Indian Summer Takeaway Review With Deliveroo
At time of writing we are now in week two of restrictions that have been placed on all our lives. Brighton’s famous and thriving restaurant scene is in now in serious need of support from us residents, as many of our much-loved eateries have been forced to close their doors to the public until this awful pandemic gets under control. Some are offering takeaway and delivery services so you can still enjoy food from your favourites. Absolute Magazine will be keeping you all up to date on what is on offer, and I will often be posting reviews of the takeaway options available here on our website so please visit regularly to keep up to date on what is going on in our wonderful city.
Indian Summer is one such restaurant who have adapted their regular menu so as they can still provide delicious award winning authentic Indian cuisine during this challenging time.
Although they do offer delivery service through Deliveroo, I opted to collect just so as I could get out of the house and see another human being. I also wanted to speak with the restaurant directly as my wife Sally is fussy when it comes to Indian food. She does not like anything too spicy and is trying her best to be vegetarian (though she does eat fish from time to time) whereas I will eat literally anything, and I do like full flavoured dishes, just so long as they are not ridiculously hot. I called up and spoke with Rob who was more than happy to recommend dishes to suit our tastes, selecting some vegetarian starters, and a meat and a prawn dish as mains, as well as a selection of naan to soak up the sauces. There were plenty of spaces to park right outside on East Street and despite it being heart-breaking to see this normally lively restaurant devoid of customers. It was comforting to find all the recommended precautions are being adhered to. A pristinely clean makeshift serving area has been constructed at the entrance with a waiting area big enough to be able to keep your distance from the staff and other customers. As Rob pops back to the kitchen to retrieve my order pangs of hunger are aroused by the incredible fragrant smells emanating that regular visitors will be familiar with. I cannot wait to get home and tuck in.
I arrive home to find Sally has set the table nicely and cracked open a decent bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to recreate the fine dining atmosphere we associate with Indian Summer. She’s even warmed up the plates! We must serve ourselves, but you can’t have everything in these troubled times.
We begin with our vegetarian starters of Tandoori Paneer and Onion and Cauliflower Pakoda. The Paneer is lovely and creamy and had a lovely subtle flavour from the tandoor, served with lacha onion which went well with the accompanying coriander and tomato chutneys. The Pakodas are a delight, subtle and incredibly well balanced fresh and fragrant spices encased in a light crisp shell. Served with Tamarind sauce and Coriander chutney which although were both lovely, we preferred dunking them in mango chutney which we ordered separately.
For mains we plumped for Chicken Saumy, and Prawn Tamarind, with plain and lemon rice and some paneer naan and it was all exceptional. In fact I am finishing off the leftovers for lunch as I write this and absolutely loving them. The fragrant colourful cashew and tomato Saumy, packed with meaty chunks of chicken breast, had a lovely delicate flavour which somehow stays with you. The Prawn Tanarind, slightly spicier with sour notes from the ginger in the sauce was incredibly tasty. The rice, cooked to perfection, the lemon rice had a nice intensely fragrant aroma of its own. My favourite part, of course mopping it all up with the best naan I have ever tasted, perfectly spiced, with the paneer cheese giving it a lovely doughy texture to boot.
I loved frequenting Indian Summer and getting the whole restaurant experience before the restrictions, and it really is exciting that they are offering a delivery and takeaway service so I can continue to get my fix. All the dishes travelled exceptionally well in the environmentally friendly packaging. If you are after treating yourselves to a takeaway Indian Summer will surpass all expectations. Give them a call today for collection or get on Deliveroo to have their delicious home-cooked authentic Indian cuisine delivered straight to your door.
Tony Shattell
Indian Summer. 01273711001. 70 East Street, BN1 1HQ