‘Welcome to Blanc NRI, where Indian dining finds a new expression.’
‘We blend artistry and technique to craft an unparalleled culinary narrative.’
‘Savoring the sublime without the weight of pretentiousness.’
This little-known relatively new Birmingham restaurant certainly makes a number of bold pledges on its website. But it’s the news that it’s reached the envied top spot on Tripadvisor that best speaks to its credentials.
Tucked away in Hurst Street, this hidden gem is now officially the city’s best rated restaurant, with customers consistently awarding it five stars. Very impressive indeed in the country’s second city and acknowledged curry capital.
Perfect for pre-theatre dining as it’s a stone’s throw away from The Hippodrome, it’s also worth seeking out for that special occasion or date night as it offers a multisensory feast that will leave you craving another visit.
An intimate yet opulent décor, the sumptuous jade velvet set against marble wall panels and gold-coloured accents provides a stunning backdrop for what turned out to be a sophisticated dining experience.
But it’s the innovative menu that wows and which, if its Tripadvisor prowess is anything to go, by, is clearly setting a high bar for dining in the city. And the best part? – This is fine dining that’s affordable, something I think we can all agree is getting harder to find.
The menu is both extensive and in parts, intriguing, with a combination of familiar favourites and signature dishes they call Connoisseur’s Choice. These include Railway Curry (Flavoured curry with a stamp of Spencer’s Railway catering services at Victoria Terminus); Kadai Kurchan (chicken or lamb in a crushed coriander and red chilli masala with peppers and 37 spices); Payla Shank (lamb shank slow roasted and cooked with butter, onion, garlic, ginger, sweet pumpkins, garnished with coriander and amaranth); Satkora (traditional Bengali dish cooked with highly flavoured spices and Bagladeshi lime); Kozhi Varha Curry (Boneless grilled chicken or vegetable with a distinct flavour of chettinad masala.
There’s also a fantastic range of House Specials (Are you up for the Scotch Bonnet/Naga or are more of a Very Mild Coconut Korma type, like me?) including seven Seafood Specials (you can even order a lobster fusion dish), Tandoori Over Cooked dishes and choice of Mixed Vegetable, Chicken, Lamb or King Prawn Biryanies.
I opted for one of their new dishes on the menu, Fusion Shepherd’s Pie, which combined the richness of mozzarella with subtle Indian spices and sweet tangy tomato sauce. Deliciously moreish, as was my dessert, Ras Malai – a milky rich cheese cake without a crust and cooked with saffron, pistachio and kheer and flavoured with cardamom.
I appreciated the fact that, unlike in most other Indian restaurants, there was an impressive selection of sweet treats on the menu to close off our meal. Next time around, (and there will be a next time!) I have my eye on Rose Falooda – a symphony of flavours in a dish – a combination of creamy milk entwined with malai ice cream, tapioca pearls, chai seeds, rose petals, thin vericelli, a drizzle of rose syrup and a sprinkle of pistachio nuts. If you eat with your eyes, which apparently we all do, my advice is leave some appetite for this one! I’m sure it tastes as good as it looks!
Blanc NRI is perfectly positioned for a delicious meal before heading off to one of the many entertainment spots in that area of Birmingham. We followed our visit with a fabulous evening of comedy at The Glee Club next door but, as a regular visitor to The Hippodrome, I know I’ll be heading back there for a pre-theatre treat soon too.
The team at Blanc NRI pride themselves on offering ‘accessible luxury’ and following my first experience, I wouldn’t disagree. The décor, ambience and service all play their part in earning its impressive Tripadvisor status. But without doubt, it’s the menu that, in a crowded market, is winning over diners who are clearly coming back for more.
An experience that has a special occasion feel, without the special occasion prices.
