mango-lassi-at-itihaas

Refreshing Tradition in a Glass: Why Itihaas’ Mango Lassi is the Perfect Indian Drink

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.

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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.

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vegetable-biryani-at-itihaas

Why Itihaas’ Vegetable Biryani is a Must-Try

Taste Our Vegetable Biryani

If you’re searching for an Indian restaurant in Birmingham that takes biryani seriously, your search ends at Itihaas. Known for our award-winning cuisine and refined hospitality, we bring a dish steeped in heritage to your table: the Vegetable Biryani. Though our menu offers a Dum Biryani for every meat preference, the vegetarian version has a special place in our kitchen — and on our guests’ plates.

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What Makes Vegetable Biryani Special?

Vegetable Biryani is more than just rice with vegetables. It’s a delicate art form that combines aromatic basmati rice, carefully spiced seasonal vegetables, and subtle layers of saffron, herbs, and ghee. At Itihaas, our chefs use only premium aged basmati, prized for its long, slender grains and floral fragrance. Each layer is arranged with precision, ensuring every mouthful carries both the earthiness of vegetables and the complexity of freshly ground spices.

This balance of flavour and texture makes our Vegetable Biryani a dish that appeals to everyone: vegetarians seeking authenticity, and connoisseurs who appreciate a lighter yet equally indulgent alternative to meat biryani.

Difference Between Biryani and Pilau

To the untrained eye, biryani and pilau may appear similar — but the distinction lies in their preparation and complexity. Pulao qualifies as any dish where rice and other ingredients are cooked together, creating a harmonious yet straightforward blend. Biryani, on the other hand, requires greater skill. The rice and vegetables (or meat) are cooked separately, then layered before undergoing a final steaming process. This method locks in aromas and infuses each grain of rice with depth and character.

At Itihaas, our chefs boil the rice until partially cooked, then layer it with fragrant vegetable masala, caramelised onions, and saffron-infused milk. Finally, the dish is sealed and gently steamed to perfection — a technique that ensures flavour in every grain while preserving the integrity of each vegetable.

Authentic Flavour, Impeccable Service

Our Vegetable Biryani is prepared in the traditional dum style, echoing the age-old methods of Mughal kitchens and Punjabi households. Yet authenticity at Itihaas goes beyond the recipe. It’s about presentation, refinement, and service that reflects our philosophy: every guest deserves a dining experience as memorable as the dish itself. Served with cool raita or tangy chutney, our biryani is not only satisfying but celebratory.

Numerous Health Benefits

Choosing our Vegetable Biryani is as nourishing as it is indulgent. Rich in complex carbohydrates from basmati rice and fibre from assorted vegetables, it provides sustained energy without heaviness. The spices — cumin, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon — bring anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits, while saffron contributes antioxidants and a distinctive aroma that elevates the dish into a true delicacy. It’s a meal that is both wholesome and luxurious, perfect for diners who wish to balance flavour with wellbeing.

Give it a try at Itihaas

If you’re considering where to enjoy Vegetable Biryani in Birmingham, we invite you to experience it at Itihaas. More than just an Indian restaurant, Itihaas is a destination for those who appreciate the artistry behind authentic cooking. Our Vegetable Biryani encapsulates this philosophy: a dish that honours tradition, elevates flavour, and delivers comfort with sophistication.

Book your table today and discover why Itihaas’ Vegetable Biryani is not simply a menu item, but a must-try culinary experience that keeps guests returning time and again.

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Prawn Paanch Phoren: A Royal Shellfish Dish Packed With Bold Flavour

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.

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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.

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Amritsari Kulcha: The Iconic Punjabi Stuffed Bread You Need to Try at Itihaas

Of all the ways Indian breads are crafted, the stuffed variety remains the most indulgent and satisfying. While many are familiar with paratha — a layered, pan-fried flatbread often filled with spiced potato — or peshawari naan, sweetened with coconut, raisins, and nuts for a rich breakfast treat, there is another masterpiece that deserves equal reverence: the Amritsari Kulcha. Flakier than a paratha yet just as comforting, and closer in form to naan while retaining its own distinct personality, this Punjabi creation has earned legendary status in India’s culinary heritage.

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What is Amritsari Kulcha?

Amritsari Kulcha is a crisp-yet-soft leavened bread, typically baked in a tandoor, and generously stuffed with a mixture of boiled and mashed potatoes, garlic, onions, herbs, and a fragrant medley of spices. The filling is seasoned for a balance of tangy sweetness and gentle heat. Amritsari Kulcha is a Punjabi favourite: satisfying, indulgent, and layered with flavour.

The History behind Amritsari Kulcha

Amritsar is a vibrant city in Punjab known for the Golden Temple, deep culinary traditions and its popular tourism industry. The Kulcha became a hallmark of Amritsari street food culture, often served from bustling roadside dhabas alongside bowls of spicy chickpea curry. The origins date back to the Mughal era, when leavened breads like naan and kulcha were introduced to India’s royal courts. Over time, the bread found its way into Punjabi kitchens, where local cooks infused it with regional flavours and the potato stuffing that makes it iconic today.

Crispy outside, soft and flavourful inside

A textural contrast that delights in every bite.

A Satisfying Vegetarian Accompaniment

Hearty enough to please even the most dedicated meat lovers.

Versatile on the table

Perfect as a starter, side, snack, or main when paired with a curry.

Is Amritsari Kulcha the Same as Naan?

While both are leavened and tandoor-baked, there are distinct differences. Naan tends to have a softer, chewier texture and is often served plain or with simple toppings like garlic or butter. Amritsari Kulcha, by contrast, is layered and flaky, with a spiced filling that adds complexity and depth. Kulcha is richer and more flavourful than plain naan.

Pairing Suggestions

This bread is wonderfully adaptable and pairs beautifully with a range of dishes:

A natural partner to Channa Masala, where its flaky layers soak up the spicy chickpea gravy, or indulgent with Makhani Murgh for a luxurious treat.

Try it at Itihaas

At Itihaas, we treat the Amritsari Kulcha with the reverence it deserves. Our chefs prepare the dough fresh, fill it generously with spiced potato and aromatics, and bake it in our authentic tandoor for the perfect crisp-fluffy balance. Whether you’re visiting our Indian restaurant in Birmingham for a leisurely dinner, exploring Punjabi flavours for the first time, or ordering from our menu at home, this is a dish that promises to transport you straight to the streets of Amritsar.

Book your table and experience one of Punjab’s most iconic breads, expertly crafted for the modern connoisseur.

 

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summer-cocktails-birmingham

Summer Cocktail Menu: The Best Cocktails for Summer 2025

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.

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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.

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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.

 

 

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whisky-bar-birmingham-itihaas

Our Single Malt Whisky Range

At Itihaas, our passion for refined tastes extends far beyond our award-winning Indian cuisine. We are proud to stock a curated collection of single malt whiskies that positions us as one of the best whisky bars in Birmingham. For connoisseurs and casual sippers alike, our bar offers a remarkable experience for whisky tasting in Birmingham, right in the heart of our elegant restaurant setting.

Whether you’re a long-time lover of single malts or on a personal whisky tour in Birmingham, our selection promises to surprise and satisfy.

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Find your favourites in our Scotch Whisky Range

Whisky drinking is an experience of craft, origin, and complex flavour profiles. At Itihaas, we offer an exclusive range of premium single malts from the Highlands, Speyside, and beyond. Each label in our collection has been chosen specifically for tasting notes that complement the nuanced flavours of our cuisine.

We understand the challenge of finding a bar that carries your favourite label. That’s why we’ve made it a mission to offer one of the largest and most varied whisky selections of any Indian restaurant in Birmingham. Whether you’re seeking the delicate notes of a Speyside malt or the rich depth of an aged Highland bottle, Itihaas is your go-to Birmingham whisky destination.

Explore a few highlights from our extensive selection below.

Aberlour

A beloved Speyside distillery, Aberlour is known for its rich, sherry-aged expressions. Smooth, deep, and delightfully warming, this is a perfect introduction to the craftsmanship behind Scotland’s finest whiskies. We stock a 10-year-old Aberlour with aromas of lemon blossom, orange peel and oak, and flavours of sweet melon, walnuts, toffee, raisins and vanilla.

Macallan

Renowned for sophistication, Macallan is a pillar in any Scotch lover’s collection. Choose from three distinguished expressions at Itihaas.

Macallan Gold Double Cask

With its notes of toffee apple, citrus, and vanilla, this elegant single malt is matured in American and European oak casks. Its gentle finish makes it a perfect pre-dinner dram.

Macallan 12 Triple Cask

A refined blend matured in three different types of oak casks—European sherry, American sherry, and American bourbon—this malt is smooth, complex, and layered with hints of coconut and chocolate.

Macallan Sienna

With a distinctive ruby hue and flavours of orange peel, raisin, and soft spice, the Sienna offers a bolder experience. It pairs beautifully with some of our hotter dishes, such as Dhaniya Tahree Murgh or Himalayan Fire Ribs.

The Balvenie

Traditional craftsmanship defines The Balvenie’s offerings. From malting their own home-grown barley to coopering their own casks, every bottle tells a story of authenticity.

The Balvenie 12 Double Wood

This classic is aged in both whisky oak and sherry oak, giving it warm spice, nutty sweetness, and a touch of sherry oak finish. It’s a gentle yet intriguing option for those new to single malts.

The Balvenie 14 Caribbean Cask

Finished in rum casks, this expression adds tropical notes of fruit and toffee, making it a perfect post-dinner digestif alongside a rich dessert like our Gulab Jamun.

The Balvenie 21 Portwood

A rare gem, the 21 Portwood is aged in port wine casks, giving it a silk-like mouthfeel with flavours of dried fruit, oak, and refined spice. A must-try for seasoned whisky aficionados.

Glenfiddich

A trailblazer in the single malt category, Glenfiddich offers something for every stage of the whisky journey.

Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

Light, fresh, and slightly fruity, this expression is an easygoing introduction to single malts and pairs beautifully with lighter dishes like our Goan Prawn Curry.

Glenfiddich 18 Year Old

With deeper oak, apple, and cinnamon notes, this is a more contemplative dram. Perfectly balanced and expertly aged, it’s best savoured slowly—perhaps alongside our Dum Biryani or Laal Mirchi Rogan Josh.

Perfect Pairings

A well-chosen whisky can elevate a meal from memorable to unforgettable. At Itihaas, our team is always happy to recommend the ideal single malt to accompany your dish.

Rich, spicy Indian dishes find harmony with sweet, full-bodied whiskies, while lighter seafood and vegetarian options pair well with floral, citrus-driven expressions.

We also offer whisky cocktails, including our Chocolate Boulevardier, made with Woodford Reserve Rye Whisky, Campari, Vermouth and Cocoa liqueur, or a classic Manhattan Grand with Hennessy Vs. Our well-trained cocktail bartenders are happy to prepare your whisky in your preferred style.

Ready to explore? Take a look at our full drinks menu to discover more.

If you’re searching for an Indian restaurant that understands the art of fine dining and fine drinking, Itihaas offers an unmatched experience. Book a table today and discover why we’re one of the best whisky bars in Birmingham.

Raise a glass to taste, tradition, and the finest Birmingham whisky collection – only at Itihaas.

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chili-chicken-indo-chinese-restaurant

The History of Indo-Chinese Cuisine – How Two Cultures Created a Culinary Sensation

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.

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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.

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Rasmalai-at-Itihaas

Rasmalai: The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Our Rasmalai is a firm favourite on our dessert menu. Creamy, melt-in-the-mouth cakes of fresh cheese are soaked in a creamy milk syrup, flavoured with cardamom and saffron. This dessert is subtly sweet, refreshing and rich. It is considered a royal sweet, served at weddings and festival celebrations, but it is perfect for any special dinner.

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What is Rasmalai made of?

Small flat cakes of curd cheese (chhana), poached in syrup and soaked in a cardamom-flavoured sauce of cream and milk. The chhana may be flavoured with cardamom and sugar, or made plain.
Making rasmalai is a long process, often beginning the night before to create the right flavours, sweetness and consistency.

Making Chhana for Rasmalai

Buttermilk and whole milk are heated together in a saucepan until curds form, then cooled and strained for an hour. The mixture is kneaded until smoother than ricotta. Flour is added to make the mixture spongy and mouldable.

The syrup is simply sugar and water, with a small amount of milk added. We poach the chhana in the boiling syrup until firm, then place it into cooled sugar syrup to absorb over several hours. Then we transfer it back to the cooled milk syrup and let it stand overnight. This creates layers of sweetness and creaminess.

Finally, the chhana is served with cardamom-infused milk sauce, chopped nuts and saffron.

Itihaas: Saffron & Pistachio Rasmalai

We add saffron and chopped pistachios to the dessert, as both garnish and an additional flavour in the milk sauce.

Pistachio is having a moment in 2025, as the flavour of the summer gained new popularity in Dubai Chocolate. While we’ve added a Dubai Chocolate Cheesecake to our Kuch Meetah, our pistachio rasmalai, pistachio kulfi and chopped pistachio garnishes on our Gulab Jamun are long-standing flavours in the Maharajah cuisine we’re famous for.

Dessert Menu

Origin of Rasmalai

As with most favoured dishes from South East Asia, the origins of rasmalai are both difficult to pin down and steeped in mythology. In Bengali, Hindi and Urdu, Ras Malai means ‘sap of cream’ or ‘juice of cream’.

It is most likely a Bengali invention, either created in Kolkata in West Bengal, India, or in Comilla, in Bangladesh. Both legends include famous sweet shops, and it is possible that the idea of soaking rasgulla in a milk sauce developed in both places.

Why Rasmalai Works for Any Occasion

As a luxurious sweet, rasmalai is considered part of royal cuisine. The time taken to prepare, the quantities of milk, cream and sugar and the luxurious spices included all add up to a rich treat suitable for special occasions.

This delicious dessert is most popular during festivals such as Holi and Diwali, when sweet shops sell more than at any other time of year. It is also common at weddings and parties.
If you’re celebrating a birthday, graduation, anniversary or another event, our saffron and pistachio rasmalai will be the perfect dessert to finish your meal. If you are on the search for an Indian restaurant in Birmingham that serves rasmalai and Indian desserts that are full of sweetness and unforgettable flavour, be sure to give Itihaas a visit.

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Menu-Feature-Dhaniya-Tahree-Murgh

Menu Feature: Dhaniya Tahree Murgh

Each month, we dive deeper into one of our menu items to tell you more about the ingredients we cook with and the culture evoked in the recipe. Today, learn about one of our poultry dishes, Dhaniya Tahree Murgh.

“A Northern Indian household favourite, diced chicken pieces curried in a thin but smooth gravy, cooked on the spicy side with onions, paprika and coriander.”

Diced, boneless chicken, flavoured with plenty of coriander and cooked in a smooth, spicy sauce: Dhaniya murgh is a fantastic example of North Indian cuisine, as served in our Indian Restaurant in Birmingham.

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About North Indian Cuisine

Much of the cuisine found in Northern India and Pakistan is influenced by the Mughlai style, which emphasises cooking the food over slow fire or tandoor oven, using rich spices and nuts like saffron, almonds, cashew nuts, poppy seeds, coriander seeds and cardamom. Signature dishes also use plenty of ghee, yoghurt and cream or curds to produce a rich gravy. 

Key Ingredients of Dhaniya Tahree Murgh

Every household has unique takes on recipes. Without giving away too much, here are the main constituents of Dhaniya Tahree Murgh at Itihaas.

Dhaniya Tahree – Coriander Sauce

Dhaniya is the word for coriander, a herb that has a fresh, peppery flavour. Its cousin is cilantro, widely used in American dressings. Coriander seeds are roasted lightly and blended with paprika to enhance their earthy, warming fragrance. This is the main flavour of the tahree (or tari), a smooth, thin sauce common in North Indian cooking. 

Murgh Tikka – Chicken Pieces

Murgh is the word for chicken in both Urdu and Hindi. We marinate diced boneless chicken pieces in coriander and yoghurt paste before adding them to the gravy and cooking well. The marinade encourages the chicken to absorb the flavours of the coriander and other spices, so that when cooked, the taste is strong through every mouthful.

Coriander: An Essential Herb

Dhaniya/Coriander is used throughout South Asia, as fresh leaves, seeds or powder. Ground coriander is often mixed with cumin and is included in many masalas.

The ground seeds provide warmth and nuttiness, whereas the fresh leaves and stems are used as a tangy, aromatic garnish. The root is used to flavour Nihari, a slow-cooked meat stew from Lucknow. Every part of the Dhaniya plant can be used, and it grows readily wherever seeds are thrown, making this herb a staple flavour.

The herb is also medicinal, with recorded use dating back to 6000 BCE at least. Coriander and fennel tea, drunk hot, is a proven remedy for indigestion. Coriander-infused milk is consumed for backaches and cramps.

 

Pairing Suggestions: What to Eat With Dhaniya Tahree Murgh

Dhaniya Tahree Murgh is a home-cooking favourite that is deeply rooted in Northern India. Choose tandoori roti or naan to soak up the sauce, with a Punjabi salad on the side.

Drinks should complement the fragrant notes of coriander, with a sweet lassi or creamy Coco Calcutta mocktail

A’la Carte Menu | Drinks Menu

Home Cooking Away from Home

For our chefs, ingredients are the foundation of good food. We use whole spices to create our masalas, authentic Indian spices and fresh ingredients. Our recipes are tried and tested for a perfect balance of flavours, which is why we’re considered one of the best Indian restaurant in Birmingham. Our Dhaniya Murgh is a dish guests order daily from our A’ la Carte menu, so it’s worth tasting on your next visit.

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Featured Dish: Goan Prawn Curry – A Taste of Coastal India

Goa is a coastal state of India famed for its golden beaches, bar culture and Portuguese influences from a 451-year occupation. With almost 100 miles of coastline and 11 different rivers, fresh fish is a staple of Goa’s cuisines. Fried and served in a curry, with the leavened flatbread of the region or with bhaji-puri, Goan food is synonymous with seafood, and our favourite is a Goan Prawn Curry.

Also called Ambot Tik (Sour & Spicy), a Goan Prawn curry is coconut-based with a rich tamarind sourness that is lifted by red chilli.

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Key Ingredients of the Goan Prawn Curry

Every household has their own recipes for any curry, with many handed down. Without giving away too much, here is how we make a Goan Prawn Curry at Itihaas.

Coconut Red Gravy

The masala (spice paste) includes grated fresh coconut, ground together with mustard, coriander, jeera, peppercorns, plenty of red chillies and more spices. This makes the base of the sauce. We fry ginger, onion and tomato together in coconut oil, before adding masala, thick coconut milk, freshwater prawns and curry leaves.

Quality Freshwater Prawns

Our premium prawns are selected for size and freshness, bringing a taste of coastal India to your table. Our chefs cook the prawns in the curry until they are just right, avoiding a chewy or rubbery texture. The prawns absorb the rich flavour of the sauce.

NB: Our Goan Prawn Curry contains nuts.

A Must-Try at Itihaas

For our chefs, ingredients are the foundation of good food. We use whole spices to create our masalas, authentic Indian spices and fresh ingredients.

Our recipes are tried and tested for a perfect balance of flavours. This Goan-inspired sauce is a luxurious traditional dish of southern India, blending the fire of red chillies with coconut cream to create an irresistably rich taste.

Our Goan Prawn Curry is available for dine-in and takeaway.

Pairing Suggestions

As a seafood dish, the recommended accompaniments for this curry are plain steamed rice or our jeera-infused rice. Our pomegranate raita also pairs well to cool the spice for those who prefer a milder flavour.

Your drink should complement the creamy curry with a fresh flavour, such as our Mint Nimbu Pani, a non-alcoholic “mocktail” blending mint, lemon juice, chaat masala and soda, or a cucumber lemonade.

If you prefer a wine, choose a white wine such as our Conde Valdemar White Rioja.

Taste Goa on your Next Visit

You don’t have to book a flight to enjoy the tastes of India’s coastal state; just visit our Indian restaurant in Birmingham. Our Goan Prawn Curry is available on our A’ la Carte menu, and a similar hot & sour Goan Fish Curry can be enjoyed during our Thali service. Order the Executive Thali meal to include this dish on your plate.

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18 Fleet Street Birmingham, B3 1JL – TELEPHONE: 0121 212 3383 – Opening Hours: Tues-Thurs 4.00 pm – 10.30 pm + Fri-Sun 1:00 pm – 10:30 pm

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