How it all started

The Chilli Pickle really began long before we opened our doors in Brighton.

I spent many years living and working abroad as a chef, across eight countries and four continents, learning my craft under some incredible chefs. The latter part of my career became focused solely on South Asian cuisine. After meeting along the way, Dawn and I continued the journey together, sharing a love of travel, food and hospitality that has never dwindled.

While working in Dubai, we had our first son and decided it was time to swap the expat lifestyle for a new adventure back home. We always knew the kind of restaurant we wanted to create. Our love for India and South Asia runs deep — the diversity of the food and culture, the warmth of the people and the visceral experience of travelling there had left a lasting impression on us.

Throughout our careers, we’ve also had the privilege of working with some amazing people. Their knowledge, passion and friendship have made the journey all the richer. We wanted to turn that passion into a family vocation — one that would allow us to keep travelling to India, discovering new places and flavours, and bringing that inspiration home.

In 2008, we returned to Brighton with a young family, a head full of ideas and a dream of creating the kind of Indian restaurant we would love to eat in ourselves. That dream became The Chilli Pickle.

Nearly two decades on, we continue to travel, taste, learn and evolve — staying curious while remaining true to the flavours, experiences and hospitality that inspired us from the beginning.

• Book a Table
• Order Takeaway