Popadoms
Bengal Village

Bengal Village

75 Brick Lane London, E1 6QL, United Kingdom

Beer • Indian • Chicken • Pakistani


"Decide to go for some Indian food and wanted to explore the scene around Brick Lane. The word was that this restaurant was one of the better ones, so we decided to give it a try. Because we would be checking out the nightlife, we booked our reservation for after eight. As we walk to it, we passed many places that were empty or half full and expected that would be true of Bengal Village. To our pleasant surprise this was not the case. The place was filled with dinners bringing a nice energy to the room. We began and were greeted with Popadoms and chutneys. Next came Samosas, meat and vegetable, the meat ones had nice heat to them that did not over power, while the vegetable ones had little heat and were more perfumed. All and all a nice contrast between the two. For our mains, we ordered the Chicken Tikka Cham Cham and the Lamb Achari. The chicken had a nice sweetness to it, with just enough heat, in short, it was balanced. The flavours of the Lamb Achari, were more pronounced. The had more heat to it and a note of cardamom. The seasoning of the dish offset the lambs meatiness without taking away the flavour of it. The meats of the Cham Cham and the Achari were both cooked to perfect tenderness. The dishes were accompanied with a side of rice and nan bread. Our waiter was pleased when we balked at the offering of a garlic bread, opting for the traditional nan instead. Throughout the night we found the waiters to attentive and helpful, if not a bit rushed. Then again, when left the room was just as crowded, with tables in demand. Clearly the Bengal Village has earned a well deserved reputation for its food. Dinner for two, before drinks and tip: £36.60"

JoJolapa Nepalese Bar & Kitchen

JoJolapa Nepalese Bar & Kitchen

55-59 Newhall Street, Birmingham, B33RB, United Kingdom

Kebab • Sushi • Asian • Himalayan


"Jojolapa is the first Nepalese restaurant in Birmingham, located on Newhall Street. In a city well known for the cuisine of Nepal’s much more famous South Asian neighbour, the restaurant has held its own with discerning diners, so it was high time we tried it ourselves. Atmosphere There’s a buzzy vibrance to the place which contrasts fabulously with the moody low lit interior, dark wood furnishings and carvings. We saw relaxed diners enjoying drinks at the bar as they waited to be seated. Jojolapa has the ‘perfect night out’ atmosphere nailed. food Steamed momo chicken dumplings with mint and coriander sauce and Nepalese tomato sauce, chatamari (Nepalese pancake stuffed with vegetables and fried egg) and momo soup (chicken dimsum broth with noodles) were moreish starters. I was disappointed that the East Asian flavour to our meal pretty much ended there. There were very few main choices that I hadn’t eaten in an Indian restaurant. I opted for one of the noted Nepalese dishes special fish curry with nepalese spices. My guest plumped for the old faithful lamb rogan josh. Both were nice enough but I yearned for more of the starters. The kulfi ice cream was a delicious end to the meal. drinks There is a very respectable wine menu but Jojolapa is the natural home for cocktail lovers. The yummy jojolapa cocktail – black vodka, midori and cranberry juice marked the start of the evening in style and Jojolapa’s twist on the mango lassi served with vodka and orange liquer was gorgeous. overall There are plenty of Indian restaurants in Birmingham that boast similar dishes. But many of these restaurants can only dream of achieving Jojolapa’s cosmopolitan and sexy vibe seductively teamed with a friendly and super efficient service."