They do a dish at the Blue Piano for which all other dishes should be judged. It’s a carrot cake in type, though in reality a steamed radish cake; an even less palatable name for the everyday unadventurous natives of our fine country. You can see why they stuck with carrot. The cubes of steamed radish and rice flour are pale throughout, spare the edges, which have been lightly browned in a pan with scrambled egg that coats and adds an unctuous layer. They are spongy in texture, with only a little bite from a fine julienne of spring onion and chilli that adds a warming heat. It could easily be the best breakfast you have ever had, though here it is a starter, beguiling and delicious in equal parts. It must make the top ten, no, top five dishes in Birmingham.
It’s always intriguing to try a restaurant whose name doesn’t give you any indication as to what will be on offer. The Blue Piano, in Edgbaston, is a South East Asian restaurant situated on the busy Harborne Road. The owners are from Singapore, and wanted to bring the diverse Oriental cuisine of this island – taking in Thai, Cambodian and Malaysian influences – to Birmingham. When I got the invite to dine at the restaurant I quickly had a look at their website to see what would be on offer. Having never eaten this type of cuisine before, I wanted to be prepared.
Atmosphere
Situated in an old Victorian house, there are several rooms that make up this colonial-inspired restaurant. There is a bar that you can relax in either before you dine, or just for drinks. Opposite this there is a more relaxed lounge area with leather sofas and a large fire. These lead you through to the restaurant which has wicker chairs and chandeliers. We visited mid-week and there were only a few other diners, so it was difficult to get the full feel of what the atmosphere would be like when busy. But I suspect it would be something near the luxurious hustle and bustle of a Singaporean hotel such as Raffles. I loved the relaxed music that was playing, which certainly added to the colonial atmosphere they are trying to emulate.
food
I was really looking forward to the food, although still not sure what to quite expect. For starters, I was instantly drawn to the Singapore carrot cake, so along with this we also chose the clementi sharing platter. The carrot cake, which is one of the signature dishes, is made of savoury rice cakes combining carrots, mooli and spices. I must say I really enjoyed it. The texture of the savoury rice cakes and carrots was more like rubbery fish to me and my companion commented that they looked like potato wedges. All of the flavours combined well together. I could have easily had a larger portion as a main course. The Clementi sharing platter overall got the thumbs up, consisting of two chicken satay skewers, two cheeky prawns, and a five spice roll (pork wrapped in tofu skin). We both enjoyed the prawns and the roll, but my companion found the chicken skewers a little bit dry.
For the main course, I chose roast duck, rambutan and jackfruit red curry with stir-fried noodles. I do tend to prefer sweeter dishes rather than spicy, so this was a perfect choice for me. I thought the grouping of flavours worked well, especially the exotic fruits, and I feel the accompaniment of egg noodles rather than rice added to the intensity of flavour.
My companion chose prawn tamarind curry with nasi lemak rice. It was served on a large leaf and there was a lot on the plate. He remarked on the interesting contrast of textures: soft rice cooked in coconut milk and aromatic herbs, alongside crunchy roasted peanuts. The tamarind-flavoured prawns and anchovies. We thought that this was all the dish needed, and the prawn crackers, hardboiled egg and cucumber slices were unnecessary extras. However, this could be my English palate speaking.
We were convinced to have dessert. For me it had to be, fresh out of the oven, orange drizzle cake with orange curd. This was a really light flavoursome cake and the orange curd was a really lovely complement. My companion had the Japanese Moochi ice-cream choosing two flavours of green tea and sesame. We both looked at these inquisitively when they came out; they didn’t look like ‘normal’ ice cream and nor did they taste like it! The texture could only be described as slightly rubbery. They are made of rice skin, which gives them this unique gelatinous feel. We had mixed feelings on this; if you are expecting a refreshing dairy ice cream then it’s not the dessert for you.
drinks
There is a good selection of wines, draught beers, spirits and cocktails available. My companion enjoyed a couple of glasses of the house white wine, which he found fruity and exotic, in keeping with the menu.
pricing
Singapore Carrot Cake = £4.95
Clementi sharing platter = £10.95
Prawn Tamarind Curry with Nasi Lemak = £16.95
Roast Duck, Rambutan and Jackfruit Red Curry = £10.95
Stir-fried Noodles and Beansprouts = £3.95
overall
For my first foray into South East Asian food, I was impressed with Blue Piano. I loved the unusual flavour combinations and am keen to try more. It certainly has more pizzazz than other Oriental food in Birmingham, such as Chinese. It is a shame that the night we visited was quiet as I think this style of restaurant needs a vibrant atmosphere to show off. I liked the individual spaces for relaxing and private parties, as well as the outside garden.
We went to celebrate my moms birthday, venue is beautiful, there was live music and a great atmosphere. Staff were friendly and attentive. The food was okay, not amazing. Would come back but not for the food.
The food is exceptional and the staff were very pleasent and attentive.
I was very greatful to be able to retire to a comfy bed in my room upstairs after a lovely meal.
Very nice place, nice atmosphere, only downside is the stage outside is in the wrong place, could make far better use of the garden if the stage was at the bottom of the garden allowing more people to enjoy it and the outside bar can hear what you are saying
First time visiting on Saturday. Had a walk round the Artisan market then popped in for food and drink. Such a beautiful place, outside terrace was lovely to sit in as the sun was shining. Fairly busy too. Pork belly baguette was delicious 😋 The server was in the brown trousers and striped shirt was very attentive to detail. Will definitely return
We had an anniversary party on the 11th of March, 2023. Many thanks to Maddie, Shreeti, and all the team for a wonderful time. The food was fantastic and was enjoyed by everyone. One of our friends is vegan and was given their own food, dinner ware, and cutlery. He was very appreciative of the first class service. The band was excellent playing music across the board so that we all had a good dance. The bar service was also great, with nobody left waiting for a drink. Thank you all so much. We will be back.
My friends booked a weekend stay and the private room for my hen party with afternoon tea. I cannot thank the staff enough for their hospitality. All of the food and drinks were amazing and they were so accommodating and flexible. The venue itself is gorgeous, has a lovely ambience and we loved the live music on the Friday night. I live locally so cannot wait to come back to enjoy the garden next time!
Absolutely fantastic and atmospheric venue. Amazing food, fabulous service and the best in entertainment. Cannot fault it. I’d use it for all family celebrations now. Am now in process of booking my daughter in laws wedding party there. The garden is gorgeous. Love love love this place!
The Blue Piano has a nice ambiance to it and is definitely a place that's worth a visit. The food is simply amazing. The chef has to be one of the best as the Rendang Curry has the authentic taste that can be found in South East Asia. So does the carrot cake which I thoroughly recommend (but be aware that it is not a dessert but rather a savourit starter). The portions are large but not in a wasteful manner. It's definitely a place worth visiting!
The only reason I'm awarding it 4 stars is due to a speaker that's been blown and has been constantly cranked up to maximum volume, which made the buzzing sound rather annoying despite asking to lower the volume. Also, the staff made a mistake with the order, but that's been quickly rectified so I can't hold that against them. The manager has been superb.
Comfortable stay,clean rooms,free parking and great location
Absolutely delightful, live music, wonderful food and a splendid atmosphere. Get there early on live music nights
An error has occurred! Please try again in a few minutes