The Chilli Pickle
17 Jubilee Street, Brighton BN1 1GE | 01273 900 383 Website
Selective Asia’s founder Nick and Product Director Karl were first wowed by the exhilarating flavours of the Chilli Pickle over 10 years ago, at their original site in Meeting House Lane, and this well-loved local legend, now in its expansive Jubilee Street premises, has since become one of Brighton's most renowned restaurants. It was a real privilege to sit down with the inspirational dream-team behind it all, Alun and Dawn Sperring, and we listened to their story in awe.
Head Chef Alun travelled the world for years before they launched the Chilli Pickle, setting out on a journey that ultimately changed the culinary landscape of Brighton forever. Working in professional kitchens around Asia, he learned the traditional methods that inspire his dishes and his encyclopedic knowledge of regional flavours and ingredients from across the Indian subcontinent is mind-blowing.
“Cooking is a creative medium; it’s always evolving.” emphasises Dawn, “We’re not afraid to break the rules.” This passion jumps out in The Chilli Pickle’s award-winning menu of seasonal curries, ranging from fragrantly spiced Cod Moilee to fiery Rajasthani Mutton Laal Mas, each paired with delicious sides. Small plates such as pani puri are perfect with a post-work beer, and in the evening the famous lunchtime King Thalis make way for searing dishes from the grill, including Charred Sambhal King Prawns, and biryanis made with matured basmati rice. “Refined yet rustic, with a big impact.” is how Alun describes their distinctive style.
With their sights on the future, they’re proud of the continued success of the Chilli Pickle Canteen takeaway, and their newly-opened site in Guildford is all about bringing their dynamic dishes to a fresh audience. “We’re creating a bigger and better Chilli Pickle,” enthuses Alun, “getting excited about the things that started it and being able to constantly move forward.”
We humbly bow to everyone in the court of the Chilli Pickle - long may they reign!
Karl's India
As Selective Asia’s (admittedly self-proclaimed!) India ‘guru’, I’ve eaten at all levels during my many travels in India. In my backpacker days, the options were mostly budget-restricted to the delicious streetfood (tough life!). However, in recent years I’ve been fortunate enough to eat in some of the country’s best restaurants, and it was gratifying to hear Alun name several of these among his favourites. I share their love of Delhi: it’s the perfect place to start your India holiday, and building in a few extra days there lets you explore and eat your way around the city in bitesize chunks.
Dawn & Alun recommend wandering through Delhi’s busy Chandni Chowk market and Khari Baoli, the biggest spice market in Asia. Away from the capital, we spoke about their love of Gomti Nagar in Lucknow and the many varieties of kebab, Laal Mas and Tandoors in Jaipur. Combining these makes a really nice circuit, and I would suggest weaving in Agra’s Taj Mahal before continuing from Jaipur via Udaipur to Mumbai where Trishna’s seafood restaurant would make an unbeatable final meal. A 14 day journey of adventure and food exploration like no other.
Discover Alun & Dawn's India
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