Having played a prominent role in the evolution of curry in the United Kingdom, as well as being dubbed ‘the Birthplace of the Balti’, Birmingham’s Indian restaurant scene is a curry-lover’s dream. From spicy curries at fine dining establishments in the city centre to aromatic flavours at a traditional restaurant in Edgbaston, there really isn’t a better place to get your fix of Indian cuisine.
Drawing on inspiration from various regions across the country, diners can enjoy a true taste of India on their doorstep. From North Bengal to Goa, chefs have amassed hours-upon-hours of experience to offer top-notch dishes. Whether it’s for a first date, a family gathering or an evening out with friends, take a look at some of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham.
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The best Indian restaurants in Birmingham – read on for a guide
For one of the best Indian restaurants in the city centre – head to Asha’s Birmingham in Birmingham
Asha’s Birmingham offers a culinary journey across India, which tone is set by head chef Sunil Kumar, one of the top ten finalists in the Indian Chef of the Year Award. With a host of prestigious prizes to its name, as well as being MICHELIN Guide listed from 2008 to 2018, this neighbourhood gem is a must-visit in Birmingham.
Highlights from the menu include the tandoori chicken tikka cooked in a chunky tomato and onion sauce. Vegetarians will love the must-try paneer makhni, an Indian cheese cooked in a fenugreek-flavoured tomato and cream sauce. Add to that a collection of rice dishes, such as pilau, steamed and garlic, and you’ve got the ingredients for a great meal out. The dessert menu is the ideal way to finish off your evening, with the chocolate fudge cake, a speciality of the restaurant.
As for early birds, Asha’s new breakfast menu features classics with an Indian twist. Amongst toasts, omelettes, filled croissants and granola bowls, don’t miss the signature shashuka dish, featuring baked eggs in chickpeas, mushrooms and tomato sauce.
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For an award-winning Indian meal – book at Opheem in Birmingham
Combining both traditional and modern cooking techniques, Opheem is hands down one of Birmingham’s best Indian restaurants. Offering a seasonal menu that’s updated throughout the year, diners can enjoy the finest fresh produce on the market in their dishes, with a menu designed by MICHELIN-starred Indian fine dining chef Aktar Islam. Whether it’s a classic Indian dish you’re after, or a more modern take on this British favourite, Opheem more than lives up to its name as one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham.
Choose between a five or 10-course tasting menu, which draws its influences from a variety of regions across India, or find your favourite dish on the à la carte menu, which keeps things simple yet sophisticated. Starters such as the soft shell crab plate, a Great British Menu winner, and the Achaari pink fir potato and tamarind are a sure-fire way to begin any meal in style. Other highlights include an Indo-Persian dish of Dopiaza, a roasted mutton served with leeks, blackened onion and bhuna sauce. For a fine dining experience you’ll never forget, Opheem ticks all the boxes.
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For a romantic meal in a stunning setting – check out Itihaas in Birmingham
For a romantic meal or catching up with friends and family, Itihaas is without doubt one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham. The striking decor is one of the first things you’ll notice here, with contemporary and traditional touches honouring the Colonial and Maharaja eras across two dining rooms. With original paintings, carved stone elephants and slate-finished walls, diners are instantly transported back in time and across continents.
The cuisine on the menu is just as impressive, with a variety of regional influences for each course. The mains are split into different categories to keep things simple, with lamb, poultry, seafood and vegetarian options available. One of our favourite dishes is the creamy and spicy prawn curry. Using fresh water prawns cooked in a coconut sauce and creamed mustard paste, it’s a true taste sensation. Alternatively, the lamb masala champay is a great option for meat-lovers. Made with juicy lamb chops barbecued in a clay oven and drizzled with tantalising paprika and lemon chutney, this is a dish you won’t want to miss.
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For world-famous naans and craft beer – head over to Indian Brewery Snowhill in Birmingham
If it’s budget-friendly Indian fare you’re after, then Indian Brewery Snowhill is the spot for you. The restaurant’s world-famous naans are worth the visit alone. The sweet chilli Bang naan, a sliced chicken tikka on salad with sticky sweet chilli sauce and green chillies, is a must. Feast on flavoursome curries such the tender potato, cauliflower, spices, and onions Aloo Gobhi, a favourite amongst both veggie and non-vegetarian diners.
As the name suggests, Indian Brewery Snowhill is also one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham for drinks. Choose from a variety of craft beers, brewed in small batches in the heart of the city. Wash your meal off with a Bombay Honey, a golden pale ale with natural honey, or an Indian Summer ale, which combines citrus and floral notes. Boasting a comprehensive cocktail menu, with well-known classics such as long island iced tea and piña colada, it’s the perfect spot to while the night away.
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For tapas-style sharing dishes – visit Indian Cafe Racer in Birmingham
Indian Cafe Racer’s menu focuses on Indian street food and small tapas-style dishes. It’s a great spot for socialising and provides the perfect backdrop to large gatherings or first dates. It’s also a perfect option for a budget-friendly meal in Birmingham’s city centre.
Start your meal with a a spicy chickpea salad with tomato, onions, green chilli and pomegranate, then pick from a range of enticing tapas dishes, like the battered prawn tempura served with a sweet chilli sauce, or the crab dumplings mixed with potato and lime. Don’t miss the Indo-Chinese classic of crispy golden fried cauliflower with sweet and sour sauce. Diners can also go down a more traditional route if they prefer, with mains such as lamb and daals.
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For the best budget-friendly Indian restaurant in Birmingham – don’t miss The Ark in Birmingham
If you’re on the hunt for affordable Indian cuisine in the centre of Birmingham, then look no further – The Ark Birmingham is one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham for budget bites. Serving up traditional Indian cuisine with an urban twist, The Ark Birmingham doubles up as a buzzy cocktail bar and nightclub, ideal for a fun night out with friends.
Begin the evening with a selection of crispy pastries with mashed masala potatoes and tangy chutneys. Popular mains include chicken tikka masala, a classic dish made of braised succulent chicken piece, cooked in an onion and tomato sauce. Chef specials don’t come much better than the lamb curry, boneless lamb chunks cooked in the chef’s secret sauce.
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For a local multi-awarded hotspot – take a visit to Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining in Edgbaston
Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining is an award-winning restaurant with accolades under its belt including The Best of Birmingham at the Nation’s Curry Awards, Pushkar Cocktail Bar & Dining. This popular hotspot offers a memorable dining experience from start to finish, where diners can enjoy fine dining fare before relaxing in the cocktail lounge for an expertly mixed drink or a glass of champagne.
Highlights from the menu include the classic, but unmissable, chargrilled butter chicken simmered in a plum tomato sauce. Executive chef Vinod Singh has previously been a finalist at The Asian & Oriental Chef Awards, and it shows in dishes like the must-try slow-cooked shank of lamb with freshly ground herbs, spices, and chillies.
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For one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham for vindaloo – look no further than Restaurant Barajee in Birmingham
Restaurant Barajee brings a stylish dining destination to the heart of the city’s vibrant Broad Street. With an elegant and intimate dining room that conveys a cosy atmosphere, the chefs will create, spice and cook your meal just how you like it, so don’t be afraid to jazz your order up a bit.
Seeing as Birmingham is the ‘Birthplace of the Balti’, it’s no surprise that the balti is one of the most popular dishes on the menu. A medium-spiced curry served in a balti sauce, you can choose whether you want meat, fish or vegetables to accompany it. Spice lovers will also be able to put their tolerance to the test with some fiery classics at Restaurant Barajee. The vindaloo, which is a very hot curry with chillies served in a tomato sauce, is one of the spiciest dishes on the menu. With a range of renowned favourites from India and Bangladesh, Restaurant Barajee is definitely a must-visit for Indian staples.
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For a curry feast – try Raja Monkey in Birmingham
Serving up a feast of classic curries from all across India, diners will be able to put their taste buds to the test with a variety of flavours at Raja Monkey. The simple menu is designed to assist diners with their order, helping break their meal down to starters, mains and sides.
Start your meal with the samosas filled with potatoes, green peas, coconut, and tamarind sauce. For the main meal, try one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, such as the Rajasthani laal mans and Kashmiri chillies combined with slow-cooked oxtail. For a more classic curry, the house chicken korma served with creamy coconut sauce with seasoning, has long been a favourite amongst diners.
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Indian food is a cuisine that is loved by the masses, with there being something to suit every taste. Our list of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham offers you everything from budget bites to fine dining. Whether it’s spicy or mild, meat or vegetarian, Birmingham’s thriving Indian food scene has got you covered.
