Located in the vibrant heart of Birmingham’s business district this modern Chinese restaurant delivers an unforgettable evening that delights all the senses. Tattu Birmingham combines a sophisticated ambiance with innovative cuisine, and impeccable service.
Despite being open now for five years, this was my first experience of dining at Tattu. Stepping downstairs into the main dining area you’re immediately captivated by the stunning interior that’s dominated by an exquisite canopy of cherry blossom, beautifully lit and twinkling to create an intimate and romantic experience. This is definite date night territory.
We’re nestled into deeply padded banquette seating where we can admire the open kitchen and traditional artwork that have been given a manga makeover. The other half references Kill Bill and I nod as I check over the reassuringly not too full menu.
There’s a traditional a la carte option but we decided to choose from Tattu’s Modern Sharing Menu where signature dishes are paired together to create a distinctive dining experience in ‘waves’ rather than courses. Sharing Menu’s start from £69 per head for three course and we plumped for the middle option, The Tattu Signature priced at £99 per head along with a glass of (really, very good) house white to accompany.
Our culinary adventure began with delicious Wagyu Beef Gyoza and Peking Duck Pancakes, a classic that Tattu elevated to new heights. The duck was succulent and perfectly roasted, its skin crispy and rich. Accompanied by delicate pancakes, fresh cucumber, and spring onions, each bite was a symphony of textures and flavours. The hoisin sauce added a sweet and savory depth that tied the dish together beautifully.
The ritual of pancake making is so satisfying, especially when the results are so tasty, that I’d almost forgotten that this was just our first wave and a plethora of aesthetically artisanal dishes arrived for us to enjoy. First to be explores was the Sea Bass Chinese Curry. This dish was a revelation, for me as someone who (childishly) refers to fish and seafood as cat food. Excuse the pun but it got me hooked. Featuring tender sea bass bathed in a vibrant, aromatic curry sauce. The curry had a delightful balance of spice and sweetness with lemongrass adding a hint of Thai cooking to the flavours. The delicate flavour of the sea bass was complemented, not over powered making it a perfect example of Tattu’s ability to innovate while respecting traditional Chinese flavors.
The Wok Fried Angry Bird, intriguingly named, did not disappoint. This dish featured tender pieces of crispy chicken wok-fried with a fiery blend of spices and vegetables. The heat was perfectly balanced, allowing the flavours to shine and not be outspiced!
One of the highlights of our meal was the Caramel Soy Aged Beef. Served medium rare, the beef was incredibly tender, melting in the mouth with each bite. The caramel soy glaze provided a delightful balance of sweetness and umami, making it an absolute treat. This dish was a standout, showcasing the depth of flavour that can be achieved with high-quality ingredients and expert preparation.
Accompanying the main courses was the Pak Choi and Ginger. This simple yet elegant dish featured fresh pak choi lightly sautéed with ginger. The ginger added a subtle warmth that complemented the natural sweetness of the pak choi, making it much more than just a side dish.
The Shredded Duck Rice completed this Wave, offering a hearty and satisfying complement to the other dishes. The rice was perfectly cooked and worked well accompanying the other dishes on our table, particularly the sauce from the Sea Bass.
Our second wave completed to our best abilities, leftovers were packaged up for us to take home- there is a lot of food here, we settled in for the final act of this culinary performance, Tattu’s signature Cherry Blossom dessert, a fittingly beautiful finale.
A true wow moment, a bonsai tree of dark chocolate and the most delicious candy floss I have ever tasted is rooted in a crisp soil with light strawberry mouse and a hill of raspberry sorbet. Almost too beautiful to eat, this delicious desert was a true showstopper and the perfect ending to what was definitely the very best dining experience I’ve had in a very long time.
Throughout our dining experience, the service at Tattu was impeccable. The staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the food. Each dish was presented with care and precision, and the staff took the time to explain the ingredients and the inspiration behind them, enhancing our appreciation of the meal and making sure that none of the menu became overwhelming.
Tattu Birmingham offers an extraordinary dining experience that is both sophisticated and welcoming. The Tattu Signatures modern sharing menu offers good value for money and is a perfect showcase of the restaurant’s ability to blend traditional Chinese flavours with contemporary culinary techniques and meticulous attention to detail.
The stunning ambiance, combined with impeccable service, makes Tattu a must-visit destination for anyone seeking an unforgettable dining experience. It may have taken me five years to get there, but it won’t take me anywhere near as long to return.
To find out more or to book your table visit www.tattu.co.uk
