Why ours has no cashew
Most UK Shahi Paneer is built on a cashew or almond paste. It's a fast way to get the gravy thick and 'royal'. We don't make it that way. Our gravy is a slow tomato reduction with single cream folded late and a generous bloom of saffron at the finish. The richness is real — it just doesn't come from nuts.
Why does it matter? Because nut allergies are common and Shahi Paneer is one of the most-mistakenly-ordered dishes for nut-allergic guests. Customers who keep strict nut-free have written to thank us for this exact dish. Our entire kitchen is nut-free — biryani uses fried onion, Shahi Paneer uses cream and saffron, garnishes are coriander and mint. Never chopped pistachio, never almond, never cashew.
Pillowy paneer cubes are lightly seared so they hold shape but stay tender. The gravy is mildly spiced — universally liked, easy on kids, and the natural complement to a richer chicken dish like Yum Makhani.
What's in it
- Paneer — pillowy cubes, lightly seared
- Vine tomatoes — slow-reduced for the gravy
- Single cream — folded in late, never poured
- Saffron, kasuri methi, ground spices — the royal aroma
- Fresh coriander — to finish
No cashew. No almond. No pistachio. No peanut. No pine nut. Vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free.
Who it's for
Shahi Paneer is the vegetarian everyone reaches for. If you're feeding a mixed table of meat-eaters, vegetarians and people with allergies, this is the dish that works for everyone — halal kitchen, vegetarian, gluten-free, nut-free. Mildly spiced so kids will eat it; rich enough that adults will fight for the last spoon.
Order direct
Same kitchen. Same chefs. Same recipes. Direct = no commission tax.
Allergens & dietary
- Vegetarian — no meat, no animal stock.
- Gluten-free — as cooked. Skip naan if you are avoiding gluten.
- Nut-free — no cashew, almond, pistachio, peanut, pine nut or chopped-nut garnish. Our entire cooked menu is nut-free; only off-site desserts (Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun) contain nuts. See nut-free policy.
- No beef. No pork. Anywhere on the Yum! Curries menu.
Where to find us
Our Brighton store is in Kemptown at 1 Paston Place. We deliver to BN2, BN1 and BN3 in 25 minutes.
Try with
Frequently asked
- Is Shahi Paneer made with cashews?
- No. Our Shahi Paneer is finished with cream and saffron — never cashew or almond paste. This is unusual for UK Shahi Paneer, but it's how we cook it across the whole kitchen. See nut-free policy.
- Is Shahi Paneer nut-free?
- Yes. No cashew, almond, pistachio, peanut, pine nut or chopped-nut garnish. Every dish we cook is nut-free; only off-site desserts (Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun) contain nuts.
- Is Shahi Paneer gluten-free?
- Yes — the dish is gluten-free as cooked. Pair it with jeera basmati for a fully gluten-free meal; avoid naan if you're avoiding gluten.
- What's Shahi Paneer made with?
- Pillowy paneer cubes lightly seared, then folded into a slow tomato reduction with single cream, saffron, kasuri methi and ground spices. Garnished with fresh coriander.