"Birmingham is known as one of the two capitals of Indian cuisine in England, alongside Bradford, and is famous for its Balti dishes, with countless Balti houses throughout the city. Amidst this wealth of delicious and affordable Indian food, Pushkar stands out as a more upscale and pricier option that has still managed to build a loyal following. What sets Pushkar apart is its elegant atmosphere, the exceptional quality of its ingredients, and its inventive dessert menu.
My first visit to Pushkar happened by chance while I was staying near Brindley Place. Passing by, I decided to take a look at the menu and was intrigued by the duck masala. It surpassed my expectations—the rich tomato-based curry was bursting with flavors of garlic, ginger, black pepper, and red chilies. It was perfectly complemented by basmati rice and a side of raita.
Since then, I’ve returned several times and enjoyed every dish I’ve tried. The murgh korma is a standout, offering a luxurious, creamy, and nutty curry that’s ideal if you prefer milder spice. The creative desserts are a particular highlight for me. The gajar ka halwa tart served with pistachio ice cream is my favorite. While the garam masala brûlée didn’t differ much from a classic crème brûlée, with just a subtle hint of cinnamon, it was still very enjoyable. Another unique treat is the chocomosa—a filo samosa filled with chocolate and roasted almonds, accompanied by cappuccino ice cream. I’m left wondering why no one else has thought to create a chocolate samosa before, and how I had never tried one until now.
If you find yourself in Birmingham, a visit to Pushkar is a must. The restaurant truly lives up to its accolades, including the 2015 British Curry Award, the 2015 Best of Broad Street Award, and the 2015 English Curry Award."
