It’s been a while since I had the pleasure of dining at The Indian Streatery on Bennetts Hill, time flies and a long overdue catch up with Indian Streatery star Dhi, was the perfect opportunity to remind myself of how much I love this little Indian gem.
Town was quiet for a Wednesday, all the restaurants nearby looked empty, with the exception of Bone Head near Grand Central (another little city centre fave), but not Dhi’s gaff! it was already busy when I walked through the door, with a table of eight arriving just after me – all seats were taken!
Whilst catching up with Dhi, I was reminded of how colourful and cosy this restaurant is, beautiful Indian inspired art adorning the walls and ceiling, two little snugs and a street cart for a bar, what is not to love? Dhi pointed out regulars and locals do keep things steady, it’s a real family vibe in the heart of the city centre – something not easy to emulate with so many soulless chains in town these days.
Mango Pale Ales to Punjabi Heritage Dishes
I began with a Mango Pale Ale, a refreshingly sweet and delicious Brum Brew collaboration with Streatery, which reminded me of something I had in Barcelona in the Gothic Quarter years ago.
Something I always enjoy, and worth the mention here is, the lovely deep down tempo house they select, and the levels just right, which blend in with the friendly chatter of diners.
..a psychedelic papadum ball, with a shot of spiced mint water..
Dhi was working this night, helping out and that really is key to success. All these years later he’s still here, hands on, and when I think of other successful, restaurants in the city, this is a common theme, maintaining consistency and quality control. Establishments such as Streatery, The Plough, 1000 Trades, they all remained active through the pandemic going that extra mile, you will often see the owners milling around, helping staff.
With my tummy rumbling and the aromas of curry tantalising, my food began to arrive.
First up was Pani Puri, described as the most staple of Indian street food. These are small, hollow, crispy fried shells (puri) filled with a signature fresh mint and coriander chutney, made in house every day. I personally pour the tangy, spicy, mint water (pani) into the shells and the eat in one bite, which then explodes with a flourish of amazing flavors and textures. In short, it’s like a psychedelic papadum ball, with a shot of spiced mint water, delicate and delicious. Worth noting that Dishoom now only do this dish in their Birmingham branch, hmmmm…
And.. onto Chole Bhatura, a Punjabi heritage dish. Known in Indian as a hangover dish due to indulgent bread. Dhi explained It epitomises their cooking, and it certainly is a generous meal for under a tenner. The Chickpeas are marinated in sauces and spices overnight and then cooked and assembled for each order in true street food style!
..a melt in the mouth dish, creating a super rich taste.. big smiles, feel-good home-cooked food complimented with a bowl of Cumin Basmati Rice.
The bread is soft fluffy, and fried (a lush alternative to a naan), which is served with marinated curried chickpeas and complimentary condiments – home-made lime pickle, fresh mint chutney, tamarind, red onions & green chilli. Dipping the bread into the curry is a must!
My final selection was Spinach and Lamb Curry. This consists of fresh spinach and mint which is cooked with garlic, ginger and chillies, added to an overnight marinated diced boneless leg of lamb, slow cooked until tender. Dhi explained this has been on the menu since day one and is the first job the chefs do at 8am! Put the spinach and lamb on! It creates a melt in the mouth dish, creating a super rich taste.. big smiles, feel-good home-cooked food complimented with a bowl of Cumin Basmati Rice.
This food is so bloody good, that I always save a take-away portion to re-heat for lunch the following day, and oh my god does it taste soul-warming, re-heated in a pan, Chole Bhatura and Spinach Lamb Curry mixed together could be a whole new dish in itself!
Everything is just perfect at The Indian Streatery, and that is not just because these guys are clients and friends, it really is a wonderful experience with a uniquely cool menu, from ‘Cannon Hill Park Picnics’ to ‘Dad’s Lamb Keema’.. I recommend it wholeheartedly! Go now! Quick!
Words by Nick Byng for Grapevine Birmingham.