Category Archives: Street Food

Rola Wala arrives at Birmingham Selfridges.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, Indian restaurants, Indian street food, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie, Veggie foodie by

The arrival of any new Indian cafe/restaurant is a cause for celebration for me and countless other veggies and vegans as it means we’ll get fed well.

Birmingham – the city of the balti – is about to experience a flavour explosion when Rola Wala brings its authentic Indian street food – plus the spiciest chilli chutney – yet to the city this week.

A refreshing new take on Indian street food, Rola Wala (which means ‘man that rolls’ in Hindi) is opening in Selfridges Birmingham on February 19th where it will serve a range of fabulous flavour-packed dishes from the mildest dal to many other tempting veggie and vegan dishes.

Balti-loving Brummies will also rise to the challenge of Rola Wala’s eye-watering Scorpion sauce, made from the Scorpion chilli, which peaks at a tongue-stinging 1.4 million Scoville heat units on the Scoville scale.

If Birmingham’s hottest chutney is a step too far, enjoy Rola Wala’s freshly made dishes that feature layers of complex spicy and savoury, sweet and sour tastes.

Try spice bowls filled with sweet potato saagwala, and vegan-friendly red dal served with sourdough naan or nutrient-rich red rice from Sri Lanka.

Complement the main course with a range of sides, including  Kashmiri Cauliflower Popcorn Bombay Birdsnest Fries, Avo’ Chaat Salad, and the incredible ‘Red Channa Dal’ – a spice-fuelled twist on India’s favourite comfort food.

And for every meal bought, Rola Wala helps to feed a hungry child living in poverty, by donating a meal through charity One Feeds Two. Since the restaurant launched, it has provided 350,000 meals.

Rola Wala is the brainchild of Australian Mark Wright and was born on the streets of London via Mumbai and Kolkata. It launched in 2012 when he tested out his ideas at street food markets in London after a trip to India.

After regularly appearing at street food markets in the capital, Mark and his partners Mark Christophers and Danny Vilela set up their first restaurant in Leeds, with two more sites opening in Spitalfields and Oxford.

Mark said: “Three years ago we had a gazebo with a hole in the roof, and wet hair at a festival, now we’re opening our fourth bricks and mortar restaurant in the heart of the Bullring in Birmingham – the home of the balti, some of the best Indian food in the country…and the most passionate foodies!

“For our new restaurant, we’re keeping it ultra casual, just like we did on the streets – with an incredible range of dishes inspired by our time in India – sourdough naan rolls, flavour-packed spice bowls, and inspired sides made using all-British meat, spices from North India, onions from Mumbai, and limes from Kerala.”

Sam Watts, general manager of Selfridges Birmingham, said: “Street food is a huge trend in Birmingham and we’re excited to bring this concept to our food hall, where you can celebrate some of the best cuisine around – from a simple cup of coffee and a cupcake to ramen, katsu and American diner classics. Rola Wala provides our customers with yet another fantastic option for casual dining.”

To welcome new customers, Rola Wala is offering 50% off any meal until the end of February. To sign up for a money-off voucher, visit https://rolawala.com/selfridges/. Students also get 20% off their bill.

Though not fully veggie or vegan in anyway, Rola Wala is sure to prove popular with meat free diners in Birmingham looking for a quick and different food stop.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

https://rolawala.com/menu.pdf (example menu only that may differ in Birmingham)

With thanks to Clive Reeves PR for the information and photos.

Vegan Twisted Barrel Ale on the move and Summer Beer festival .

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Beer festivals, Coventry, Craft beer, Craftbeer, Festivals, Independent, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Vegan and Veggie friendly Twisted Barrel Ale are moving from their current premises in Coventry city centre FarGo Village. The new premises will be in nearby Far Gosford Street. Just a few doors down.

The new site is much larger with a brand new 24 keg bar. Producing roughly three times more beer than currently.

The entire bar and Brewery will be moved shortly and the Summer Beer Fest is the last opportunity in the current site to enjoy a fine list of beers.

Included are 16 keg lines and over 15 cask beers. Along with cans and bottles that can be taken home.

Gluten free beer is also available.

The Indian Lunchbox will be also offering their tantalising Vegan Indian

street food on the Saturday 26th August.

The Beer festival is running from the 25th until the 28th August from 12.00 until 20.00.

Find them at Unit 5 FarGo Village, Far Gosford Street, CV 1 5ED, Coventry.

Full beer list below:

If anyone’s trying to plan their weekend, this is the keg order for the weekend.

When each keg is gone they’ll move onto the next round for that tap. Expect most of round 1 to be gone tonight / early tomorrow afternoon.

What this list proves is there’s a tremendous amount of Vegan friendly beer locally and in the U.K, and that the move towards this is becoming more popular.

For full details of the Beer festival see the Facebook link below.

http://www.facebook.com/events/273820209730422

Thanks for reading,

Andy😊

Photos are not my own and from Twisted Barrel Ale and The Indian Lunchbox with thanks.

Apologies for the lists but the amount of Vegan friendly drinks available is testimony to a changing industry and I wanted to show how many choices are out there.

Please note the list of beers is correct at time of going to press and maybe subject to change. Thanks to the Brewery for the lists via face book.

AH

#TastyMorsels: Veggie and Vegan happenings.

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Kings Heath, Street Food, Tasty Morsels, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by

Beginning on the 20th August The Warehouse Cafe is introducing their Vegan Sunday Roast lunch menu. From 12-3pm every Sunday. With gluten free and kids options. The menu is below.

Get booking.

Vegetarian restaurant Bistro 1847 in the Great Western Arcade are offering 50% off in August. This offer is for up to 4 people on the A La Carte menu.

Offer available from Sunday until Friday. Only available when booked via the link and add August 50 in the comments.

http://uk.resdiary.com/go.aspx?id_message=19967&id_prov=5220&id_subscriber=110029387&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.resdiary.com%2FRestaurant%2F1847Birmingham

 

 

Vegan eatery Natural Healthy Foods have a curry, Jazz night on Sunday 27th August. This is a ticketed event. Tickets are £20. £2 of which will go to charity Animal Healing Trust and horse rescue. Jazz will be from the Mish Mash Quartet.

For menu see poster.

For tickets see below link:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/curry-jazz-night-natural-healthy-foods-eatery-tickets-36774336029

As mentioned in the last tasty morsels The Vegan Grindhouse have a residency at 1000 Trades in the Jewellery Quarter beginning on the 15th August until the 26th August. Every day apart from Sunday’s for your street food Americana.

See the menu Below:

http://1000trades.org.uk/aint-nothing-wrong-little-vegan-grind-2/

Mex It Up have a Kitchen takeover ‘Thai it up’ on Sunday 20th August at The Pie Shop in Stirchley. A set menu of delicious Thai Vegan food. From 17.30-21.00. The menu is £15.00 per person.

Starter : Mixed platter of crispy fried tofu, spring rolls and garlic n soy fried beansprouts with dipping sauces.

Main: Veg Green Curry served with rice noodles

Dessert: Sticky Coconut Rice with Mango Sorbet.

The first of a regular series of pop ups for Mex it up.

The Pie Shop is on the Pershore Road.

Digbeth Dining Club regulars The Indian Rasoi are opening up an eatery and cocktail bar in Birmingham city centre. Called The Indian Streatery it’s due to be open from Saturday 26th August.

Their Chaat is legendary and with a plethora of veggie and vegan options it looks set to be one of the best places for meat Free options in the city centre.

It’s to be based in the original Adams restaurant building just off New Street on Hill Street.

Look out for more details on this blog when I have them on menus and a review in due course.


On 26th August Fletchers Bar in Kings Heath have a tapas tasting day. Free samples a plenty from 1-5pm. Well worth discovering.

And, Nyam Nyam, the Caribbean vegetarian and vegan street food trader will be at the Kings Heath Street Food Market this Saturday, 19th August.

Veggie heaven indeed.

That’s all for now folks.

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

Restaurant Review: Zindiya, Moseley. 

Posted in Birmingham, Cafés and Restaurants, curry, Curry restaurants, Independent, Moseley, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie by


Close your eyes And you can well imagine a perfect restaurant. Service tick, ambience tick, food tick, atmosphere tick, drinks tick.

Then tuck into the written word of those in the know, or whom think they do and then you’d feel well what’s the point in visiting it sounds so perfect. 

Me included have waxed lyrical about this place (at the time without trying it, lesson learnt) and from my point of perspective well it’s based entirely on the perceived menu and it’s very veggie friendly leanings. 

The written word, the gospel according to Birmingham is not always entirely accurate. 

It’s not that Zindiya is poor it’s just on the night Ruth and I visited, shall I say underwhelming and disapointing.

The hype suggested get your chops round this, and you’ll be reborn, but then when those chops get chewing and ready to rock and roll we found a game of two halves Saint.  It’s a game of two halves. 

I wanted zip and zing but didn’t find it sadly. 

Specialising in Indian street food dishes the menu is full of Vegetarian options which should make it essential and full of taste explosion and colour. 


Now Imagine you are in India, smell the air, the food, the atmosphere. Now let’s get our hands dirty and snack our lips with the intoxication of flavours. 

Unfortunately we aren’t in India. 

The good bits: Well we had two more than decent Dishes. 

An excellent traditional fast food dish Papri (Papdi) Chaat, which melted in the mouth and was very comforting that warmed the palate and an indulgent Idli Sambar, tifin dish. Idli’s are a traditional breakfast dish a savoury cake (for dipping) which came with a flavoursome Sambar, a touch of hot lentil soup with some nice textures of vegetables running through it. A Very enjoyable dish. 

Plus we ate An ok Hara Bhara Kebab, which was different. A snack like a cutlet that had subtle veg flavours with slightly bland spicing that made it not very binge worthy sadly and a bit dry. The dip alongside was also underwhelming. 

We also ate the Chilli Paneer which was not to my taste, and left me stunned with disappointment to its bland sweetness, and didn’t lift the paneer to any heights.

The masala chips, we ate were sadly disappointing with very little flavour (apart from a resemblance to a McDonalds fry without the salt) and if they were homemade chips then I’ll be Greavsie to the aforementioned Saint and then a unremarkable desert of chocolate balls filled with strawberries, served with chilli ice cream. (Chocolate Gol Gappe). 

Ruth ordered an ok Alphonso Mango Sorbet. 

I also drank a nice Massala Chai. 

As an aside I would have liked some Poppadoms to nibble on with thecmenu and maybe some Pani Puri on the menu. 

Papri Chaat

Hara Bhara Kebab

Idli SambaarChilli paneer 


Maybe we just chose badly on the food front and we missed a jewel from a long menu, but it wasn’t just the food but the whole experience that felt underwhelming and a tad dull, forced and lacking energy which for a street food cafe which promises authenticity and a buzz was surprising. 

The atmosphere felt stilted, more restaurant than cafe, not at all lively and bustling like I imagined an Indian street food gaff to be.

It was a Saturday night so that’s unusual in Moseley, right? 

Staff are friendly and helpful to a degree,  a bit chatty but didn’t inform us about their so called amazing cocktails or beers that I keep reading about or about any beer, cocktail matching with the food. Shame! 

Small bites careering from good to not so. Some a bit dreary (masala chips) some unforgettable (chilli paneer) An evening of what ifs and why nots. 

It’s a most peculiar place. 

When the food’s good my it’s good but then at times the place feels confused, unsure of itself, and it’s concept. But then I suppose  we aren’t in the hot aired and noisy streets of India, but hipster Moseley with its drip fed trendiness and right on smiles and why not there’s a lot to smile about in this part of South Birmingham. Stand up Cheval Blanc, Kababish, Sabai Sabai and Carters. 

So it should be more authentic right? After all Moseley can cope with this can’t it? 

Pluses. There’s lots of veggie choice. Which is fantastic. More than anywhere I know outside a veggie restaurant. Which I guess makes it more disappointing to me. This alone should get me a season ticket and get me dancing Bollywood style. A sight to behold! 

I liked the decor, the outside is bright, cheery, but gives the impression you are entering a lively eatery which sadly wasn’t our experience. Inside touches of Bollywood, bright and airy. 

It’s quite large too which I think doesn’t help the street food vibe, unlike Raja Monkey or Indian Brewery maybe it didn’t feel cool and intimate. 

There are places in Birmingham that do this better with more panache, better cooking, more simplistic style. More authenticity and self confidence, more cafe than restaurant. 

More crafty.

Zindiya didn’t feel anything special and a muddle of ideas served in a muddled way. I feel sad writing this. It’s a shame. I so wanted to love this place. 

It undermined the decent dishes. 

There’s some work needed on pulling the whole thing together, making the experience more seamless, explaining the dishes, exploring the tastes of the diners more, (both food and drinks)  making the whole experience more authentic. Bringing the street element more into focus. 

It felt like a restaurant not street food cafe. 

And yes, please remember to promote your cocktails and craft beer to me. Aren’t they supposed to be special. To be shouted about. 

Or at least as good as the chaat.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Disclaimer: We paid for our food and drinks in full. All opinions are my own and an honest reflection of the experience we had on the evening. 

Zindiya, 21 Woodbridge Road, Birmingham, B13 8EJ. 

0121-439-0593.

http://www.zindiya.co.uk/

Veggie Foodie tip: 

Do try Cheval Blanc in Moseley for cocktails and wine before and after a meal. The food is also raved about with veggie options on the menu.

I’m up for a food visit soon.

Also Carters of Moseley is outstanding for a special night of vegetarian seasonal decadence. 

The Kababish for curry. Delightful veggie dishes in nice surroundings. Tarka Daal anyone? 

Visit Sabai Sabai for sumptuous Thai food. 

AH.

The Vegan Grindhouse present Kings Heath Vegan Market: Sunday 21st May. 

Posted in Birmingham, Events, Independent, Street Food, vegan, vegetarian, Veggie foodie, Veggie Foodie Street Food watch by

If you love street food and don’t eat meat  then this is music to those meat free bones. 

On Sunday 21st The Vegan Grindhouse presents a Kings Heath Vegan Market is a showcase of great food and entertainment washed down by delicious vegan friendly beer from Twisted Barrel Ales.

Drumroll: 

On offer will be Street Food from The Vegan Grindhouse, Bare bones Pizza, Pietanic, Mex it up and Michaels Caribbean. 

Plus cold food from Vork Pie, Vegetropolis and Rachel’s cake delights. 

***FULL LINE-UP***

Hot Food Traders:
The Vegan Grindhouse by Vegan Vox

Mex It Up

Bare Bones Pizza

Pietanic

Michael’s Caribbean Storehouse

Cold Food Traders:

Vork pie

Vegetropolis

Rachel’s Cake Delights – Vegan & No Gluten Containing Ingredients

The May Bakery

Butterbelle

Cakes & ish

Raw Organic Kay

Drinks:

Twisted Barrel Ale Brewery and Tap House

The Happy Gut Hut

Charity/Information/Outreach:

Grace’s Rest

Birmingham Vegans Group

Hillfields Animal Sanctuary

Cats Protection

Green Badger Crafts

Other:

Wikaniko

WEAR YOUR VOICE

Emma Eden Vintage Clothing

As a bonus it will include The Kitchen Garden Art Market showcasing work by local artists. Plus local bands curated by The Kitchen Garden. 

All proceeds go to Grace’s Rest an animal rescue and educational service. 

A fantastic feast of Vegan food which is I hope will be rewarded by some tempting outdoor warm weather. 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1864612977123613/

From 12-5 on Sunday 21st May Kings Heath is the place to be. 

For the full press release see below: 

BIRMINGHAM’S ALL-VEGAN STREET FOOD EVENT IN KINGS HEATH THIS SUNDAY                                 

 This Sunday, 21st May 2017, Birmingham serves up an all-vegan street food market at Kings Heath Village Square.

Kings Heath Vegan Market, the only 100% vegan street food event in the region, will feature dishes freshly cooked by leading street food chefs, showcasing entirely vegan menus from around the world.

Kings Heath BID and Kitchen Garden Cafe are collaborating with leading Midlands street food company, The Vegan Grindhouse to host the event on Sunday 21st May, from 12-5pm, Kings Heath Village Square, All Saints Centre, 2 Vicarage Road, Birmingham B14 7RA.

 The street food lineup includes The Vegan Grindhouse with vegan handmade burgers and jumbo hotdogs; Mex It Up; Bare Bones Pizza, plus Caribbean, pie & mash and raw vegan desserts.

As well as all the street food, local all-vegan brewery Twisted Barrel Ales are bringing the vegan beers, and there will be stall with organic fruit and vegetables from Vegetropolis, animal-friendly clothing and cosmetics, a fermented drinks bar from The Happy Gut Hut, and a range of vegan and gluten-free cakes and desserts.

The event is supporting Grace’s Rest, a not-for-profit organisation that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes animals in crisis.

 Lisa Burbidge-Brown, Co-Owner of The Vegan Grindhouse and prominent vegan blogger said,

“We are thrilled to be bringing back this popular event to Kings Heath. It’s a great way to showcase quality meat-free street food and raise money for a good cause at the same time, and now the event is all-vegan it’s even more exciting!”

“There’s some amazing vegan street food in Birmingham, from some of the most popular street food chefs. More people are looking to reduce or eliminate their meat intake due to health, environmental or ethical reasons and this is a great opportunity for people to try exciting new vegan food and see why going meat-free is a viable alternative diet and lifestyle.”

 “This year we have teamed up with Kings Heath BID and The Kitchen Garden Cafe – who will be bringing an arts market and live music to the event.”

 So get down to Kings Heath Village Square on Sunday 21st May for a day of plant-based family fun at Kings Heath Vegan Market.

For up to date information in the run up to the event and for the full street food lineups follow @vegangrindhouse on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

My blog Veggie Foodie has been shortlisted for a Midland Food, Drink and Hospitality award (Best Food and drinks blogger) You can vote for me via this link. Scroll down for blogger shortlist. 

http://www.mfdhawards.co.uk/vote-now/

There’s also an opportunity via the same link to vote for the best veggie/Vegan restaurant. 

Thank you. 😊


Monthly Kings Heath Street Food market returns on Saturday 8th April. 

Posted in Birmingham, Events, Independent, Kings Heath, Lunch, pizza, Street Food, Thai food by


The Kings Heath Street Food Market officially launches on April 8th, in Kings Heath Village Square and will have a host of beauties for Veggies and Vegan foodies. 

The Kings Heath Street Food market is officially sponsored by Birmingham Brewing Company. A brand new micro Brewery located in Stirchley, all beers are Vegan friendly. 

They will provide a fully stocked and licensed bar at the street food market. 

The Brewery recently launched their Pale Brummie and Bitter Brummie Ales both on offer on the day. 


Food will come from Veggie Foodie favourites Buddha Belly, with their delicious Vegan friendly Thai Yellow Curry and Jasmine Rice, plus Lightly spiced vegetable noodles, and Baked in Brick which serves pizza and flat breads from a converted mini. They were Named Best of the best at the recent British Street Food Awards. 

Dishes from Baked in Brick include: Veggie friendly Margherita pizza, cheesy garlic bread and goats cheese pizza, but no Vegan option it appears. 

Buddha Belly deservedly won the people’s choice award at the British Street Food awards. 

Vegan Thai curry by Buddha Belly 

See my review here: 

https://t.co/xFnVIjQKB9

Other traders on the day include: 

The Middle Feast, Street Chef and Hungry Penguin and Libertine. 

The Middle Feast will have a veggie burnt aubergine and halloumi kebab and Vegan friendly burnt aubergine kibbeh.

All served in a flat bread or gluten free wrap with fresh salad, hot harrisa, applewood smoked yogurt and honeyed nuts and seeds. 

Street chef will have veggie friendly Halloumi fries, handmade mushroom Cajan ketchup and chia seed salad and sweet potato and spinach quesadillas. 

But no vegan option. 

Libertine will have just salted and cheesy fries. The salted verb vegan friendly also. 

Hungry Penguin will have a selection of crepes with selected toppings. 

The Full Menu is: 
(v) – Vegetarian / (ve) – Vegan / (gf) – Gluten Free / (h) – Halal

Buddha Belly:

Marinated crispy Thai chicken with veg noodles – £7/ (£3.5 Taster) (h)

marinated in thai herbs, coated in a crispy batter and served with veg noodles and homemade sauces

 Southern Thai Chicken Curry with Jasmine rice – £6.5 (h)

Succulent chicken, toasted cumin and coriander seed, Jasmine Rice

Southern Thai Vegan Curry with Jasmine Rice – £6 (v) (ve)

#HellaVeg Thai yellow curry with Jasmine Rice

 Lightly Spiced Vegetable Noodles – £4 (v)


 Street Chef 

Chilli chicken quesadillas & black pepper nachos £6 (h)

Halloumi Fries , handmade mushroom cajan ketchup and chia seed salad £6 (v) (gf)

Sweet potato and spinach quesadillas £4.50 (v)

Baked in Brick:

Margherita Pizza (v)

Cheezy Garlic Bread (v)

Goats cheese Pizza (v)

Beef Shin Ragu Calzone

Chorizo Pizza

 Libertine:

Grass Fed Beef Burger – from £7

Buttermilk Chicken Burger – from £7

Salted Fries – £1.50 (v)(ve)

Cheese Fries – £2.50 (v)

Dirty Fries – £3.50

Children’s Burger – £5

 The Middle Feast:

Lebanese chicken kebab with lemon & saffron

Burnt aubergine & halloumi kebab (v)

Burnt aubergine kibbeh (v)(ve)

(All served in a flatbread or gluten free wrap with tons of fresh salad, HOT harissa, applewood smoked yoghurt & honeyed nuts & seeds)

Halloumi Fries (v)

 Hungry Penguin:

Freshly made crepes with a selection of toppings.

The food market replaces KingshEATh from Brum Yum Yum which had run for three years up to last summer. 

The market has now been taken over and run by the All Saints Community Development company who manage the village square. 

Looks a fabulous community event with excellent Vegetarian options. 

See you there. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

New Indian Streetfood restaurant Zindiya set to bring colour to Moseley. 

Posted in Afternoon Tea, Cafés and Restaurants, Cocktails, Curry restaurants, Food, Independent, Indian restaurants, Moseley, Real ale, Street Food by



There have been a lot of false dawns with restaurant openings recently. The hype doesn’t always result in a place been good for repeat visits. For Vegetarians disappointment when the menu is presented to you, a lack of choice, a lack of thought. I can safely predict that Zindiya doesn’t fall into that category looking at the menu which is on first glance predominantly veggie. 

Zindiya, a new Indian Street food eatery and cocktail  bar opened on the 7th February in Moseley, Birmingham in a building that has been empty for 10 years. Some of you may remember Lukers  the bakery. Others won’t, well it was 10 years ago! Remembering last week is hard enough. 

But, you’ll remember Zindiya. Well that’s the plan from owners Ajay and Shivani Kenth. Moseley born and bred, and back to rock the village with little plated curry stuff. Hurray! 

Derived from the Indian name for life and the name of the owners daughter ‘Diya’. Seating 90 people it’s decor is colourful bustling, Indian street food market. 

Across the road, is one of the best. Kababish a Moseley icon is different so don’t go to Zindiya expecting the same. This is Street Food, tapas like sharing plates and dosas, flatbreads and more sharing dishes than  a family picnic in the summer. 

It’s the Cocktails that are on the tips of people’s tongues though. Created by Rob Wood the man behind so many great cocktails in the city they borrow influences from all over India and can be paired with food, which I’m hoping to be convinced is ok. 

Purity Beers are providing the beers for those that prefer. Lawless lager and Longhorn IPA is the name of the game. Plus delectable bakes from Miss Macaroon and wines from city centre based Connolys. 

Also Birmingham Lager from Indian Brewery Co.

The food menu is reasonably priced and won’t set you back on your mortgage repayments and includes for Vegetarians: 

Chaat street food: £4

Pani puri, papri chaat, Bhel puri, Aloo tiki chaat, Pav Bhaji, samosa chaat, chilli Paneer, and Vada Pav ( potato pasty and bun with chutneys) 

Side Street: £3

Chilli cheese toast (Mumbai cheese and toast) okra fries, Mogo Chips, onion bhajis, Masala chips.

A La Carte: £6.50

Idli Sambaar ( steamed rice and lentil dumpling served with sambaar, a lentil based stew, with coconut chutney, 

Trio of Dosas, (Masala aloo, Paneer)

Grill Street: £7 cooked over charcoal. 

Paneer tika, 

Hara Bhara Kabab(served with yoghurt dip and salad.

Paranthe Wali Gali: Flatbread. 12-4 Saturday and Sunday only. 

Aloo Paratra: potatoes and onions.

Plain Paratra 

Gobi Paratra (cauliflower)

Metri ( fenugeek leaves) 

Deserts include Chocolate Gol Gappe and kulfi and Cin alla Kreer (rice pudding) 

With so many Vegetarian options Zindiya goes straight to the top of the must visit list (for vegans check beforehand). 

Also available will be An Afternoon tea which includes sandwiches, Pakoras, Cardamon scones and chai infused prosecco. 

For the best in good value eat-drink-share It’s sure to do well and bring a spot of Indian colour to Moseley. 

See you there. 

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

Zindiya is at 21 Woodbridge Road, Moseley, Birmingham. B13.

Closed Mondays. 

0121-439-0953 Or hello@zindiya.co.uk for bookings. 

http://m.imgur.com/a/nuOtV 

See the above link for full menu. 


All photos courtesy of Zindiya. 

New venue from Taste of Liquer and No’ 21 Milk Street. No21 Digbeth launch Friday 27th January. 

Posted in City Centre, Digbeth, Events, Independent, Street Food by



You can never have too much Street Food in my opinion so the news that another weekly Street Food event is hitting Birmingham is exciting news for those seeking a relaxed and informal Friday evening. 

The team behind Taste and Liquor and 21 Milk Street is launching a new venue called No21 Digbeth. The venue is located on Milk Street and is described as “a new hub for global street food, cultural festivals and diverse community events.”

Launching on 27th January the opening launch will showcase a weekly Indoor Street Food hub across Winter and Spring made up a range of international flavours paired with contemporary traders. 

Taste and Liquor wanted to provide an offering that is as unique as the city itself. It won’t just be meat heavy too with Vegetarian and Vegan options.

Boxfood will be doing Vegan Caribbean food and it’s their 1st Birmingham showcase.

Plus the Indian Butcher will have Paneer dishes  and Pizza Di Bruno will have veggie pizzas..

The Turk will also have a vegetarian option. 


The Friday event also shows support to new and emerging talent by giving new traders the chance to experiment and play with ideas without the pressure of having to take on a restaurant. Taste and Liquor aims to support new chefs throughout the year. 

Taste and Liquor’s Friday event will be championing live music, emerging bands and DJ’s With an exclusive platform showcasing the regions hottest acts. Speakerbox, a showcase produced by Sharinta K Athwal will present  the best of the regions raw talent and hottest emerging stars of 2017.

Every Friday welcomes The Digbeth After Work Club between 5-7pm where local residents are invited to start the weekend early, with specials two-for-one offers on all drinks. Head towards the main bar, featuring bespoke cocktails, craft beer, wines and a vast range of bespoke tonics and spirits. 

Monthly themed events will also be held every last Saturday of the month. Highlights include Gin and Meat Festival (February), Besr of British Street Food (March), Brum’s Big Fat Pizza festival, (April), Mr Hyde’s national Burger day festival (August). 

Cultural celebrations and festivals will also include Holi Rave colour festival in April, Taste and Liquor 1st birthday party weekender in May, Asian indepen-dance a celebration of 70 years of Indian independence in August and Digbeth Mela in October. 

Taste and Liquor at No21 will launch on Friday 27 January and will be hosted every week. Friday entry will be free from 5pm. Last food orders at 10.30. 

For more information log into http://www.tasteandliquor.com.

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😋

Indian Brewery opens for craft beer and street food in Birmingham.

Posted in Bars and Pubs, beer, Cafés and Restaurants, City Centre, Craft beer, Craftbeer, Independent, Indian restaurants, Street Food by


So many marvellous independent beer places have opened up over the last year in Birmingham, that now beer lovers are truly spoiled for choice.

The newest addition to the Jewellery quarter, Indian Brewery Snowhill, is set to spice things up a little which is great news for beer fans as well as street food lovers and artisan coffee folk.

The Indian Brewery has resurrected the old coffee shop, Brewsmiths under Snow Hill’s railway arches, and turned it as if by magic into a bar selling craft beer as well as artisan coffee.

Obviously being Indian you have to throw a bit of masala into the mix, so during the morning it dishes out an innovative breakfast menu and mouth watering street food from midday till late.

 Jaspal Purewal, who owns Indian Brewery which supplies Birmingham lager, Indian Summer, Bombay Honey, Peacock and IPA to Birmingham venues including Harvey Nichols, Connolly’s wine merchants and Indico, has taken over the lease of the cafe and had added an impressive bar. The old worn out exterior has been replaced by something altogether more slick and modern and the interior has a more industrial feel. 

It’s casual and relaxed with benches for drinkers to enjoy an artisan beverage whether it be coffee or Indian sodas as well as their beers, whilst admiring the classic Bollywood posters on the walls. A place of social gathering and good times.

 Jaspal told the Birmingham Mail: “We’ve wanted to set up a bar for our brewery for a long time and the Jewellery Quarter is the perfect location. There is so many exciting things happening here. This will be our flagship store – for all to consume our beers along with in-house artisan coffee and street food.”

The site on Livery Street opened on Friday 13th.

Beer is served in craft cans, bottle cask and on draught these include Indian Brewery beers and also an impressive range of guests.; The Indian Brewery beer is brewed at their Great Barr base.

The food has good options for Vegetarians and is a bright light in a gloomy slate grey January. Split into two areas Streetfood and Breakfast, 

For Streetfood veggies try: 

Chaat Bomb: veggie Gilles triangles, chickpeas, yoghurt, chutney and onion.

Delhi Paneer: Paneer cheese with spices, peppers, lettuce and yoghurt.

Fat Naans: veggie delight of potato, cauliflower, onions, chutney, mint, yoghurt and Bombay sprinkle.

For the Breakfast menu: 

Amritsari Kulcha: stuffed flatbread, accompanied by a side of seasoned yoghurt, chutney, onions, chickpeas and fresh lime pickle. 

Egg Naan

Posh Avocado: Brown bloomer with avocado and poached egg. 

For vegans I’m sure the menu can be adapted if it isn’t already vegan friendly. Check before. 


 The food menu has a distinct street flavour but there is a difference! Jaspal revealed: “We’re not your typical Balti house or Indian pub, we’re truly different and being innovative was key, the public has spoken.”

For the drinks all bottles (Indian Brewery beer) and Birmingham Lager in a can and keg are veggie and vegan friendly. 

However, the cask ale isn’t  but other guest ales are. 

The Indian sodas are also ok.


Enough to brighten even the dullest of days. 

Indian Brewery Snow Hill, Livery Street, Birmingham B3 1EU

Officially open from Monday 15th January 2017.

Breakfast is available Monday to Friday from 7am to 12pm midday, Saturday from 8:00am to 12pm midday, and Sundays from 8.30pm to 12midday.

Street Food is available Monday to Thursday from 12pm midday to 9pm, Friday & Saturday from 12pm midday to 9:30pm and Sunday from 12pm midday to 8pm.

TO BOOK : 0121 296 9000 WEBSITE: http://www.indianbrewery.com

FOLLOW : Twitter @IndianBrewery Instagram: @IndianBrewery

LIKE : Facebook.com/indianbrewery

Looking forward to trying it out soon. 

Thanks for reading,

Andy 😊

All photos and information courtesy of Indian Brewery and Delicious PR. 

#Digmas: Christmas Fair with Vegan stores and Veggie/Vegan food. Saturday 26th November.

Posted in Christmas, City Centre, Custard Factory, Digbeth, Events, Food Festivals, healthy, Independent, Independent Birmingham, Street Food, Veggie by

Merry #Digmas:

Brum’s favourite independent Christmas fair and family day out returns to the Custard Factory!

Kick off the festive season in style at #Digmas, Birmingham’s favourite independent Christmas fair and family day out. The fun-filled event will return to the Custard Factory at the heart of Birmingham’s Creative Quarter on Saturday 26 November from 11am to 6pm. 

Entry is free. There’ll be something for everyone in the family; from street food, gin, craft beer and market stalls for the adults to Santa’s grotto, face painting and craft activities for the kids.

Tara Newman, Head of Events at the Custard Factory, said “#Digmas is a Digbeth tradition for foodies, friends and families looking for an alternative to the usual pre-Christmas crush on the high street. It’s the perfect opportunity to pick up some unique stocking fillers, enjoy a day out and get into the festive spirit”.

At the heart of the Custard Factory there’ll be a lively indoor market with high quality art and crafts from the Paperdolls Handmade Markets plus locally-made cakes, chocolates and other goodies. 

There’ll be Vegan stalls filled with gifts, and fashionistas can peruse the rails of clothing from a selection of leading brands.

Shoppers will enjoy browsing the Custard Factory’s resident shops who will all be open during the day’s festivities. They can enjoy a cup of mulled wine or hot chocolate whilst revelling in live music by the lakeside from Bostin Brass, The Glamophones and a cheerful carol singing quartet.

Foodies will tantalise their taste buds with some of the best street food in the city and dishes include macaroni cheese,  warming soups, spicy curries and irresistible churros and chocolate. Plus cakes by Mrs Mills. The covered food court will have a great atmosphere with a DJ playing festive favourites, perfect for meeting up with friends to enjoy a glass of gin or craft beer from the pop-up bars.

The kids will have a great time too with a visit to Santa’s grotto and a packed programme of festive storytelling performances, craft activities, cupcake decorating and face painting.

 #Digmas is free to enter and all ages are welcome to enjoy the fun, food and festivities. Advanced booking for some activities is recommended. 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/digmas2016 for more information.

Alongside all of the fantastic entertainment, food and activities already revealed, they have been working with local organic and Vegan friendly drinks company U-Juice to curate a friendly selection of vegan stalls at #DIGMAS! Food & drink, clothing, jewellery, beauty products and lots, lots more – all produced ethically and organically.


Other Vegan and Veggie friendly traders also thete will be Aah Lovely, (handmade gifts including ceramics, bags and cards), Dr Ice ( Men’s grooming products), Viva la Vegan (organically made clothing and best fashion brand award winners), Hugletts Wood Farm Animal Sanctuary, (handmade gifts) Badger’s Dairy Free, (side dishes), Purely Vegan (Vegan Grocers) The May Bakery (Vegan cakes, cupcakes and cookies) Honest Skincare, and Custard Factory resident Clink craft beer have a Vegan range too. 

The May Bakery.

Street Food from Littlesixtythree ( soups and stews) locally produced served with fresh crusty bread and Quarter Horse Coffee and Hot chocolate. 


Yumlaut: traditional German Sausage with Vegan-friendly and deliciously named ‘Veggie Brat’.

Churros Susanna: Churros and chocolate. Plus dairy free. Sugary happiness. 


Veggie Foodie favourites The Indian Rasoi: Indian Street Food and curry to warm you up. 


Holy Moly Macaroni: Macaroni cheese who are launching on The Birmingham  street food scene at #Digmas, plus offering a Vegan option that replaces cheese with butternut squash. Comfort food with a difference. 


Holy Moli Macaroni.

Plus drinks from Gin Box and Clink Craft Beer who will have vegan/veggie choices. 

Read more about the Vegan stalls on offer on Sat 26th here: 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/uncategorized/digmas-2016-first-vegan-ethical-market-custard-factory/

Looks a lovely way to kick off the Christmas period, and celebrate Birmingham’s independent and creative scene. 

The Custard Factory and sister venue Fazeley Studios are based in Digbeth a short walk from Birmingham New Street and The Bullring shopping centre in the heart of Birmingham. The area has long been established as one of the countries leading creative and digital business destinations, with a thriving business community residing alongside Birmingham’s independent retailers. 

http://www.custardfactory.co.uk/

http://www.fazeleystudios.com/

Thanks for reading, 

Andy 😊

The Glamophones who will be singing at #Digmas.

All images and photos courtesy of The Custard Factory.