Must Visit Indian Restaurants in Birmingham

I have been to many Indian food places in Birmingham. Here are the must visit Indian restaurants in Birmingham according to me.

Birmingham is the second largest city in the UK and food is one of the things that makes it so exciting and unique. It is home to a lot of Asian population and that’s why there are many amazing Indian restaurants here. No matter what kind of Indian food one is looking for, Birmingham has it all, from spicy street food to modern Indian food. There are so many good places to eat, that sometimes it becomes hard to choose which one to go to. I have explored a lot of restaurants over the years and here are 10 must visit Indian restaurants in Birmingham.

  1. Dishoom

I have mentioned Dishoom in my London restaurants blog as well, so one can easily tell how much I love this place. It is a cozy restaurant inspired by the Irani Mumbai cafes. The turquoise and brown tones in the decor blend together nicely. The food here is fresh, high quality and tastes great. The incredible and rich flavours leaves one wanting for more. The nice ambience and amazing food, makes it’s a perfect place for a fun family dinner or an intimate date night.

Where – Dishoom Birmingham, One Chamberlain Square, Birmingham B3 3AX

2. Itihaas

Itihaas is a fine dining restaurant known to add their contemporary touch to traditional recipes. Their exquisite decor is so mesmerizing and takes one back to the 18th & 19th centuries. The menu mostly has North Indian dishes, but there are also some interesting options from other parts of the world. The food here is impeccable and there is a kind of uniqueness to it. I am a fan of their Indian Thali, chaat and lassi.

Where – 18 Fleet Street, Birmingham B3 1JL

3. Opheem

Opheem is a Michelin-starred restaurant that focuses on modern and progressive Indian cooking. Just by looking at the decor of the restaurant, one can tell it is thoughtfully put together. The twinkly gold lights compliment the grey tones perfectly and gives it a warm feel. The food is well presented and there is a lot of variety in tastes and textures. For someone who is not a big fan of the typical Indian food and likes it with a twist, this a place to be.

Where – 65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ

4. Indico 

Indico specialises in Indian Street food and serves it with their own touch. Their menu is carefully selected to showcase the best and most loved dishes from the streets of North India. The decor of the restaurant is quirky with paintings & pictures on the walls and reminiscent of Indian cinema. The food is traditional & authentic and they have everything from spicy chaats to rich curries. Overall it is a great place to get that true Indian dining experience.

Where – 113-115 Wharfside Street, Level 3, The Mailbox, Birmingham B1 1RF

5. The Indian Brewery

The Indian Brewery is an ideal place for someone who loves Indian street food and craft beer. The place has a casual yet energising vibe to it and the colourful bollywood posters on the walls give it a retro look. The food is fantastic and their homemade beer is like a cherry on the cake. There are good vegetarian and vegan options and the portion size is also adequate. It is a great place to chill with friends or a relaxing drink after work.

Where – Arch 15-16 Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU

6. Mowgli

Mowgli is a restaurant by Nisha Katona and they have many branches. The idea behind Mowgli is to serve simple Indian dishes that people usually eat in their homes and streets. The atmosphere of the restaurant is cozy & the ropes decor looks spectacular.Their food is healthy, light, full of fresh flavours and is served in tiffin boxes. The quantity of the food is small, so one might have to order a variety of dishes, but the prices are reasonable.

Where – Unit 30, Grand Central, Stephenson Place, Birmingham B2 4BF

7. Tamatanga

Tamatanga is a restaurant that focuses on serving fresh, homely Indian food prepared with local ingredients. They grind their own spices and the food is prepared by trained chefs in a clay oven. The decor is fun & lively with bright tones of orange, red & turquoise, wooden furniture and mirrors on the walls. Their menu is huge with good options in thalis as well as small bites .The food is just as vibrant as the decor, it’s like a burst of flavours in the mouth.

Where – Orion Building, Navigation Street, Birmingham B5 4AX

8. Lasan

Lasan is one of the most popular fine dining Indian restaurants in Birmingham and is the winner of Gordon Ramsay’s F word. The decor is exquisite with the right balance of modern and traditional. Everything from the furniture to the cutlery is carefully selected to match the fancy vibe. All dishes are excellent and of high-quality and the presentation is beautiful. With scrumptious food & stylish decor, Lasan is a must-visit place for Indian food lovers.

Where – 3-4 Dakota Buildings, James Street, St Paul’s Square, Birmingham B3 1SD

9. Zindiya

Zindiya serves food inspired by the street food from different cities of India like Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata. The idea is that they want people to enjoy food just as they do in the markets or streets of these cities. The bright, quirky and trendy decor does justice to the it’s theme and it feels like having food in a local market back in India. They specialise in small plates and high chai. The food is flavourful and immediately takes one back to the streets of India.

Where – 21 Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B13 8EJ

10. Pushkar

Pushkar is a multi award winning fine dining restaurant that serves modern Indian food. With tasteful decor and chic ambience, it is a luxurious place perfect for that one of a kind dining experience. The quality of food is impeccable & high-end. The dishes are not like the normal Indian dishes, everything has a nice, modern twist to it. Everything about this place is amazing and if someone is looking for unique Indian food, Pushkar won’t disappoint.

Where – 245 Broad Street, Birmingham B1 2HQ

So, these are 10 must visit restaurants in Birmingham. Next time you are in Birmingham, do check them out.

A Brilliant Breakfast Brunch at The Ivy, Birmingham

The Ivy, Birmingham opened its doors to food fanatics in April 2018 and has been delighting diners with its delicious fare ever since. Elegant, enticing, and exciting, the Ivy promises you a memorable dining experience, and in my opinion, it delivers far more than is expected.

I had been wanting to visit The Ivy Birmingham for a while, when last month, I was finally able to make it to Temple Row in the City Center where it’s located. We’d heard great reviews about the place and were looking forward to our first brunch meal here.

When we entered the restaurant, our first impression was of plush sophistication. Hues of orange and green are dominant in the décor, with beautiful Art Deco glass, muted lights, and interesting artwork adorning the walls. The 3-floors of The Ivy Birmingham are as much a tribute to great artistry as they are to gastronomy. Simply sitting in the pleasant ambiance was very invigorating; the sumptuous food, a big, big bonus.

We started our meal with a coffee since that’s the elixir that gets me up and going every day. My cappuccino was rich and satisfying, with the Ivy logo floating on the froth. We then moved on to the interesting offerings of the brunch menu which are served till 11.30 am Mon-Fri, and till 11 am on the weekend.

Here’s what we ordered: two juices, Beet It and Green Juice, one portion of Avocado, tomato, and sesame, which comes with poached hen’s eggs on toasted granary with sesame dressing and also the breakfast classic Eggs Benedict.


Beet It was a flavorsome concoction of beetroot, apple, lemon & ginger, while Green Juice had avocado, mint, celery, spinach, apple, and parsley. The juices were super-healthy and very refreshing, and if I’d had any more space left, I would’ve tried a few more juices from their enticing selection of fresh beverages.

The Avocado preparation had chopped avocado topped with roast plum tomatoes, a poached hen’s eggs and sesame dressing. The combination was complimentary and the preparation light, which made it a perfect brunch dish.

The Eggs Benedict came with pulled honey roast ham on toasted English muffins, two poached hen’s eggs with hollandaise sauce, and some watercress. I love this preparation since the eggs were cooked to perfection and the hollandaise sauce was flavoured just right.

To sum up the experience, I’d say it was fabulous beyond words. The selection of food at The Ivy Birmingham is a flawless balance of British classics and world cuisine. The ambiance and décor are spectacular, to say the least. The open, wide-spaced seating makes it a great place to host parties or enjoy a night out with friends or family. The staff is courteous and well-informed of the menu’s specifics. All these positives make me want to visit again, sometime soon.

I’ll probably head to The Ivy Birmingham again for another brunch with friends, or maybe even on date night!

 

Harvey Nichols and Mailbox Experience in Birmingham

The next you find yourself in Birmingham, I highly recommend that you visit The Mailbox. To call the Mailbox a ‘shopping centre’ or a ‘neighbourhood mall’ is an absolute understatement. The Mailbox is a destination in its own right, combining world-class lifestyle, shopping, hospitality, culinary and entertainment experiences under one roof. Not only does it offer something that everyone can look forward to; it is also situated by the canals of the city centre – a fantastic location which is bustling with activity and energy in the evening. Other shopping and business districts such as Grand Central, New Street, High Street, Corporation Street and Brindleyplace are all close-by, less than a ten-minute walk away, so you can really make a day out of it.

The entire experience is made even more seamless by The Mailbox application for mobile phones, which enables users to gain access to exclusive discounts, restaurant reservations and pre-orders. Better yet, the more that you engage with the application, the more personalised your experience at The Mailbox becomes. What more does a girl need?

One of my favourite stores at The Mailbox is undoubtedly Harvey Nichols, which feels like a destination within a destination. In true Harvey Nichols style, the store at The Mailbox offers a luxury shopping experience that is difficult to replicate. Not only does it showcase some of the best brands in fashion, beauty, food and wine (some of which are exclusive to this particular store); it also amps up the retail experience with thoughtful touches across the space, such as the beauty rooms where one can take a break and indulge in a relaxing treatment, and the expert Style Concierge team who can help you find and style some of the season’s hottest trends in fashion and beauty.

If you’re a foodie, you should definitely make time to explore the wonders that you can find at the Harvey Nichols Food Market, which houses a specially-selected collection of fine foods. Stock up on everything from delectable chocolates for the holiday season to healthy treats for January, and from difficult-to-find ingredients to wines from across the world. It is truly an adventure!

And when you get tired of the shopping and the munchies kick in, you can take a seat at the in-store restaurant and treat yourself to some delicious food from a menu that has been specially curated by the Michel-star chef Glynn Purnell. The first thing that stands out about the restaurant is the atmosphere – it feels premium yet homely and upscale yet approachable, with modern décor and a cosy feel that is difficult to achieve in such a high-end, stylish setting. And of course, the food is absolutely on point as well, featuring fresh ingredients (many of which are sourced locally) that give rise to exquisitely fresh flavours. Whether you want to stop by for an afternoon tea with some scones, or have a full-fledged meal with close friends or family, the restaurant is the cherry on top when it comes to the Harvey Nichols at The Mailbox experience – you don’t want to miss out on this!

Pirlo’s Desert Lounge, Birmingham Review

We all love sweet endings and even more when we can smile and go ummm…Well this is not just the case for movies but also desserts. Whether it is a slice of cake or a big ice cream sundae.

Let’s face it, we all have our weak moments when it comes to those sweet somethings. And Pirlo’s Dessert bar is such a place where you can completely lose it. Their 1st Birthday celebration was nothing short of yumminess. It was a day filled with yummy sundaes, waffles, pancakes, cakes and everything under the ‘dessert sun’

The place welcomes you with a warm aroma of freshly baked waffles, which are a must try. If you are Nutella or chocolate freak, then go for the Royal Rocher waffle which is topped with hazelnuts and a generous scoop of Ferrero Rocher gelato.

Next up is our super huge Ice cream sundaes. Choose from a traditional Nutella sundaes or some lovely tropical fruity sundae topped with fresh fruits and vanilla ice cream scoops. Fondue is a lovely lift me up, packed with mushy marshmallows or fruits dipped in warm chocolate sauces. If you are looking for some Italian love, pick from their long list of funky gelato flavours like bubblegum, biscotti, Honeycomb etc. We bet you would be spoilt for choice.

All this dessert making you feel thirsty? Fret not because they also have a wide selection of afternoon teas or cool mocktails to wash down that sweetness. You can team them up with some tangy lemon curd cake, blueberry cheesecake, traditional English fruit scones or even savoury sandwiches. Apart from the all-time favourites, they have a Pirlos special (drum roll please) which includes a fancy passion fruit crème Brulee and a mixed berry pavlova.

If you are looking for something healthier and have dietary restrictions, this is the best place because they have a separate vegan and gluten free menu too! Your favourite brownies, cakes and even waffles can now be enjoyed guilt free by your friends and family alike because they take large party orders.

Wait there is more! If you cannot find something interesting on the menu, go ahead and create your own customised crepe, waffle, cake or a sundae. Now that is what we call personalization and customization at it’s best. Pirlos is truly a Dessert factory dishing out some amazing desserts and most importantly they do it with a smile.

Resorts World Birmingham – A perfect destination for a day out or date night

Recently I was invited by the Resorts World in Birmingham, one of the perfect leisure destinations in town to experience a spread of their bars, restaurants, spa services, cinema, hotel and fashion labels like H&M, GAP, Next, Nike and so on.

Located near the Birmingham Airport and NEC (National Exhibition Center), Resorts World is a great place when to visit if you are in town for an exhibition or business meeting or don’t want to drive into the hustle bustle of Birmingham for a fun time. It is also a perfect destination for a day out with family, friends or a date night since the mall has so many food, shopping and fun activities.

The mall has a host of options from shops such as Phase Eight, Windsor London, Northface and many more, to eating outlets like Costa Coffee, Nandos, Pizza Express, Andy Waters, Sky Bar, Robata Bar & Grill, Las Iguanas and more.

The Genting Hotel is a good option to spend the night if you have to take a flight next day. They even have a children’s play area so it’s a great place to be with your kids too. But the best part about the property is that it is a lakeside property, it is located next to the Pendigo Lake which gives adds a very serene and calm look.

I started my day with a cup of hot coffee at Costa Coffe and then went on to have a relaxing time at the Santai Spa in the Genting Hotel. I was totally pampered with their services like head massage, facial, and facilities like heated pool, hot bed and outdoor hot tub overlooking the lake.

After my de-stressing spa experience I went with my husband for a date to Robata Bar and Grill for High Tea. Robata is a luxurious fusion restaurant which serves Pan-Asian Delicacies. I had an evening filled with delicious beverages and mouth-water dishes. Then we ended the day with a movie at Cineworld.

Since there is so much to do there you can begin your day with a relaxing spa, have high tea in Robata Bar and Grill and end your day by trying your luck at the Genting Casino. If you don’t want to spend the entire day at Resorts World, then you can also visit with your friends for some retail therapy and a brunch since they have a lot of yummy food options to choose from.

It’s also a great place to visit with your family. You can have lunch at one of the eateries, take your kids to Hamley’s or the play area, watch a movie at Cineworld and end the day.  Apart from this they also have offers and themes running around the year so it’s a good location to go and visit again and again.

Have you ever been to Resorts World? Let me know your experience in the comments below.

My Relaxing Day at Santai Spa, Genting Hotel, Resorts World Birmingham Review

The last couple of months have been quiet busy for me with a lot of never ending work. So when I went to the Resort World, Birmingham, I decided to pamper myself with a spa day. I had been longing to go for a spa to get relaxing beauty treatment for ages and hence the visit to Santai Spa at the Genting Hotel in Resorts World.Santai Spa is a luxury spa equipped with state of the art facilities to relax and rejuvenate your mind and soul. Apart from the traditional spa facilities like body massage, skin rejuvenation, hair removal, facial and more, they have their own ionized salt cave which can be accessed through the outdoor hot tub overlooking the Pendigo Lake. The other facilities at the spa also include a 15-metre pool, sauna, gym and an experience shower.

The interiors are serene with a lot of natural light coming in. They have tiled beds near the outdoor hot tub where you can enjoy the view of the lake. The spa has a very calming and soothing ambience. I had booked for a facial treatment and head massage. It was a complimentary service which I was offered by the hotel.At the reception, I was greeted warmly by the staff and offered a welcome drink with locker facility. Post the formalities I was taken to the changing room which was equipped with everything, from towels to shower gels. The changing room had it all. Brownie points for the place to be super clean. I really enjoyed the treatment.

But the best part is yet come, and that was the heated loungers, pool and the sauna. I thoroughly enjoyed this me time that I got. It was a much-needed break from the daily routine.

Santai Spa has a lot of packages to choose from, like, the taster package (£75), the de-stress package (£150), Tea and Time for Me package (£125) and so on. They even have group packages (£80pp) which is great if you are looking to de-stress and catch up on some gossip with your girl friends.

The Genting Hotel is situated in the outskirts of Birmingham, but the spa experience made me feel like I was away from the hustle-bustle of the city life and had come for a vacation somewhere far away. It was like I was in an entirely different place the moment I stepped into their facility. The staff was super attentive, polite and didn’t disturb you at all.

I am also planning to back again after the New Years eve to have a relaxing day at the spa before heading back to work with full energy in 2017. For me personally, the place is an oasis of calm in the first city life of Birmingham where you have a lovely Staycation without having to worry about airfare and mounting travel costs.

If you are someone who has a very busy schedule and wants to unwind then this is the place to be if for some reason you can’t go on a vacation.

Robata Bar & Grill – Resorts Worlds- High Tea Experience

Recently I indulged in the High Tea Experience at Robata Bar and Grill at Resorts World, Birmingham. It is a fusion Asian themed restaurant with a breathtaking view of the Pendigo Lake. With high ceilings and full-length glass windows with a lake view, the minimalistic décor is cozy and elegant with a serene and calm ambience which goes well with the cuisine and experience they have tried to create. What’s different about this place is the great fusion menu of European, Australian and Pan-Asian delicacies which compliments the unique and delicate beverage options. I went for the high tea experience with my husband as a date. The food, the atmosphere, and the ambience made it a memorable experience which I wanted to share with you all.robata-bar-1The high tea comes at the cost of £19.50 for the non-alcoholic option and £24.50 with cocktails per person. They also have champagne and other options available. The menu is extensive and has a right balance of sweet and savory bites with a Pan Asian twist to the delicacies.

FIRST WAVE – Served with Ginger and Lemon Iced Tea

• Robata Grilled Chicken Yakatori Tender pieces of chicken thigh in a fragrant soy marinade
• Prawn and Tofu Ball Minced king prawn and tofu with chilli and ginger in a panko bread crumb coating
• Duck Long Bao Shredded Cantonese duck leg with hoisin wrapped in a soft steamed bun

robata-bar-4 SECOND WAVE – Served with your choice of Nespresso coffee or Newby of London tea

• Avocado Maki Roll Traditional soft rice wrapped in nori and filled with avocado and wasabi
• Squid Ink Tapioca Cracker with Beetroot Cured Salmon and Grapefruit Crisp tapioca cracker with beetroot cured salmon and grapefruit gel
• Yuzu and Lime Curd Tartlet Graham cracker tart filled with sweet yuzu lemon and lime curd
• Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice A rich hazelnut and chocolate layered mousse cake glazed with fine chocolate
• Spiced Strawberry Trifle Layered trifle with compressed intense strawberries and spiced biscuit crumb
• Orange Scone with Orange Curd Orange blossom scone with orange curd

I am a vegetarian so the first wave options which are offered for the high-tea could not be consumed by me. But when I told them about this, the staff brought out a special alternative first wave options for me and they were heavenly. They also do make special alternatives for people who may be allergic to certain types of food items. So don’t be disappointed if you can’t have a few options on the menu.robata-bar-2

We enjoyed the high tea experience at this venue. Out of the tantalizing spread of delicious food and beverages, I really enjoyed the ginger and lemon ice tea. It was divine, refreshing and flavorsome. I also loved their dimsums and cocktails. From the second wave of sugary treats I enjoyed the Hazelnut and Chocolate Delice and Yuzu and Lemon Curd Tarlet. They were rich, succulent and, unlike any other dessert I’ve ever had. Since the second wave of the course is filled with sugary goodness, the Nespresso coffee, and the Newby tea are perfect accompaniments. The coffee is a bit strong and bitter which balances out the sweetness from the desserts. The tea is light, refreshing and flavorful since it has loose tea leafs which is just wonderful. And the best part about the whole experience is the fresh, handcrafted food.robata-bar-birmingham-1

Overall it was an evening well spent. I loved the atmosphere and the attentiveness of the staff. I also liked that fact that this is not like a standard English high tea experience with sandwiches and pastries in the menu. What makes this experience unique is the fusion of Asian food into the high tea. Even if you are not a tea person, there are numerous other options you can choose from.robata-bar-3I highly recommend the high tea at Robata Bar & Grill. It’s a must try experience even if you have tried high tea before, as it’s very different from the others.

Have you ever had a unique high tea experience? Let me know in the comments below.

Divine Fragrances by Farringdon & Forbes

I have a question for you all. What’s your favourite way to unwind on a weekend? I’ll tell you mine – enjoying a home-spa session aided by Farrington and Forbes products!

“Home-spa session” may have you mystified. Yes, it’s something I do from time to time – turn my own bed and bath into a spalicious Heaven and rejuvenate my senses. And Farrington and Forbes has been my partner in crime for this. It is a UK based initiative that has been gaining much popularity in the recent past. They produce handmade-candles and diffusers using locally sourced ingredients and the finest crafting techniques. I am in love with their vanilla scented candles which smell heavenly and make me feel like royalty.
Farringdon-Forbes-2The company vision is to offer luxury at affordable prices. Environmental consciousness and support to local businesses come next in the list of their prerogatives. From personal usage to gifting to big events such weddings, corporate dos and more, Farrington and Forbes offers fragrances for everything. Even though the brand is just 8 months old, they have been quite successful in creating a sizable customer-base. This is primarily because once you have been exposed to their exquisite products, you just cannot settle for something lesser!
Farringdon-ForbesThough there are dozens of reasons to love Farrington and Forbes fragrance collections, I’m a loyal customer now for 3 reasons. One, the quality of their products is significantly superior. They use only 100% soy wax and hand-pouring techniques to create their marvellous candles. Their fragrances are made with combinations of organic essential oils to create authentic, rich fragrances. The second reason is that Farrington and Forbes sources all its ingredients from local producers to ensure freshness and quality, as well as give the smaller businesses a small boost. Finally, their offer of 10% discount to customers who bring back the empty glass bottles from previous purchases is also great. Can you imagine an easier way of contributing to recycling initiatives? I think not!

Given the pace at which Farrington and Forbes is growing, I wouldn’t be surprised if it becomes an industry leader in years to come. They have already launched flower walls for wedding decoration and their products are being stocked in several spas, hotels and restaurants too! They were also acknowledged at the White Party and Safety in Beauty Awards held in Connaught Hotel, London. You can stop by their shop located in Resort World Birmingham and enjoy their products too. I promise you will not regret your visit!

Here is pic from their blogger night last month