The season of twinkly lights and Christmas do’s is over, indulgence on all levels has occurred and you are looking to dine but not dent the bank! Hurrah here are my top 6 value for money eats in Brum. I’m thinking less than £10 for a fine need, with no booze.
Indian Streatery
It is the story of which movies are made from…if their was a street food genre! A family business born from discussion around the dinner table, took to the street food scene with such success they now have their own site serving Indian street food and have been so in demand they are open 7 days a week. Grab and go lunches Mon-Fri and sit down fayre with cocktails in the evening. Laid back setting, punchy flavours with personal names and warm, friendly service. This successful set up is all about family! (image courtesy of Jack Spicer Adams) The Indian Streatery
La Vera
If you need food on the fly and cheap but don’t want to compromise on quality then La Vera can tick the box. It is not trying to be glamorous; think plastic seats, giant squeezy sauce bottles (no charge) and New York scene canvas’. However it is proper woodfired pizza with various toppings, side options and meal deals including a simple self serve salad bar (with jalapenos, I was happy!). We were strapped for time and our previous option was too busy. We ducked in and were fed and watered for under £10 in under half an hour. The place was rammed down stairs with a big student table who had pre-ordered but there is more space upstairs. Good post-Tilt-bar feed too! www.pizzerialavera.co.uk
Medicine Bakery, New Street
The hidden door just marked Medicine allows entrance into the world of cronuts, cruffins and savory pezzant (these are all the evolution of the croissant!). This dedicated team know how to work their buttery goodness. The sister venue for the newly renamed Medicine Bakery in Codsall they are on a mission to educate the pallets of Brum and revamp a forgotten space into a craft collective. Delicious fresh breads are heartedly filled with a mixture of goodies-think mozzarella, heritage tomatoes, pesto and pea shoots, coffee supplied by Iron and Fire, save room for a blondie brownie or ozzing Oreo cronut. Naughty but oh so nice! Medicine Cafe, New Street
Café Soya
Nothing beats a fresh, hot bowl of noodle soup and here at Café Soya they have a cult following for their delicious and zesty food. All dishes are beautifully garnished with fresh herbs, chili and lime, keeping everything flavour filled and looking good. Portions generally come fully complete, no need for sides. All tastes well catered for. Green tea is refilled! www.cafesoya.co.uk
Ristorante Caffe Gustami
An unassuming real deal Italian in Ladywood. Nestled between a corner shop and a chain take away. You can watch the chefs work away in the kitchen and everything is homemade from the pasta to the bread to the indulgent tiramisu. A bowl of tagellateli will set you back a fiver, as does a big wood fired pizza. If you are feeling more flush then opt for a platter of antipasti, they are huge! The décor tells a story. Bueno! www.ristorantecaffegustami.uk
Damascena
A branch can be found in Moseley and the City Centre and they are both venues that are Pandora’s boxes, they stretch further back than you would assume and the décor has an instant calming effect; think stunning lanterns and lush fabrics. Small bites can be ordered separately or the platters are a great way to try lots of things. We shared two boards between 3 and struggled to finish all the goodies on offer. Wash these delicious savories down with fresh mint tea or a frappe and indulge in a baklava if you have room. damascena.co.uk
Bulls Head Davenports
Cask ales, craft beers, cocktails and a whole host of Birmingham heritage combine to create this unique bar! This hidden gem, a combination of traditional Birmingham pub, cocktail bar and street food cafe is tucked away on Bishopsgate Street just off the top of Broad Street. Apart from great Brummie ales, the menu has plenty of options for under a tenner and the food is delicious – not what you would expect from a pub near Broad Street. Think Fried spiced rubbed Prawn wraps to Halloumi and Cauliflower pakora with fries, Cauliflower Pakora to Jeera Chicken Skewers and plenty more! Bulls Head Davenports
Article by Rhiannon Simpson of Birmingham Food Tour