Address: 44-45 Baker St, Brighton, BN1 4JN
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TLDR: Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a Brighton gem offering bold, plant-based Pan-Asian dishes served as small plates. Highlights include smoky ‘chicken’ skewers, crispy ‘sea bream,’ and charred rice, with vegetables like candy-sweet mushroom skewers and buttery cabbage stealing the spotlight. Paired with innovative cocktails and an immersive atmosphere, Bonsai’s creative menu and laid-back vibe make it a must-try for all foodies, not just vegans
Bonsai Plant Kitchen Menu 📖
The Bonsai menu is available on their website here (subject to change), but there are varying specials that are written up on the chalk board. It’s worth keeping an eye on their Instagram to see what they’re up to! As they often come up with guest dishes and drinks, just for fun.
Discovering Bonsai
Bonsai Plant Kitchen came highly recommended by the Brighton community, and after reading an inspiring interview with owner and chef Dom Sherriff, it shot straight to the top of my ‘stuff-to-try’ list. It didn’t hurt that some mates sweetened the deal with a Bonsai voucher (cheers for that!).
Tucked away on a side road just off London Road, Bonsai’s unassuming location offers a refreshing break from Brighton’s seafront hustle. It’s the kind of place locals will love and adventurous visitors will feel smug for discovering – proof that the city’s quality food spots aren’t only found by the seafront.
But Bonsai isn’t just about pandering to a vegan crowd. It’s more of a creative playground for “plant-based” cuisine, where the focus is firmly on bold, imaginative dishes with Pan-Asian flair. The kind of place where you’ll probably forget it’s vegan altogether – until you remember, and then you’ll be even more impressed.
An Immersive Atmosphere
Stepping into Bonsai’s sleek and compact space on Baker Street, you’re met with a buzzing, cosy energy. The dark, modern interior, adorned with neon lighting and Japanese-inspired murals, channels a stylish but down-to-earth vibe that feels somewhere between a Cyberpunk 2077 setting and a cool Japanese bar. Something you’ll enjoy is that there is a sense of camaraderie at Bonsai, with diners sitting close enough to catch glimpses of each other’s dishes, adding to the fun.
Creative Cocktails and Smoky Surprises
We kicked things off with one of Bonsai’s special cocktails – a Halloween-inspired concoction complete with a black sugar rim. This gin based drink tasted like lavender and had a nostalgic sweetness of Parma Violets, a playful nod to Halloween that set the tone for the meal. Oh, and did I mention it arrived with a massive bubble on top that released a puff of smoke when popped? Theatrics and flavour, all in one glass!
The Red Rice Ale, by Hitachino (pictured) was also quite delightful, suspiciously tasty for such a strong drink. Served in a chilled glass tankard which really helped it hit the spot. On a previous visit, I also tried the plum old fashioned, which comes highly recommended. Sadly, I missed out on the Shiitake Old Fashioned this time, but it’s a perfect example of the kind of inventive concoctions they’re shaking up behind the bar. In their own words: “Shiitake infused bourbon whiskey, maple syrup, angostura bitters… It makes no sense but also complete sense. One hell of a drink.”
The Main Event
Bonsai’s small plates are generous enough for sharing, making it easy to sample a bit of everything. We started with the chicken skewers, which came coated in a deep, charred sauce, salty and spicy with a subtle heat that lingers on the tongue. The texture was satisfyingly meaty, with a smoky depth that only a Binchotan grill can deliver.
Next up, the ‘special balls’ (🥵) – a crispy, meatball-like croquette with a sweet onion purée. The herbal, slightly bitter flavours provided a refreshing contrast to the rich “meaty” taste, and I found myself enjoying the playful perfume of these unconventional bites.
For a heartier option, we ordered their signature torched rice. This dish takes “charred” to the limit, with a crisp, smoky top layer that adds a unique twist to each bite. Topped with furikake, it was addictive and stood out as the comfort dish of the night. The dirty rice was equally satisfying – a hoisin-soy base with oyster-like flavours that balanced savoury richness with a gentle spice. These rice dishes are absolutely banging and I’d go back for just them. Make sure you try some.
Worth noting: The bánh mì sliders are quite generous in size compared to some of the other plates, making them one of the better value for money choices… but do try the rice 😉
Veggies That Mean Business
One of the real treats at Bonsai is how they turn simple vegetables into such tasty and substantial dishes. The mushroom skewers were a personal favourite – the fire brought out this candy-like sweetness that’s normally understated, making each bite feel exciting and a bit indulgent. The charred cabbage, drenched in a sesame buttery sauce, had me convinced I’d been doing cabbage wrong at home; the juicy, nutty flavours made this humble vegetable a star.
The battered sea bream, served alongside a mango and dill salad, offered a seaside experience on a plate. With its crispy, fried exterior and creamy interior, it was a zesty, addictive standout among the plates, contrasting nicely with the charred flavours of the other dishes.
We ended the meal with a generously sized bottle of sake, which was good, but the special plum wine truly stole the show
Conclusion
Bonsai Plant Kitchen is a place that pushes boundaries with bold flavours, smoky char, and a laid-back attitude that skips over any “holier-than-thou” vegan stereotype. The atmosphere is part of the magic here – lively, inviting, and a bit like a hidden gem you want to show off to friends.
Whether you’re vegan, plant-curious, or just hungry, Bonsai is a must-try for anyone looking to expand their palate and enjoy the unexpected. Bring your mates, grab a drink, and dive into this one-of-a-kind experience – you’ll leave happy, full, and maybe, like me, rethinking your relationship with vegetables all together. With inventive fusion flavours and a contemporary vibe, Bonsai is a special place where Asian traditions meet a modern twist. Fusion is, after all, my safe word.
Psssssst… Bonsai actually just announced on their Instagram that they’ll be doing ‘Industry Monday’s’, where you can enjoy a tasting menu for £30 per head. Not bad at all for food at this quality! This was initially ideated for fellow hospitality workers, as Monday is usually their day off, but Bonsai have opened up this offer to all guests.
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Based in Brighton since 2023, Mitch is all about uncovering hidden gem restaurants and supporting independents over chains. With a seasoned palate developed from years of eating out, he’s your go-to for discovering the best local spots.
