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    Cafe Soya

    4.0 (12 reviews)
    InexpensiveCoffee & Tea, Chinese
    Open 12:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Cafe Soya Photos

    CAFE SOYA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Soya

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    Phil D.

    The original and still the best (compared to its bigger, super slow sister restaurant around the corner). The food is fine, and fast. Big selection of noodles, rice n sides. Lunch for two (2 x mains, 2 x sides, 2 x soft drinks) £25. It's closed on Wednesdays, and it's cash only.

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    14 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    10 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    15 years ago

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    Review Highlights - Cafe Soya

    This small branch of Cafe Soya in the arcadian is fantastic.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Henrys Cantonese Restaurant

    Henrys Cantonese Restaurant

    (12 reviews)

    ££

    Jewellery Quarter, Historical Quarter - Jewellery Quarter

    The great thing about eating at a Chinese restaurant is that, generally speaking, no matter what…read morethe eating idiosyncrasies of the people you are dining with, everyone can find what they want. No pork? No fish? Vegetarian? No problem. Love pork? Love fish? Omnivore? No problem. We really had no idea where we were going when we boarded the taxi at our hotel and headed into Birmingham. I had spent a few minutes on Yelp and the Jewellery Quarter seemed like it had a number of good restaurants. Our cab driver was very friendly and helpful and pointed out several options for where we might eat when we reached our destination. It was getting late and it was damp and cold out, so we figured that Henry's Cantonese - despite its middle-of-the-road Yelp reviews was as good a bet as any. As we entered the restaurant it appeared to be packed. A good sign! It was only after we actually were seated did it become evident that all the people we saw was a single large party, possibly a group of co-workers. No matter. The service at Henry's was very polite and attentive. We ordered some drinks and appetizers and got down to studying the menu, which was very diverse and extensive. After a long day, we were happy to have a chance to sit back and relax a bit, so we waited for our appetizers to arrive before ordering our main dishes. The wait staff was perfectly happy to accommodate our leisurely pace. The Deep Fried Crispy Won Tons (http://bit.ly/XOBwX8) arrived first and they made quite a statement, with a large and almost artistic thin won ton crust deep fried to nearly the consistency of a cracker. Next came the Satay Chicken Skewers (http://bit.ly/XOBvCI) which were bathed in a thick peanut sauce. The chicken was prepared perfectly, tender and juicy. Finally, the Deep Fried Vegetarian Spring Rolls arrived which I have to admit were a bit disappointing, both because there were only two spring rolls and because they didn't meet the same standards as the other appetizers. (Pro tip for the wait staff: If there are three at a table and they order an appetizer that comes in twos, maybe mention that to them. Better to have one extra than one too few.) Two of us ordered the Chicken and Sweet Corn soup which was delicious. The third of us ordered the Chicken Won Ton soup and also enjoyed it thoroughly. At the time we ordered our main dishes we were concerned that we had ordered way too much food: Deep Fried Crispy Sichuan Beef (http://bit.ly/XOBbnl) Stir Fried Chicken and Cashew Nuts (http://bit.ly/XOBdLT) Sweet & Sour Tofu (http://bit.ly/XOBcI0) Grilled Honey and Black Pepper Chicken (http://bit.ly/XOB8YG) Vegetable Fried Rice But, by the time we were done, nearly every dish was cleaned out and each was delicious in its own way. My favorite dish was probably the Deep Fried Crispy Sichuan Beef. Why does everything taste so good when it's deep fried? The beef was crispy and tender. How do they do that? The Stir Fried Chicken and Cashew Nuts was served thick with vegetables and was perfect. The Sweet and Sour Tofu was probably the least popular dish at the table. The tofu was a bit soft for my particular taste. Still the majority of the plate was eaten. The Grilled Honey and Black Pepper Chicken, which was ordered off the Chef's Special Recommendations menu was gone in no time. Fantastic. I have to say that the fact that Henry's Cantonese only has a 3-star average on Yelp is perplexing to me. The existing reviews seem to focus on two issues, one being that it is expensive and the second, that some of the dishes are served greasy. Happily that was not our experience at all. The food was across the board 4-star and 5-star quality and not one dish, including the vegetable fried rice, was greasy in anyway. Our total bill for three, including alcohol and tip was £91.70 or about USD $139.30. Now maybe that's a lot for simple take out, but this was not take out. It was a leisurely meal, in a lovely restaurant (including a live piano player) with delicious food and great service. What a pleasure it is to be able to write that last sentence. What a pleasure our entire meal was.

    On their TAKE AWAY:…read more I love their containers -- I wish I lived in the UK. If I did, I would rack up all the containers and then reuse them. Their location is not really very ideal. It's sort of awkward because it's the only restaurant right in/near St. Paul's and a little further from the main road where restuarants are in the Jewelry District. I decided to pick up some mapo tofu because i wanted tofu! and i was too lazy to walk too far. So, I ordered some mapo tofu for lunch. It was fine. Not too much to say.... it was a little greasy, I think. But it was fine. Nothing too memorable, nothing horrible. They had someone playing a piano in the evening, so I guess that can be nice..... It's really quiet. Ambience is nice as well.

    Vittoria Chinese Restaurant & Bar

    Vittoria Chinese Restaurant & Bar

    (6 reviews)

    ££

    Historical Quarter - Jewellery Quarter, Jewellery Quarter

    This place was truly a pleasant surprise. I'd heard about a new Chinese restaurant in the JQ but…read morehasn't had chance to check it out. A Saturday night in on my own gave me the perfect opportunity. I couldn't find anything online that would give me an indication of the price, what food they offered or anything except a Twitter feed, and not being one of the 'Twitterati' that was no good to me. A quick stroll down there laid any apprehensions to rest. An extensive menu offering all you'd expect and some very interesting variations, and for takeaway customers you can knock 20% if the price it says on the menu. I was greeted by a very friendly barman who called over one of the serving staff to take my order after I'd had chance to peruse the menu. My order was taken promptly and I decided to have a pint while I waited. Opting for some prawn toast and a mixed seafood chow mein I honestly had no idea about the quality of the food til I got home. Yes, the interior is lovely and well presented. I thought the big screen tv playing a music channel and the lack of Chinese beers on draught was somewhat lacking but each to their own. The food was brought out to me promptly and I really didn't feel out of place sitting at the bar while diners around me enjoyed intimate dinners in the booths. While walking home I was unsure if I'd ordered enough food, but I most certainly had. 4 slices of very good prawn toast with just the right amount of sesame and a veritable mountain of chow mein stuffed to the brim with succulent prawns, squid and scallops. Couple that with a couple of beers and some kung fu movies and, for me, that's a damn good night in! 4 stars at the moment, although I will most definitely be back to dine in. Vittoria bar and restaurant is an incredibly welcome addition to what is becoming a wonderfully diverse selection of dining options in the JQ.

    I'm always happy to review places up or down depending on further experience. Last night I ended up…read moreworking late and just needed to sit down en route home and finally eat something after a crazy day. Walking past Vittoria I decided on the fly to popped in to try their evening menu; previously I think I'd only tried their lunch specials. I have to say that the chicken chow mien was the best I'd ever eaten ... anywhere! Really tasty and fresh. I was too tired to bother with the menu (which is huge) so just plucked the choice out of the ether! The ribs were very good too tho' the too sticky and sweet sauce/dressing wasn't my thing. Free prawn crackers, smashing! My orange juice was weak and watery so no 5***** this time. Portion size and presentation was very good ... had enough for a decent doggie bag. So it's good to see a solid improvement over my last experience. I can add Vittoria back onto my local hangout list!

    China Town Noodle

    China Town Noodle

    (8 reviews)

    ££

    Historical Quarter - Chinese Quarter, Southside

    Looking for a half good Chinese takeaway as the usual l e that l go to was closed l came across…read morethis one due to their late closing time. Usually l don't like going to places that l don't know or been recommended as usually l find the worst places that you can possibly find. I ordered the BBQ pork special with rice with a side order of prawn crackers. On getting back to the apartments where l was staying l found the food to be rather warm and not hot as it should be, a few minutes in the magic box fixed this. The meal in the end was rather bland and boring, and lacked in a sauce of some sort. The food was ok in the end but definitely not worth £8.50

    I don't want to tell you about this place. Hidden in a small side street, (that you'd never know…read moreabout,) in between the grandiose frontages of Chung Ying and the twin stone lions of China court is Bath Passage. And in that small street lies the simply named Chinatown Noodle Bar & Take Away. This food is the real deal. Their speciality is Chinese Quarter Big Pot Noodles. These are long noodle soup meals served in huge bowls, and I dare you to try to finish one. There are 35 variations to chose from. The last on the list is capitalised and listed seemingly inauspiciously 'HELL RAMEN' (Beef or Lamb), but as it has the number 35 it is considered most lucky in Feng Shui. Drinks included the very 'now' Bubble Tea (where have you been?) and my standard , hot soy milk. If you want quick service you will get it here, hands down. In the time that it takes between ordering and getting the food on your table, you've hardly even time to even start on you drink. And that's good. Ok, Maybe not for an evening out, but for a weekday afternoon, the speed of service and everything about this place feels just right. But its our secret, right?

    Han Dynasty

    Han Dynasty

    (1 review)

    City Core

    This place is wonderful. If you have lived in China then you will recognize the authenticity of…read morethis Birmingham establishment. Oh I guess even if you never lived in China you'll probably realize that something is up. Simply stated, I think that a great way to check if a restaurant is authentic is if you are the only person there who does not come from the country where the food is from... This restaurant brings heavy Szechuan influence to its dishes and the main focus is hot pot and open face grill. Hot pot is a meal where you get a soup pot full of broth (normal or spicy) and then you add the meats and veggies you want to be cooked in the pot. It gets better and better as you cook more stuff.... Well if you cook good stuff and pick the right combos. They provide each table with individual hot plaques built into the table's surface at each place and a grill in the middle where you can grill some shrimp or thinly sliced beef or lamb. They have a buffet deal for all you can eat hot pot and grill ingredients for about 16£ and although it might not inspire the untrained eye - the selection of meats and veggies (and sauces) is just like what you would have in China. I also have tried several other dishes and I highly recommend the dumplings, the eggplant (the best I have found in the UK), and the spicy "Han" noodles (with a cucumber, garlic, and chili sauce - again not for the faint of taste bud). Don't forget a pot of tea to wash it down and cool off from the spices! The staff are super friendly and are happy to exchange in Chinese if you know a few words :) I love this spot and will be coming back for more soon!

    Look In

    Look In

    (4 reviews)

    £

    Historical Quarter - Gay Village, Southside

    Okay, Peach Garden used to be my favourite go to Hong Kong Style cafe but I think I have found a…read morenew favourite. Twice in a weekend .... It must be. It is under new management and been renovated, it has been open for a little over a month. It is opposite to the entrance of the Arcadian. The owners previously ran/worked in Peach Garden as did most of the staff. There are Roasted Ducks, Crispy Roast Pork and Soya Chicken hanging in the window looking very tasty. The menu is comprehensive with many traditional dishes including my favourite noodles dish ... Crispy Noodles with shredded meat which is delicious. I also tried Soya Chicken and Roast Duck with Won Ton Noodles in soup which was very tasty. Service is quick and staff are pleasant. Their English isn't great but how is your Cantonese but they give it a good go. Makes me cringe when (English) people order sweet & sour chicken, chicken curry with fried rice or chicken fried rice .... You can get these from your local take away!! Try something different and traditional you never know you might like it but you won't know until you step out of you comfort zone. Prices are reasonable and the Ice lemon tea is very good. If you can find a seat take it and try it!!

    Definitely 5 stars The dishes are sooooooooo good…read more Authentic Chinese cuisine. I would recommend the roasted duck rice dish. It is so amazing. My favorite restaurant in town. You should also try the fried noodles with seafood or with roasted duck. The dish is also chinese unique style. OMG! Love this place

    Cafe Soya - coffee - Updated May 2026

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