Dining together has always changed a nutritional necessity into a time for connection, conversation, and shared experience. Few cuisines embody these values as beautifully as Indian cuisine. From thali plates filled with colour and variety to dishes designed for sharing, Indian food is inherently communal, inviting everyone around the table to taste, explore, and celebrate together.
At Itihaas, we believe that every meal should bring people closer. Here’s why Indian cuisine is the perfect choice for gatherings of friends, families, or colleagues — and why our restaurant is Birmingham’s ideal setting for your next celebration.

Book A Table Online

The Communal Nature of Indian Cuisine

Indian food is built on the joy of sharing. Traditional Indian meals are served family-style, with a variety of curries, breads, rice, and accompaniments placed at the centre of the table for everyone to enjoy together.

Rather than each person ordering a single dish, guests are encouraged to sample a bit of everything — spooning fragrant dal over rice, tearing off warm naan to scoop up creamy butter chicken, or adding a touch of chutney for a burst of freshness. This approach turns dining into a shared experience, one that fosters conversation and connection.

The diversity of textures, aromas, and flavours ensures there’s something for every palate and no two bites are ever the same.

Perfect for Celebrations and Special Occasions

Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, office party, or festive gathering, Indian food naturally lends itself to celebration. Many Indian dishes are rooted in cultural traditions that honour hospitality, abundance, and togetherness. From vibrant curries to aromatic biryanis and indulgent desserts, the cuisine embodies a sense of occasion and generosity.

At Itihaas, our dining spaces reflect this spirit: elegant yet welcoming, designed to bring people together in comfort and style. Large tables, warm lighting, and attentive service create the perfect atmosphere for any event, from intimate dinners to grand celebrations. Each dish is served with care and attention, ensuring that every guest, whether they prefer mild flavours or bold spice, feels part of the same shared experience.

Variety and Flexibility for Everyone

The beauty of Indian cuisine lies in its versatility. From vegetarians and vegans to lovers of rich meat curries, everyone finds something to enjoy. The menu at Itihaas reflects this diversity, offering a broad selection of regional classics and modern interpretations to suit every preference.

Our thali lunches (traditional platters featuring a variety of small portions) are particularly popular among groups. They capture the essence of Indian dining: the joy of passing dishes, mixing flavours, and discovering new favourites. Imagine pairing tender lamb rogan josh with fragrant saffron rice, cooling it down with raita, and finishing with a piece of naan brushed with butter.

Every combination tells a new story, every dish a different region of India. Sharing plates and sides encourage conversation and exploration, allowing groups to experience the full spectrum of India’s culinary landscape in a single sitting.

Itihaas is the Ideal Group Dining Destination in Birmingham

Located in the heart of the city, our Indian restaurant in Birmingham has built its reputation on excellence — not just in flavour, but in service, ambience, and authenticity. For group dining, Itihaas offers both the sophistication of fine dining and the warmth of traditional Indian hospitality.

Our team understands the nuances of hosting gatherings, providing set menus for large parties and recommending wine and cocktail pairings that enhance the spices and aromas of your meal. Whether you’re joining us for a casual catch-up or an elegant evening celebration, every detail is handled with precision and care.

Our private dining spaces level up any group dinner to an exclusive celebration, whether you’re a small group in our Tiffin Suite or a large party of up to 60 in our Maharajah Suite.

Dining at Itihaas is an experience. It’s the clinking of glasses over a shared platter of samosas, the laughter that fills the room as naan is passed around, and the satisfaction of tasting a cuisine designed for sharing. Next time you’re planning a celebration or simply gathering friends for a night out, choose quality Indian cuisine and let Itihaas host an evening of flavour, friendship, and unforgettable memories.

Try it at Itihaas

What is Mango Lassi?

At its heart, Mango Lassi is a simple yet iconic Indian drink, created by blending sweet, ripe mangoes with smooth, creamy yoghurt. Pronounced “luh-see”, this traditional beverage has long been celebrated for its ability to refresh and restore, balancing rich flavours with light, cooling textures. Its origins lie in India’s culinary heritage, where lassi itself — a yoghurt-based drink — has been enjoyed for centuries. By introducing mango, one of the country’s most beloved fruits, the result is a naturally sweet, indulgent drink that feels both celebratory and restorative.

Book A Table Online

Health Benefits of Mango Lassi

Beyond its irresistible flavour, Mango Lassi carries a host of health benefits that make it as nourishing as it is enjoyable.

1. Thanks to its yoghurt base, this drink is abundant in probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that support gut health and ease digestion. It is an ideal choice after a rich, flavourful meal, soothing the stomach while leaving you satisfied.
2. Mangoes contribute a wealth of essential nutrients, being packed with vitamins A, C, and E, alongside a good supply of antioxidants. This combination provides not only a natural immune boost, but also supports healthy skin and vitality.
3. Mango Lassi is also an excellent source of both protein and calcium, offering a wholesome balance of indulgence and nourishment.
4. During warmer months, its cooling and hydrating qualities make it a particularly welcome choice, restoring balance to the body while refreshing the palate.

It is this duality — indulgent yet restorative, luxurious yet wholesome — that has cemented Mango Lassi as one of the most iconic drinks in Indian culture.

The Perfect Pairing

Mango Lassi is the perfect partner for many Indian cuisines. Its creamy sweetness contrasts beautifully with the layered spices of traditional curries, offering a soothing complement to spicy dishes and strong flavours.

At Itihaas, guests often enjoy Mango Lassi alongside rich classics such as Makhani Murgh, or pair it with vegetarian dishes like Dhaba Channa Masala, where the drink’s cooling qualities enhance the overall dining experience.

Lassi also pairs delightfully with spiced starters, balancing tangy chutneys and crisp appetisers with smooth, fruity refreshment.

Enjoy a Mango Lassi at Itihaas in Birmingham

At Itihaas, we prepare our lassi with ripe mangoes and fresh, creamy yoghurt, meeting the standards of luxury our guests expect. For those searching for an Indian restaurant in Birmingham that offers not only fine dining but also drinks rooted in tradition, Itihaas delivers a complete experience.

Our Mango Lassi is a favourite among diners who wish to enjoy a non-alcoholic option that feels indulgent, celebratory, and perfectly in tune with Indian cuisine. Smooth, refreshing, and deeply satisfying, it is the ideal companion to a meal at our Indian restaurant. Next time you dine with us, make sure to order this timeless drink — a glass of Mango Lassi that captures tradition, health, and indulgence.

Try it at Itihaas

Seafood was often enjoyed at Royal Mughal banquets and celebrations, and this dish is a favourite from our à la Carte menu. In this article, we explain the spice mix that gives this dish its name: Panch Phoron, and how we use it to flavour King Prawns for one of our most popular dishes.

Book A Table Online

What Is Prawn Paanch Phoren?

A delicious prawn curry flavoured with paanch phoren. We simmer Freshwater King Prawns in a thick, smoked gravy with butter and tomato, and a traditional blend of five spices.

A Closer Look at the Five Spices in Paanch Phoren

Indian Five Spices

Most Western spice cupboards have a jar of Chinese Five Spice, the ubiquitous blend of spices that lends East Asian food its gentle warmth and light flavours. But do you know of the five whole spice seeds used in North Indian and Bengali cuisine, Paanch Phoron?

Paanch Phoren is a blend of fenugreek seed, nigella seed, cumin seed, black mustard seed & fennel seed, in equal parts. They’re used to temper in hot ghee until they pop and burst, before adding any other ingredients. This infuses the fat with their aromas so they can spread evenly throughout the dish.

Fenugreek / Methi

• Light, floral, slightly bitter.
• High notes

Nigella / Kalonji

• Bitter, peppery flavour, similar to onion and oregano
• Middle notes

Cumin / Jeera

• Warming, nutty, slightly sweet and smoky
• Middle notes

Black Mustard / Sarson

• Mild, nutty, earthy flavour
• Low notes

Fennel / Saunf

• Strong anise flavour, sweet
• High notes

Paanch Phoron balances the high, sweet notes of fennel and fenugreek with the low, nutty notes of black mustard and the middle notes of smoky cumin and peppery nigella to create a rounded, complex, and aromatic flavour profile.

Using Smoked Butter in Indian Cuisine

At Itihaas, our Prawn Paanch Phoron is flavoured with smoked butter, which lends an earthy, rich aroma to the sauce. Smoked ghee is sultry and delicious, complementing the spices to recreate the luxury of a royal banquet, for a modern palate.

Our tandoori cooking method involves a charcoal-fuelled clay oven, which lends a smoky flavour to meats and naans alike. The rich, buttery smoked sauce in our Prawn Paanch Phoron carries this flavour throughout the dish.

At Itihaas, we are always developing our ingredients and techniques to achieve perfectly balanced tastes, aromas and textures. This experimentation is what makes us one of Birmingham’s best Indian Restaurants.

The Itihaas Touch

We use only the freshest King Prawns of the highest quality. The shell stays on to maintain their texture and flavour while they simmer gently in the sauce.

Our Panch Phoron is blended by hand to achieve optimal proportions, always using whole spices for authentic flavour. When the spices are tempered in the hot pan, they brown and burst, releasing aromatic compounds that penetrate every ingredient.

Try it at Itihaas

You can order this historic royal banquet dish from Itihaas’ A La Carte Menu to enjoy in our restaurant or at home. For an experience like no other, visit our Indian restaurant in Birmingham and enjoy Maharajah cuisine from the Mughal empire era, historic recipes cooked for modern palates, and Indo-Chinese fusion dishes, all on a single menu.

Book Your Table

Book A Table Online

Looking for the best summer cocktails in Birmingham? At Itihaas, our summer cocktail menu is curated to delight your senses—refreshing, fragrant and designed to pair perfectly with bold Indian cuisine.

Book A Table Online

Enjoy Signature Indian Cocktails in Birmingham

Our skilled bartenders bring creative flair and finesse to every drink. Discover vibrant, flavour-driven cocktails influenced by Indian flavours to capture the energy of summer.

Masala Daiquiri

Crafted with spiced rum, chai masala, grapefruit and lime, our Masala Daiquiri infuses classic daiquiri structure with aromatic Indian spices for a bold, citrus-forward sip.

Bombay Bazaar

Bombay Sapphire gin meets peach, raspberry, blackberry and orange juice in this fruity, refreshing cocktail. The fruit juices layer sweet and tart notes to complement the juniper flavour of the gin.

Mumbai Mojito

Passionfruit and lime muddled with Havana Club 3‑year rum, stirred with ice and mint and topped with soda, putting a fresh, tropical twist on a favourite summer cocktail in our Mumbai Mojito.

Rose Water Martini

Elegant and aromatic, this martini replaces Vermouth with rosewater and St Germain elderflower liqueur. Shaken over ice with Grey Goose vodka and finished with rose prosecco for a delicate fizz.

View Drinks Menu

Classic Cocktails, Perfectly Executed

Prefer beloved classics? Our bar delivers with precision to give timeless drinks the attention they deserve. Enjoy an expertly made Moscow Mule, a bold, fruity Margarita or an elegant Bellini.

Choose a Fresh Fruit Daiquiri or Margarita in flavours like mango, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry or pineapple for seasonal flair, or a classic Pina Colada for a creamy coconut flavour.

Refreshing Summer Mocktails

For those who prefer to keep things alcohol-free, our mocktails are crafted with the same attention to detail and seasonal flair. Each is designed to refresh and impress with its vibrant flavours.

Bollywood Dreams sees fresh strawberries and blackberries muddled with rose syrup and lengthened with lemonade for a fruity, floral cooler perfect for warm evenings.

Jungle Mungal brings tropical sunshine to your glass with orange juice, mango, pineapple, and a touch of rose syrup, smoothed with a hint of fresh cream.

And for something creamy and cooling, the Mint & Coconut Colada combines fresh mint, pineapple juice, sugar syrup, and coconut cream—an exotic, indulgent treat.

Pairing Your Cocktail with The Perfect‑Match Indian Dishes

At Itihaas, we believe in harmony between drink and dish. Our cocktails not only refresh—they elevate. Here are a few pairings designed to enhance both food and flavour:

• Masala Daiquiri + Lamb Chops: Citrus and spice lift the rich, smoky lamb without overshadowing it.
• Bombay Bazaar + Seafood Platter: The fruity gin cocktail amplifies the delicate sweetness of prawn and scallop starters.
• Mumbai Mojito + Chicken Tikka: Mint, lime and passion fruit refresh and counterbalance the spiced chicken.
• Rose Water Martini + Paneer Jalfrezi or vegetarian dish: The floral, saffron hint complements and cleanses the palate.

If you’re unsure, our knowledgeable team is happy to recommend the ideal cocktail match—whether you’re dining or looking to enjoy refined pre‑dinner drinks.

Visit Itihaas This Summer

It’s one thing to order cocktails—another to experience them in a setting that feels effortlessly elegant and refreshingly contemporary. If you’re searching for an outstanding Indian restaurant in Birmingham with cocktails that deserve a place in the sun, Itihaas delivers.
Our stylish interiors and cooling cocktail menu make us the prime destination for summer evenings, dates, and celebrations. You’ll enjoy refined service, original recipes and carefully executed classics alongside luxury Indian cuisine at one of Birmingham’s Best Indian Restaurants.

Book A Table Online

Indo-Chinese food, otherwise called Sino-Indian, Hakka chinese or Desi-Chinese cuisine, is a distinct style of Chinese food adapted to appeal to Indian tastes, with spices, oils and sauces. It also includes Indian dishes twisted to include typically Chinese flavours. Indo-Chinese food is frequently stir-fried in a wok, with many fusion restaurants cooking where the woks are visible to the customers. Base ingredients are rice and noodles, cooked with common Indian vegetables and spices, and using Chinese sauces such as soy and Sichuan sauce.

Book A Table Online

The Cultural Backdrop – Chinese Migration to India

The most commonly cited origin of Chinese-Indian Fusion Food is migration from Southern China to Kolkata. In the late 18th century, Kolkata was geographically accessible from China by land. Migrants from Northern China and Hakka communities in Guangdong and Fujian provinces travelled to Kolkata to work, with the earliest setting up a sugar cane plantation and factory.

In the 1830s, the British government in India encouraged Chinese labourers to migrate for work in the Assam tea gardens. These migrants assimilated and settled, and migration continued until the mid-twentieth century when India gained Independence. The Chinese diaspora in India earned a living tanning leather, growing crops and, famously, running Chinese restaurants.
By the early part of the 20th century, Kolkata had a thriving Chinatown, and restaurateurs had begun adapting their cooking to suit Indian tastes.

The story of Indo-Chinese cooking can also be said to begin with several isolated encounters, including shared influences along the ‘Silk Road’, which passed from China to what was then Persia, connecting with other trade routes into India at the feet of the Himalayas. Other cross-cultural exchanges are more than likely, as India and China were neighbouring empires in ancient times, sharing culinary practices throughout Southeast Asia.

The Birth of Indo-Chinese Fusion

Wherever there is migration, there is cultural fusion. Just as the Indian migrants to the UK adapted dishes to British tastes (see our blog on the origin of Chicken Tikka Masala), the Chinese restaurants in Kolkata began offering adapted dishes that would appeal to Indians. The first of many Indo-Chinese restaurants was Eau Chew in Kolkata, offering a new style of cuisine. These early restaurants created dishes with names such as August Moon Rolls and Fiery Dragon Chicken. The fusion food spread quickly to smaller restaurants and street food vendors. Today, Mumbai street food has Chinese variants, such as Sichuan dosa and Chinese bhel.

Key Characteristics of Indo-Chinese Dishes

The defining feature of Indo-Chinese fusion is the balance between heat and sweetness. Spices like green chillies and red chilli powder add heat, but sauces are blended with sugar and honey to add sweetness that makes the cuisine approachable and unique, even for those who aren’t accustomed to very spicy food.

Global Spread of Indo-Chinese Cuisine and why people love it

By adding Indian masalas to Chinese dishes, the Chinese restaurateurs developed a sweet but spicy, oily, glutinous cuisine that Indian diners loved. Chicken curry became chilli chicken. Aloo Bhindi transformed into Kung Pao potatoes with okra.
The combination of sweet and spicy, dry sauces, textures and stir-fried foods is a crowd-pleasing cuisine, and gets an honourable mention on our A La Carte Menu.

Indo-Chinese Cuisine at Itihaas

Our Chilli Paneer is seasoned with chinese spices, stir-fried with spring onion, mixed peppers, chilli and garlic and tossed in dark soy sauce to create a delightful sweet and spicy take on Sichuan Paneer, an Indo-Chinese classic.

A vegan option is our Chilli Garlic Mushrooms. White button mushrooms are fried in crispy tempura batter and stir-fried in the same way as the paneer dish.

Enjoy the Itihaas Experience

Itihaas is proud to be a renowned Indian restaurant in Birmingham which provides a wide range of Indo Chinese menu options, all of which are packed with flavour.

Make A Booking