indian food in Brighton?
A. Yes. We offer a wide range of vegetarian dishes, including Punjabi Paneer Butter Masala, Tandoori Paneer Delight, Amritsari Cholle and Cauliflower Molly. Several dishes are also suitable for vegans – just ask our team when you order.

Q. Where is The Golden Peacock located in Brighton?
A. The Golden Peacock is located at 71 Ship Street, Brighton, BN1 1AE, in the heart of Brighton’s historic Lanes – an easy walk from the seafront and city centre.

Q. Do I need to book a table at The Golden Peacock?
A. Booking is recommended, especially for weekend dinners and larger groups. You can reserve a table quickly through our online booking form or by calling the restaurant directly.

Q. What type of Indian food does The Golden Peacock serve?
A. We specialise in authentic North Indian cuisine – rich curries, clay-oven tandoori dishes, fresh breads and Indian street food classics – served alongside a full bar of cocktails, wines and craft beers.