Myself and a friend were recently invited to review The Indian Streatery on Bennett’s Hill in Birmingham city centre.
It was a busy Wednesday evening. We were greeted at the Indian streatery with a solid warm welcome and seated pretty sharpish. I instantly loved the vibe in there, it oozed of cooliality and was so vibrant!
Of course cocktails were first on my hit list, Indian Streatery provided a great selection of cocktails, concoctions I have not heard of and can almost guarantee I won’t see anywhere else. I went for the The indecisive (Ophir gin, tonic, strawberries, cardamom pods) whilst my companion opted for the The angry Indian (fentimans ginger beer, Blackwells rum, lime) – I was in there like swimwear!
The indecisive looked the part, it looked amazing in fact, very pretty, with fresh strawberries. The paper straws were a nice touch. The angry Indian packed a bit more punch, I’d recommend that one if you’re set to try out this gaff.
To ensure we had the feel for as many things as possible we ordered a mini buffet between us. It all arrived promptly, on time and at the same time. Although our ”mini” buffet wasn’t so mini after they’d finished bringing it from the kitchen, felt like Hansel and Gretal (not complaining.)
The table looked spectacular with all the colours, rarely do I get this excited for indian food
Delivered to our table, we gazed upon, fresh Spinach & Lamb Curry, Chicken Chaat & Deconstructed Samosa Chaat (Digbeth dining club favourites), Palak Paneer chickpea dish with what reminded me of Bombay mix on top. To accompany we had Masala fries & a Trio of coloured roti-unique to the Indian Streatery; Green roti (spinach), Yellow roti (tumeric), Red roti (beetroot).
The table looked spectacular with all the colours, rarely do I get this excited for indian food, I mean I love a good curry but you always know what you’re getting (Lamb, pineapple & spinach madras if anyone cares) … The stars of the show for me were the Chicken Chaat and Spinach & Lamb Curry, the Chicken Chaat was like something I’d never had before, all the different textures, colours and tastes worked so well together.
I despise onions, (I know, ridiculous) but on this occasion the onions never bothered me at all, it was tremendous. The Lamb curry was full of flavour, a little lighter in texture than you’re traditional curry and I think I would now prefer this one given the option.
I feel as though Indian Streatry are achieving something no other establishment is on the food scene scene at the moment. I remember sitting there thinking ‘I would love to book this whole place out for a party.’ It really gives that vibrant, happy, awakening feel by everything it has to offer, hospitality, food, drinks and decor. I’ll be heading back there very soon if anyone would like to join me…
Review by Louise Woodley for Grapevine Birmingham