The story
Planet India brings pure vegetarian Indian cuisine to Brighton, dedicating its kitchen to vegetable-forward recipes that exclude meat entirely. The menu distinguishes vegan options clearly alongside paneer dishes, catering to varied dietary needs while maintaining traditional techniques. This commitment to sustainability earned the restaurant a radish award in the We're Smart Green Guide, highlighting its alignment with eco-conscious values.
The menu opens with Dhai Bhel Puri, a street food staple combining chickpeas, thin sev, puffed rice, and tamarind sauce served in separate vessels to maintain crispness upon mixing. Guests may order the vegan iteration or select onion bhajis studded with Indian radish and sesame seeds. House-made samosas feature Punjabee fillings accompanied by yogurt and tamarind dips, while ketchories present spicy peas and coconut wrapped in a uniquely shaped pastry.
Main courses accompany cumin rice, showcasing an aubergine curry where chickpea flour yields a base that balances sweetness with acidity. The masoor dall stands out as a staff favourite, and the tadka dall incorporates kale in place of spinach for a contemporary update. Richness arrives via coconut in the mild vegetable korma, whereas the black chickpea curry relies solely on chilli and garlic for spice. A tofu preparation replicates paneer textures, offering a vegan alternative the kitchen acknowledges as unauthentic to the original style.
Recognition
Ambience