For many years Birmingham has boasted the best Indian restaurants in The Midlands. To experience one of the establishments hotly contending the Brummie title, and for an evening of truly excellent Pan Asian cuisine, head to Cafe Chutney's. Set just outside Stratford-upon-Avon, it is the small details and sophisticated touches that have compelled the loyal clientele of this eatery to return week upon week.
Mid-week visitors will be greeted by the sound of well-loved guests chatting with friendly, informative and professional waiting staff. Many visit for Cafe Chutney's renowned 'party feast' - an offer comprising a starter, main course, side dish, choice of rice or naan, and tea or coffee for £10.95 per person (available from Sunday to Thursday).
The popular restaurant is tastefully lit and stylishly furnished. Tables are covered with crisp white linen cloths, contrasting with bright red napkins and fresh red lilies. Bright colours recur throughout the entire dining experience, from the contemporary chairs to the accompaniments for the warm poppadoms that were served with our refreshing house wine and Indian beer. Alongside the chunky mango chutney and fresh diced onion, tomato and cucumber salad was a delicious vibrant green yoghurt and mint dip.
The next infusion of bright colours featured in my fresh vegetable balti. Spiced to request, the dish contained an assortment of seasonal vegetables, garnished with red onions, tomato and coriander. My partner's dhansak was again spiced to his liking, with tender chunks of lamb, savoury lentils and sweet pieces of pineapple studding the hot sour sauce. As well as speciality starters and chef's signature dishes, the menu features the traditional and classic dishes of various regions from Goa to Kashmir. Additional fresh ingredients can be added to any dish to customise it to the diner's liking.
Unsurprisingly, Cafe Chutney's won the 'Excellence Award' at the Remy Martin Restaurant Awards in both 2008 and 2009. Despite being tucked away from the renowned tourist areas of Stratford-upon- Avon, the success story of this fantastic restaurant looks set to reach incredible heights.