I visited Mela just before Christmas for a Christmas curry with three friends.
Although I've lived in Harborne for three years now, this was my first visit to Mela *hangs head in shame*. In fact it was my first time out for a sit down curry in as many years. It's something that I used to do a lot as a couple, but being single one heads more to pubs and bars than restaurants. I don't know why, it just works out like that.
Mela sits above Haart (I think they're related to the Quagaars), in the centre of Harborne High Street. That's not centre as in the middle of the road, otherwise one would get run over by a bus whist stuffing down a balti. Ok, it's half way along the high street (How's that?).
The décor is classic for it's genre; high back leather chairs, strange abstract art on the walls, low lighting and fine white linen on the tables.
Mela is a Bangladeshi balti house. I believe it's named after the Boishakhi Mêla), which is East London's celebration of the Bengali New Year and is the largest Bengali celebration outside of Bangladesh.
I generally find the level of service is much higher in South Asian restaurants, than in those that're British ran around the same price range, and Mela was no exception. The waiters are attentive, but not pushy.
As one would expect at such venues the beer is the (modern) traditional Cobra, priced at £3.95 for a 660ml bottle, which is cheaper than a pint in most of Harborne's pubs.
I opted for the 'Chicken Shashlick Bhuna Balti', (which is described as "diced chicken cooked with oil, garlic, ginger and homemade shashlick sauce with diced bell peppers and onions in a medium sauce served in a traditional balti dish"), with a Keema Naan. It was so delicious, I just wanted to put it in my face for ever!
Two of associates ordered the Tawa, which arrived at the table sizzling on a traditional tawa dish, adding a touch of theatre to the experience. Needless to say, we were all very pleased with our choices.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any photos, as I was too busy enjoying myself.
None of us had any rice, just a main + naan each, but we were all completely and contentedly stuffed! We paid £75 between the four of us, which included a £10+ tip, so I guess It came to just over £15 each - not bad for a delicious meal & large beer.
I'm certainly going to return, and may have to drag some more people along next time! read more