Unsurprisingly, one of my favourite ways to celebrate is by eating. When my boyfriend got offered a new job this week my first question was of course “So where shall we go for dinner?!”. We settled on JoJolapa, a Nepalese bar and kitchen at the top end of Newhall Street. The weather in Birmingham has taken a decidedly chilly turn this week, so walking into Jojolapa felt like a welcome ray of sunshine. It’s a fairly big space but there are lots of little corners to tuck yourself away in, and along with the rich red of the walls it manages to feel warm and cosy.
Service and ambience is really nice. We ordered a couple of dishes I personally ordered the butter chicken which was delicious and creamy. For starters ordered the momo which please note comes as 6 pieces so can easily be shared. Overall good experience.
"Indian Curry with a Nepali twist". The staff are always friendly, and feels very much a family restaurant with delightful ambiance. We had a private party here twice, always the standards are high. The food is mostly typical of that in the Indian restaurant, I am aware that Nepal is situated between China and India which accounts for what was on the menu. I highly recommend the lamb rogan josh and fish curry, the naan bread is baked fresh and testy.
Always the best. I have been here a few times now and the food and staff never fail to amaze me. This family run restaurant has to be "the" best Nepalese/Indian restaurant for miles. I have eaten in many London 5 star restaurants and still they do not come close to the quality of food this little restaurant creates. There is no restaurant on Newhall street or across Birmingham that comes close. Chili Chicken and Momo are just the nuts!
Jojolapa is the first Nepalese restaurant in Birmingham, located on Newhall Street. In a city well known for the cuisine of Nepal’s much more famous South Asian neighbour, the restaurant has held its own with discerning diners, so it was high time we tried it ourselves.
Atmosphere
There’s a buzzy vibrance to the place which contrasts fabulously with the moody low-lit interior, dark wood furnishings and carvings. We saw relaxed diners enjoying drinks at the bar as they waited to be seated. Jojolapa has the ‘perfect night out’ atmosphere nailed.
food
Steamed momo - chicken dumplings with mint and coriander sauce and Nepalese tomato sauce, chatamari (Nepalese pancake stuffed with vegetables and fried egg) and momo soup (chicken dimsum broth with noodles) were moreish starters. I was disappointed that the East Asian flavour to our meal pretty much ended there.
There were very few main choices that I hadn’t eaten in an Indian restaurant. I opted for one of the noted Nepalese dishes - special fish curry with nepalese spices. My guest plumped for the old faithful - lamb rogan josh. Both were nice enough but I yearned for more of the starters. The kulfi ice cream was a delicious end to the meal.
drinks
There is a very respectable wine menu but Jojolapa is the natural home for cocktail lovers. The yummy jojolapa cocktail – black vodka, midori and cranberry juice marked the start of the evening in style and Jojolapa’s twist on the mango lassi served with vodka and orange liquer was gorgeous.
overall
There are plenty of Indian restaurants in Birmingham that boast similar dishes. But many of these restaurants can only dream of achieving Jojolapa’s cosmopolitan and sexy vibe seductively teamed with a friendly and super efficient service.
We went here just yesterday for my husband's birthday and the owner and waitress were so attentive to all of our needs (16 of us may I add), including all my young nieces. The food was very flavoursome not over-spiced or bland like other restaurants, who think flavour doesn't matter. Everyone had a great time and the head waiter even sang happy birthday and brought the cake over for my husband. 5/5 highly recommend!
Wow, this place is a little jem, food excellent, cosy and contemporary. Staff so friendly, looked after us, our set meal for five was outstanding, and was totally refreshed as the dishes were eaten. Absolutely recommend this place.
Been here a few times and loved the food every time! Tasty and not too spicy. Great variety for vegetarian meals (pictured is the vegetarian platter). Veg kofta curry is a great main would recommend. Only thing I’d say is maybe more staff when it’s busy as it’s hard to get the waitress’ attention. Would definitely visit again and again, happy to support a local business
Super friendly service from Anya, we sat just inside and the front was open so we had a nice view. Not too much choice of beer, but the Stella was good. The food we tried was amazing, shared Himalayan lamb kebabs, which were delicious. I had the Naga Shatkora chicken which was perfect and just the right amount of chilli heat. Lovely surrounding inside and friendly staff make it special..
Very cosy place in the heart of Jewellery Quarter, great atmosphere with even greater food, staff and owner are very nice and kind. It is slightly on pricier side, but no regrets on the food, especially when its one of a kind Nepalese kitchen around. Definitely would recommend to anyone to try at least once. Menu has a lot of variety, so anyone should find something to like.
After visiting on Saturday evening, I was unsure about the Nepalese food as it's all new to me, but so glad I did. The food was stunning. Highly recommended if you haven't tried before. Beautiful place, staff were super friendly. Great place for cocktails. Overall can't wait to return
Stop, wait a minute, think, reflect. “Did I just experience something off the charts?” My mind was blown following a visit to Jojolapa Nepalese Bar & Restaurant.
The restaurant looks diminutive as you pass it by on the street. Enter and behold, this is no ordinary restaurant. JoJolapa’s interior queues matches its culinary intentions. It is best described as fusion: Nepalese meets Indian meets British hipster. The light pours in from the skylight giving the comfortable, lounging dining area an inviting warmth.
The service is exceptional, the concept of JoJolapa, it’s dishes and its soul are explained in detail. I recommend letting them guide you. Go on, try dishes that will open your chakra to a whole new world of food.
The pick of the dishes, for me, was the soya tikka biriyani. If I was to describe it better, it is a Nan topped rice and (Meat,vegetables,vegan meat) pie delivered with a side of curry sauce. What an amazing dish; I had to ask the serving staff if they’d accidentally served me actual chicken given how convincing the soya chicken was.
What an amazing place, the most exciting culinary experience I’ve had for a while.
Great location. Ambience and music is brilliant. Was warm inside. Staff very friendly and kind. Food was great, lots of veggie options, momos were brilliant and chilli paneer. The only reason for a four star is, first restaurant ever been to with no dessert menu and payment was cash or bank transfer only. Will however definitely be going back
Great Nepalese food and great vibes. Awesome service and staff. Vegetarian momos are must try.
It was my first time at jojo lapas. I had a really nice evening.The service was amazing and the staff was very welcoming and friendly. I loved the interior decor. I loved the presentation as it looked beautiful and was full of amazing flavours. Would recommend!
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