At Zari Restaurant in Crawley the spices and ancient recipes of India meet the produce of Sussex: venison from local estates, lamb chops sourced close to home and the kind of hospitality that makes every meal feel like an occasion.
A season of stories and spice
When I visit Zari on a cool October afternoon after a walk at Buchan Country Park, the restaurant feels alive with warmth. The décor glows with rich tones and exotic cushions and the air carries a whisper of coconut, cumin and coriander. Owners, Sadique and Almara Miah have been busy.
“Earlier in the year, we did a Valentine’s special, and around New Year we hosted a Bollywood-themed evening with live dance, music and food,” Sadique tells me with a smile. “In autumn our dishes feel soulful, comforting, yet exciting.”.
From a silky malai prawn curry, delicately spiced with coconut and cardamom, to Sussex lamb chops grilled over flame, the menu reads like an invitation to slow down, share stories and rediscover the pleasures of the season.
Indian cuisine, Sussex style
Zari has always stood apart from typical Indian restaurants. It’s not about heat or gimmick, but about depth, the kind of flavour that doesn’t overwhelm, builds gently and lingers.
“For anyone unsure about spice, I always suggest starting with our grilled dishes,” says Sadique. “Our shashliks (chicken, lamb or king prawn) are full of flavour but not overwhelming. You can taste the smoke, the herbs, the marinade. It’s an easy way into Indian cooking.” Those ready for a little adventure can move on to mild curries like kormas or a biryani, while seasoned curry lovers will find that familiar favourites at Zari have been reimagined with authenticity and craft.
“Even our chicken tikka masala isn’t the usual version,” Sadique explains. “Ours is richer, more layered. It’s not about chilli heat but about spice, the way the flavours unfold. If you eat it slowly, it actually becomes sweeter and more aromatic as it cools.”
For the jalfrezi devotee, there’s even a twist on the classic. “We do it with tandoori chicken,” he adds. “It gives the dish a juiciness and smokiness that really brings it alive.”
A taste of autumn to begin
If you’re planning a full feast, start with the Hariali tikka: tender chicken marinated in fresh mint and coriander, served with apple and orange slices. The green hue comes naturally from the herbs, and the citrus cuts through beautifully. It’s bright, refreshing and very much of the season.
The star of the autumn menu
Ask what the must-try dish is this season and the answer comes without hesitation: the Lucknawi Dum Pukht biryani. It’s a showstopper and quite possibly one of the most authentic versions you’ll find anywhere in Sussex. Layered rice, tender meat and aromatic spices are sealed beneath a golden dough lid and slow-cooked until the flavours marry perfectly.
“It’s a royal dish,” Sadique says proudly. “It comes from the palaces in Lucknow. We cook it in the traditional way, not greasy, just fragrant and light. Even in London, only a few places like Cinnamon Club or Dishoom still make it properly. It’s food with history, made to be shared.”
And to finish? Peshwari naan pudding, Zari’s inventive fusion of bread-and-butter pudding and classic Indian naan. Sweet, comforting and homemade, it comes with caramelised oranges and a touch of nostalgia. It’s the kind of pudding you didn’t know you needed until you’ve had it.
Drinks for chilly nights
To accompany the food, Zari’s team have introduced a handful of seasonal mocktails and cocktails. The “Delhi Berry Bliss” is a new favourite, a jewel-toned blend that’s fruity but not too sweet. Mojito lovers will feel at home too, while those who prefer something traditional can pair their meal with the smooth, golden fizz of a Cobra beer.
More than a meal
The other thing that really sets Zari apart is the experience. Dining here feels less like going out for curry and more like taking a journey, a kind of edible storytelling across the regions of India. Each menu section highlights a different culinary tradition from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad to the smoky grills of Punjab, the earthy spices of Rajasthan, and the delicate sweetness of Bengal. Every dish has a story and the staff are more than happy to share it.
“This is what Indian cuisine really is,” says Sadique. “It’s not one thing. It’s many worlds, regional, local, seasonal, and we want to bring that to Sussex in a way that feels real.”
Family, tradition and heart
Behind the kitchen doors lies the true secret of Zari’s success: family. Sadique came to the UK as a teenager, while his wife Almara arrived when she was just seven. The pair built Zari together with a shared love of food and culture. “Almara is still the heart of it all,” he says. “She has the palate of a perfectionist. The flavours here are the food we grew up with. That’s what makes it personal, but we always work with top chefs from around the world to ensure the quality is outstanding.”
And it shows. The restaurant hums with warmth and authenticity, not just in the food, but in the way you are treated.
A little slice of India in Sussex
As I finish my meal, a final spoonful of biryani followed by the last sliver of Peshwari naan pudding, I find myself smiling. Something about the place feels both new and nostalgic, familiar and far-flung all at once. I tell Sadique that being here reminds me of my own time in India many years ago, the colours, the welcome, the sense of theatre. He laughs. “India stays with you, doesn’t it?”
It does. And somehow, so does Zari, a restaurant where the spirit of India has found a warm, welcoming home right here in Sussex.
Discover India and enjoy authentic Indian favours. To Order or to book, visit: Zari Restaurant
If you’ve enjoyed this post, Indian cuisine in Sussex, you may also like:
