I don’t really think The Indian Streatery needs any introduction, in such a central location and with the recent publicity of a royal visit, this restaurant is well established in the heart of the city, other than to remind readers that it’s still.. an all female run kitchen.. Bravo!
So, an invite to write an updated review was snapped up and I made my way into town.
Upon entry, I noted Club Sandwich by Møme playing along side other cool chilled electronic grooves, some with an Indian vibe like Tere Bina Khanvict Remix. The music policy in The Indian Streatery has always been bang on point.
It was busy for a week day lunch time. A real mix of people, once again representing how diverse and wonderful Birmingham remains, from business meetings, to friends doing lunch, to solo diners soaking up the atmosphere.
I was so hungry as I had missed breakfast and decided to save myself for some Indian Streatery soul food.
.. I could have ordered the rice as a meal in itself..
For starters I went for Pani Puri, the most popular quick snack in India, consisting of light semolina balls with a dash of chickpeas topped off with yoghurt and tamarind chutney and the most important part – the spiced water (mango, lime & masala).
Let’s just savour this one for a moment. Whilst the menu advises you to ‘down in one!.. I went for two bites per ball. Each Pani offered an incredible exotic explosion of flavours mid-day raving on my palate. A spicy subtle mix of flavours which lasted, it really is something totally unique, taking your taste-buds on an acid trip!
And, onto the Bhel Puri Chaat. Mumbai’s favourite snack, a combination of sweet, chilli, lemon, fresh salad and spicy chutneys with a crunchy bite served on a whole papadum. This was served cold and had a delicious popadum, that could be tasted through the filling!
A member of staff recommended the Pakora Fried Chicken Wings. These looked a treat, succulent chicken wings coated in Indian Streatery pakora batter, served with house chutneys. The batter was so crunchy, like a crisp onion bhaji with soft fresh tasting chicken beneath, not too spicy, not foo greasy.. but there is, no gracious way to eat chicken wings, ha!
My final choice from the menu, was a half and half, Homestyle Curry Lunch Special, packed into a pot, consisting of Chicken Curry, Tandoori grilled chicken pieces in a rich velvety tomato sauce tempered with butter & spices.. plus, Mixed Vegetable with seasonal veg – cauliflower, spinach, potato, peas, blended with herbs & home roasted spices, served with tumeric cumin rice, fresh ginger, coriander & mint yogurt.
The tender chicken had a light spicy kick to it, and the rice was so aromatic and well seasoned, with such subtle moreish flavours (I could have ordered the rice as a meal in itself). The potato, peas, onion, rice carried the flavours perfectly, subtlety is the key with The Indian Streatery.
The location, atmosphere, friendly informative service, matched with the chef’s attention to detail, and deliverance of delicate subtle spiced flavours is a winner every time for me and a pleasure I will repeat again, and again, and again! Oh.. and whoever chose the stylish wallpaper in the toilets, 10/10. Funnily enough that exact same wallpaper adorns a wall in a mate’s lounge. That extra special touch.
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.