And let me tell you it did not disappoint! Everything from the decor to the drinks was crafted with such great detail, I truly was in utter bliss. The inside of the restaurant is made to look like Indian streets and really sparked my nostalgia. The Thumbs Up and Limca signs were irresistibly cute and very "insta-worthy". But it's not just the decor at Zindiya that impressed me.
The drinks were amazing! I had the "From Ooty With Love" while my friend Caity opted for the "Coconut bliss". Each was spectacular, all be it incredibly unique and different. "From Ooty With Love" was refreshing and floral, it's inspired by the prominence of roses in the region, and was evidently boozy. While "Coconut Bliss" was more expected, it emulated a classic tropical drink with a twist and arrived of course in a real coconut!
Then came the most awaited part, food! We ordered Pani Puri, The Trio of Dosa, Samosa Chaat, and the Idli Sambar. Pani Puri is my absolute favourite food (ask my mum). In India I ate it so much I got sick from over eating. My excitement, as I'm sure Caity can vouch for, was palpable. It wasn't the best selection of Indian street food that I have had. There were definitely certain aspects that lacked, in my view, authenticity. But with that said, the food was well prepared, it tasted good, and was very filling!
The atmosphere, drinks, and food combined all made for an incredible experience. But if you're on the hunt for the best South Indian food in Birmingham, I regrettably don't think this is it. What I will say though, is the places that usually do have the best street food don't have (generally speaking) the detailed decor and well crafted drinks that Zindiya provided. I would still highly recommend it, and will 100% be taking my mum if she ever visits!
After dinner Caity and I went for drinks. Caity is doing an exchange in Birmingham and has traveled all the way from the U.S. Well during her time in England she's been so busy hoping around Europe that she never truly managed to see much of delightful Brum! So we were off to The Edgbaston, a cocktail bar whose menu is crafted around the treasures of this wonderful city! On a mission to immerse Caity as thoroughly as possible in Birmingham's lively culture we entered the beautiful Art Deco establishment (seriously it's like a Gatsby lover's dream!).
If you've been to the U.K. (particularly in the summer) I'm sure you will be familiar with the 99 Flake. If not imagine a classic soft serve with a crumbly cadbury chocolate bar plopped on the perfect swirl. The candy floss adorned drink called "99 problems ..." (and a sugar rush is definitely 1 of those..) was inspired by none other than the classic 99 flake. And according to both Caity and I (I stole a sip) it was divine. Seriously drinking it felt like being a child, carefree and whimsical. I opted for the slightly less sweet (but still sweet) "Risk it for a Biscuit". The drink was inspired by Freeth's Coffee House, a Birmingham establishment well known for bringing together some of the most politically and philosophically enlightened. The drink had an Espresso Martini vibe with caramelized Biscoff biscuit. Not pictured is the drink I had featuring distilled grasshoppers and Caity's art inspired and paintbrush clad cocktail!
Overall the evening was spectacular and reminded me how much I enjoy trying new things, exploring this city and most importantly, reinforced my love for food.
XX,
F.
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