THE first curry recipe in Britain appeared in 1747, in a book entitled The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy, and in the 271 years since its UK debut the meal has achieved a status as a takeaway staple and a meal out must-have.

So, to celebrate National Curry Week, we’ve taken on the thankless task of sampling some of the city’s nicest spices on a mission to find the best curry in Brighton and Hove. These are the top five rated on the TripAdvisor reviews website.

1. Manju’s, Trafalgar Street, Brighton

The Argus:

THE story behind Manju’s family-run restaurant is as unique as their flavours, which have earned it a series of five star reviews and the top spot on.

The restaurant is named after the chef at the family-run business.

Manju Patel is 81 and has missed just seven shifts in the 16 months since it opened.

Her son Naimesh Patel said: “My family originated from the Gujurati region of India, then my great, great grandfather moved to Uganda, where I was born.

“In 1972, she was forced to leave the country with only £12 and two sons, so she moved to North London and got a job in a factory.”

Naimesh said that she had always dreamed of owning a restaurant.

However, she could never fulfil this because it was such a risky profession.

He said: “Her hands were black and hard as leather and her brother would tell her she was killing herself and that she should start a restaurant as she had always been a great cook.”

In 2004, the family moved to Brighton and Naimesh began a party business with his brother, Jaymin.

Although they enjoyed their time, they often worked weekends and wanted to spend more time with their children, so sold the business after many successful years.

Naimesh said: “My wife is a chef, and saw that this place (the restaurant) had become available.

“She and my brother actually bought it without me knowing for my mum’s 80th birthday about 18 months ago, and she’s only missed seven shifts since.”

Naimesh revealed that Manju had a clear idea of what she wanted the restaurant to be.

He said: “We were going to have meats and fish.

“But Mum put her foot down and said should do what we do at home, so we stayed vegetarian.

“She can make any Gujurati food by feel, without measuring, and this makes us different to your standard Indian menu.”

The restaurant makes everything from scratch, and refuses to compromise with its ingredients.

Naimesh said: “We go to great lengths to make sure our food is different, we blend our spices each day and every item on our menu is unique.

“In India, they do spices like bread is done in England, every day or two you go out and buy spices for that day.”

For the family, owning the restaurant represents a dream come true, and they’re relishing every moment.

Naimesh said: “We really enjoy what we do.

“My brother and I have had a lot of jobs and, while this is probably the hardest work and completely consumes you, it’s never boring and we love it.”

2. Bayleaf, St James’s Street, Brighton

The Argus:

Bayleaf relies on word of mouth from its customers to spread its tasty reputation.

Manager Muki Taher said: “We do home style cooking, getting our spices from a great supplier in London and making all of our food ready to order.

“Our Chicken Nilgiri is the dish that has been most popular with the customers and keeps them coming back.

“Alternatively, our Chilli Aubergine as a vegetarian option has also had some fantastic feedback.

“Our success is all down to our customers and if they like it.

“So far they have been really positive about our food.”

3. Planet India, Richmond Parade, Brighton

With one restaurant in central Brighton, and another in Third Avenue, Hove, Planet India describes itself as pure, vegetarian Indian food.

One TripAdvisor review said: “The food and service is always amazing.

“The menu descriptions and decor all add to the character of the place and the staff are always helpful with recommending dishes and very attentive.

“I highly recommend this place for a cheap, vegan night out.”

4. Indian Summer, East Street, Brighton

The Argus:

East Street’s Indian Summer came to Brighton more than a decade ago with a mission to bring authentic Indian cooking to the city.

Director Byron Swales said: “Indian summer menus are created with well-sourced, seasonal ingredients resulting in satisfying flavoursome dishes that tick all the boxes.

They’re healthy, delicious, don’t compromise on taste and are perfect for any dietary requirements.

Some of their recipes have been handed down over generations and, because India is such a vast country, a two or three-course menu is served from many regions to give a wide ranging insight of the various cultures and cuisines of this amazing country.”

5. Curry Leaf Cafe, Ship Street and Upper St James’s Street, Brighton

The Argus:

Tucked away in The Lanes, Curry Leaf Cafe’s relaxed atmosphere along with their light yet powerful flavours and accommodating menu make it an enjoyable and alternative experience for any curry-lover.

Curry Leaf Cafe’s Co-Founder and Commercial Director, Euan Sey said: “There’s no secret as such, just great quality vegetables, meat, fish and the freshest spices we can source, treated with genuine respect.

“One of the things that makes us truly unique at Curry Leaf Cafe is our focus on South Indian cuisine.

“It uses a lot of coconut, curry leaves and other flavours that bring a lightness to the dishes we prepare, especially when it comes to the curries.

“You don’t leave our restaurants with that heavy, bloated feeling that you usually get from eating at British curry houses.

“There’s a lot less oil and cream in our dishes.”