Rose Murree, Indian Restaurant Review Birmingham

I’m unsure exactly why but following a quick glance at the website I was anticipating a standard Indian restaurant with average food, nothing special. In fact Rose Murree, was far better than I predicted and a really pleasant surprise.

Serving traditional Indian and Kashmiri food, Rose Murree is situated on the Hagley Road just outside Birmingham’s city centre. The location is perfect for a meal out with a group of friends; in a lovely building set back off the main road the restaurant has its own car park which is a bonus.

On arrival on a cold evening we were greeted warmly and invited to take a seat and enjoy a drink on the comfortable leather sofas while choosing our meals.

The menu is neither extensive nor overpriced; it has a good selection of vegetarian options and there are a number of signature dishes but nothing really unusual or original caught my eye.

The seating in the restaurant could be touch more comfortable however that’s soon forgotten when the homemade chutney and poppadoms arrive; these deserve a special mention on as they were the tastiest I’ve ever had (and I’ve had a few!).

We decided on a mixed grill starter which came served on a hot skillet with fried onions, it was enough to share and a perfect winter warmer. The chicken, lamb and sheekh kebab, marinated in delicious aromatic spices and yoghurt were all spicy and the meat tender.

For the main course the Murgh Tikka Jalfrezi, chunks of chicken cooked in a rich tomato and pepper sauce with fresh chilli was excellent, hot, full of flavour and well cooked. However the Palak Ghost, lamb with spinach, tomatoes and garlic, could have done with a bit more of a kick to satisfy my taste although the lamb melted in the mouth. Accompanied by Saffron Pulao rice and fabulous naan bread that was so light and fluffy I could have eaten two!

For dessert the Gulab Jamun, a popular Indian sweet served warm with ice cream, was good, however the Ras Malai was truly great, these dumplings made from cottage or riccotta cheese soaked in sweetened, thickened milk and delicately flavored with cardamom, topped off a good all round experience.

Rose Murree is a great bet if you are after a great evening with good food, lovely ambience and unsurpassed service, definitely worth a visit.

Rose Murree 94-96 Hagley Road, Edgbaston Birmingham B16 8LU  Tel: 0121 456 4500
Visit their website: www.rosemurree.co.uk

Reviewd by Kate Eccles for ETM Nov 2010