Baloci - an indo Persian delight

The Baloci restaurant opens in Edgbaston tonight taking up home in the former Edgbaston Boutique Hotel on the Highfield Road.

The owners have transformed the venue into a romantic Indo Persian love affair, where diners can embark on an electric gastronomic experience that will take you on an enchanting journey along the historic culinary highways of the Silk Road, unfolding the vibrant and diverse food culture of Turkey, Iran, Balochistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India.

The name is inspired by the nomadic Baloch tribes that navigated these regions. They thrived not only by adapting to diverse climates and terrains but also by embracing the various cultures they encountered – much like the unique menu that blends the regional cuisines of these vibrant territories.

We were invited to the exclusive preview last month. We started off with cocktails in the blue cocktail lounge which gives off a deeply sexy vibe! The mixologist suggested a Queen Atusa cocktail - a raspberry infused vodka topped off with champagne. 

We were then escorted to the red dining room for the main event.  This room is full on red velvet - plush soft furnishings with touches of gold, portraits of gorgeous maidens and Persian rugs. We loved the little touches here - the menus are in red leather with Baloci embossed gold napkin rings. It’s only 25 covers so it’s going to be very exclusive!

There is only one option - an exquisite 10 course tasting menu called “The Silk Road” experience at £100pp.

This started with an amuse bouche of ripe fig with a rich mousse of mountain herbs. Apparently, a Persian tradition.  This was followed by an Aegean seabass, cooked simply in olive oil and oh so tasty. Our favourites were the Afghan Kabuli Pulao served in a clay pot and the luxurious Delhi’s Butter chicken which was hidden under an embossed batura bread. All beautifully presented and wonderfully tasty.   In between we were given a palate cleanser of pomegranate sorbet which was lovely. 

We really enjoyed the sweet silk road dessert which was thoughtfully conjured up in a plate surrounded by dry ice which had a mix of crushed jalebi, khir and Gulab Jamun. Our final course was a second dessert of cardamom barfi and masala chai in the cutest of tea cups.

– we were then given a gold coin to gain entry into the Zoroaster Bar - a subterranean gold delight - where we enjoyed some new cocktails against the backdrop of a live pianist. The team at Baloci are well mannered, friendly and helpful and the decor and food makes its truly memorable experience for those with impeccable taste. Can’t wait to go again.

Author: Dine Hub Team