Inji — Restaurant in Birmingham

Disappointing Experience – Falls Short of Expectations

Our recent visit to Inji Crafted Flavours from Kerala in Birmingham was, unfortunately, underwhelming. As a group of four, we were looking forward to experiencing a refined take on Kerala cuisine, but the overall dining experience did not meet the standards we anticipated.

We ordered the following dishes: • Nadan Peri Peri Drumsticks • BDF • Chilly Pappodoms • King Prawn Mango Curry • Varutharacha Chicken Curry • Chicken Biriyani • Idiyappam • Porotta • Paal Kappa Couple of drinks The Nadan Peri Peri Drumsticks were particularly disappointing — they were served undercooked with visible traces of blood. While the staff promptly replaced them after we raised our concern, the initial experience had already diminished our appetite for the dish. The Varutharacha Chicken Curry lacked the depth and complexity of flavour typically associated with this traditional preparation. Many of the other dishes were either mediocre or did not leave a lasting impression. The one standout was the King Prawn Mango Curry, which offered a well-balanced blend of flavours and seemed to be the most thoughtfully prepared dish of the evening. The drinks were adequate, though not particularly memorable. Given the restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance and premium pricing, we had expected a higher level of culinary execution and attention to detail. Unfortunately, the food did not align with those expectations. This review reflects the shared sentiments of our group. While the restaurant may have potential, it currently falls short in delivering the quality and consistency one would anticipate from such...

It was our first time at Inji. We went for a NYE lunch. It was memorable because it was our first restaurant trip with our newborn, and because of the amazing dining experience! The food, decor, ambience, service, everything was terrific! Had a Keralan Masala Chai, Keralan Varapori, and Chilli Lentil Prawns to start with. The chai was beautiful and aromatic. The Varapori made for a perfect accompaniment. And the prawns were succulent and spiced superbly. Had the Kuttanaadan Duck Curry and Meen Pollichathu with Cabbage and Carrot Thoran, Coconut rice and Kerala Porotta for mains. The duck was so tender, was fall off the bone. The gravy with the duck was so moreish, especially with the rice, mopped up with the Porotta. Loved the Meen Pollichathu, the fillet seabream coated in beautiful aromatic tangy spices. Although Keralan, the Cabbage and Carrot Thoran reminded me of a Gujarati dish, a taste of home for me, and the perfect accompaniment with the fish, duck and rice. Had the Paalada Pradhaman for dessert. It tasted like a fragrant rice pudding. Some aspects of the dish were missing, such as the pappodom. We wouldn't have known because it was still delicious. But they graciously took it off the bill. The Inji sticky toffee pudding was the perfect ending to an amazing meal. It was swimming in the sauce and so delicious! An amazing, memorable dining experience! Service was great too! Loved the fact they gave us a loyalty card at the end, so that on the sixth visit, we get 50% off! A great incentive to keep coming back, not that we needed one... the amazing food will keep us...

Many restaurants in the UK claim to be Keralan but just serve standard South/North Indian fare. Much to my delight, Inji turned out to be a true gem of a homely authentic Keralan establishment – whilst there were also some novel “fusion’ dishes given a Keralan makeover, you could still taste the genuine flavours of Kerala in every bite, it honestly felt like I’d been transported back there.

The Allapey fish curry was perfection on a plate – soft, delicate sea bream melting in the mouth, bathed in a rich, vibrant, tangy orange gravy. The flaky buttery porottas were the perfect vehicle for mopping it up. Chicken wings were large, juicy and crisp, while the cheese dosa with smoky Applewood cheese was an inventive twist that worked beautifully. Desserts were just as impressive – the malty, creamy chai brûlée with its sweet, crunchy brûlée top was heavenly. Even the innovative pepper bhajis had my purist Spanish wife humming with approval. We both thought the price point was very reasonable given the sophistication of flavours, quality ingredients and portion size. The minority of reviewers who seem to have taken exception to their pricing should come to London and see what a comparable meal/dining experience would set them back.

The delicious Keralan food was backed up warm attentive Keralan hospitality exemplified by all the staff. Special thanks to Sirin, our lovely waitress, who was considerate, full of great tips about the cuisine and flavour profiles, and genuinely cared that we...