It’s Just The Beginning
I love Christmas – there, I said it. I’ve never gotten over its magical quality: the lights, the music, the childish excitement. And seeing my kids’ faces illuminated, well, that’s just next-level fun. We try not to go too early, but after the candy rush of Halloween and the thrill of Bonfire Night, I think it’s legit to take those first enchanted steps into wonderland.
A Festive Day Out in Brighton
Brilliant Brighton made that easy last weekend, laying on a gorgeous festive afternoon in the city centre. While choirs entertained passersby, the shopfronts were dressed in their sparkling best, and twinkling lights were strung across the Lanes. The streets were bustling with busy shoppers, and restaurants were bursting at the seams.
Christmas Feasting at Mowgli
We decided to make a day of it, starting with a festive lunch with a twist at Mowgli in The Lanes. Mowgli, a standout Indian dining destination, is pretty magical at the best of times, known for its warm welcome and a divine dining area featuring whimsical swing seats. But add some festive spirit, and now you’re talking extra special.
‘Fancy Fizztails’
Obviously, the kids were desperate for a window table with swing seats, and we were lucky that there was one left just for us. More magic. The younger two were given colouring sheets, which was a nice touch, though really, the window seat people-watching (and swinging) was entertaining enough.
Since it was a ‘special treat’ kind of day, we ordered one each of the ‘Fancy Fizztails’: a Mowgli Twister (pineapple, raspberry, ginger, mint), The Sherbert (raspberry, lemon, ginger, apple), a Cinnamon Cola (apple, cranberry, mint, cinnamon), and a Mango Tonic (mango, lime, orange, and passion fruit). These bright, colourful mocktails arrived in assorted pretty glasses, adding to the festive fun. We tried them all, settling on a favourite each without a row. Magic!
Magic in Your Mouth
We were there to try the Christmas Feasting Menu, which is available for groups of 6 or more throughout the festive season and brings together the best of Mowgli’s flavours. You start the meal with a glass of prosecco or beer and some bauble-shaped Yogurt Chat Bombs.
These delicious, crisp bread puffs—filled with chickpeas, spiced yoghurt, tamarind, and coriander—must be eaten whole for the full experience. Trust in the process, pop it straight in and enjoy the party in your mouth.
Starters and Spice
Next up is a choice of starters. We opted for gunpowder chicken, coated in a spiced chickpea batter and served with fresh ginger, garlic, and garam masala—the kind of dish you can’t stop eating until it’s all gone.
Our lovely server recommended the Himalayan Cheese Toast, a rich, flavourful treat with a spoonful of sharp, mouthwatering Indian pickle on the side.
The Main Event: Tiffins Roulette
The main course is served in traditional tiffins with a fun roulette (total pot luck) of two curries (you choose meat, vegetarian, or vegan) with rice to share. We opted for one meat and one vegetarian and were brought generous portions of rich, saucy Mother Butter Chicken; warming Temple Dahl; Darjeeling-spiced, tea-steeped chickpeas; and velvety smooth Mowgli Paneer. Every dish was a tasty treat in its own right, but together – what a feast!
Designed for Sharing
Designed around the concept of Indian street market dining, dishes come out when they’re ready and are meant to be shared. There was more than enough for everyone, especially since the younger kids insisted on ordering dishes from the kids’ menu, which is definitely Mowgli but with milder options to please the little ones. We all agreed that for a taste of Indian-inspired holiday magic, Mowgli’s Christmas Feasting Menu is an unforgettable experience.
A Sweet Finish
We finished with decadent, stacked chocolate brownies and ice creams to complete the feast, then tripped into the street to the sweet sound of carol singers, our eyes tilted skywards to enjoy the show. Bring it on!
