Al Faisals

We were expecting the Balti Triangle to be a bit like Brick Lane, but bigger, as it is a triangle and not a lane afterall, but the reality was that there are only a few shops, spaced quite sparsely apart. We settled on Al Faisals as it was very crowded on this Saturday night.

Food

We had plenty of time to pursue the menu while we waited for a table. There’s a mix of old “British Indian” and new dishes we haven’t seen before. As soon as we sat down, some Poppadoms with 5 sauces were delivered. I looked across the table, and they seemed to have more than us, but our shares were more than adequate. We mixed and matched the different flavours. We ordered the Shikarey Ghosht (£7.95) – lamb cooked in the traditional hunters way of cooking with a wonderful blend of wild spices, which was very nice. The meat was not as tender as I expected, the sauce had some zing to it. The Daal of the Day (£5.95) – yellow split chickpeas cooked with tomatoes, garlic, ginger and a mixture of spices- garnished with fresh coriander, I am wondering if they actually change the daal every day, but the one we got was very smoky and thick, quite like eating a paste or something. Of course, we had to have our lassi to wash it down. You can actually order Jug of Mango Lassi (£6), which is much better value. They give you these cute tilted glasses too. The lassi is sweet and thick, unlike the pale watery ones I’ve tasted.

Rating - 7

Atmosphere

This place was totally unexpected. I thought the Balti triangle would be filled with little dingy shops, but this place was huge, 2 levels of open space filled with tables. The space was bright and quite modern, in the manner of Lahore really. There were lots and lots of people, family, friends, all manner of nationalities and all having a good time. You can watch the chef in the big open kitchen, and a corner of the room is devoted to the drinks and dessert counter where 2 staff get a workout preparing everything for the horde.

Rating - 2

Service

The service was great to begin with. We were seated in the lounge area while a table was prepared for us. We were given menus to look over so we could order when we sat down. Before too long, we were seated and the poppadoms delivered. Orders were taken promptly but the water was not delivered. Never fear, the various other waiters who kept coming by to ask if everything was alright delivered it. It was charming to begin with, but when they kept asking you, it just gets annoying.

They were also very keen to clear our plate, so it was like almost as soon as you put down your cutlery, they swoop on you to take away everything. I had to ask twice for them not to take away our poppadoms. The second time, they said they would fill up the tray with poppadoms again – which was totally unnecessary as we were too full to eat anymore than one ones that were leftover an we didn’t want to waste food. Nothing we could do about that. I wonder why, as the hall was full of people and the waiters were always kept busy. Maybe they are just enthusiastic.

Rating - 3

C-factor

It’s not the cheapest meal you can have. By London standard the prices are pretty good for the serving size and quality though.

Rating - 1

Brownie Points - 13

Info

136 – 140 Stoney Lane
Sparkbrook
Birmingham
B12 8AQ
Phone +44 (0) 12 1449 5695
Website