Dishes to try at Permit Room Brighton
06/05/2025
Permit Room Brighton, inspired by the vibrant Irani cafés of Bombay, offers a feast of bold flavours, creative cocktails, and comforting classics with a modern twist. Whether you’re there for a laid-back brunch or a spirited evening out, the menu is packed with dishes that celebrate Mumbai’s rich culinary heritage.
In colonial-era Mumbai, “permit rooms” were bars licensed to serve alcohol only to those carrying a government-issued permit—originally introduced during Prohibition in Bombay. These hidden, often dimly lit spaces became havens for quiet rebellion and late-night conversation. Permit Room Brighton draws on this legacy, reimagining the spirit and charm of those old Bombay drinking dens with a modern twist on food, drink, and atmosphere.
In this article, we’ll take you through six unmissable dishes and drinks that deserve a spot on your table at Permit Room Brighton. Before we begin, a quick reminder to always check for dietary preferences and allergy information.
Crispy Spinach Chaat
Crispy Spinach Chaat is a vibrant dish featuring spinach leaves fried in a light chickpea batter, topped with sweet yoghurt, tangy tamarind chutney, and crunchy sev. A vegan version is available, substituting dairy yoghurt with plant-based alternatives, ensuring the dish remains both indulgent and suitable for plant-based diets.
Drinks Tip: Kick things off with Permit Room Clover Club, pairing that creamy foam perfectly with the crunchy chaat.
A Spicy Chicken Puff
Permit Room’s Spicy Chicken Puff pays homage to a beloved snack once found in Mumbai’s old Irani cafés—flaky, buttery pastries filled with warmly spiced meat. These puffs were a staple in colonial-era tearooms run by Zoroastrian (Parsi) immigrants from Iran, who brought with them a unique café culture blending British and Persian influences. The chicken puff, typically enjoyed with chai, was affordable, satisfying, and deeply comforting. Permit Room reimagines this classic with a rich, spicy filling wrapped in golden pastry—nostalgic yet fresh, it captures the essence of Bombay’s culinary past in every bite.
Drinks Tip: Pair with a Chai or if you are a beer loving folk – Tower Up with Kingfisher beer tower – Monde’s style (IYKYK).
Prawn Moilee
Permit Room’s Prawn Moilee is a South Indian-inspired dish rooted in Kerala’s coastal cuisine. Delicately spiced and rich with coconut milk, it features prawns simmered in a fragrant sauce of curry leaves, turmeric, and green chillies. A comforting, creamy curry with Portuguese-influenced origins, it balances warmth and subtle sweetness beautifully. For a plant-based twist, a vegan version is available with cauliflower replacing the prawns—tender, satisfying, and equally flavourful. This dish is a tribute to the culinary traditions of Kerala, reimagined with thoughtful inclusivity for all diets.
Drinks Tip: Rosé lovers this is a match made in heaven! Alternatively, the alcohol-free Pink Pepper Pineapple Soda cleans the palate – ready for the next bite.
Tandoori Chicken
Permit Room’s Chicken Tandoori is a standout house special, offered in generous half or full chicken portions. Unlike the bright red versions often seen elsewhere, this one stays true to tradition—free from artificial colouring or additives. Instead, it’s marinated in a blend of warming spices and cooked to smoky perfection. Served the proper way, it comes with fresh green chutney, crisp cucumber salad, and lemon wedges for that perfect citrus kick. Juicy, bold, and honest, this tandoori is a must-try for lovers of classic Indian barbecue done right.
Drinks Tip: Imagine a Mumbai evening—tandoori chicken on the table, cricket on TV, chilled beers or whisky in hand. At Permit Room, the Old Fashioned or Aunty’s Jeera Manhattan captures that same spirit, perfectly paired and full of character.
Dishoom House Black Daal
Prepare to be enchanted by the House Black Daal, a lentil dish slow-cooked over 24 hours to perfection with tomatoes and cream. The creamy and comforting flavours of this dish have won the admiration of many, making it an absolute must-try.
Drinks Tip: Daal is usually a side dish with doesn’t need to paired with a drink specifically, but similar to the biryani, Kombucha or a fizzy drink will help keep your palate fresh and ready for the next bite!
Mango Season at Permit Room
Available only in May and June, Permit Room’s Alphonso mango desserts are a seasonal delight worth marking your calendar for. Made with the prized Alphonso mangoes from Maharashtra—renowned for their rich aroma and sweetness—these limited-time treats capture the essence of summer in every spoonful. It’s a short window, but the kind of flavour that lives rent-free in your memory all year.
Drinks Tip: Enjoy the dessert on it’s own and if you still have room, try a cocktail to slow down or coffee to wake up!
