Jojolapa Bar & Restaurant

I can’t believe I never visited this restaurant before, despite walking past it a million times! It’s situated on Newhall street where it meets Great Charles street, so central enough for most people to get to easily. Also for some really stupid reason, I never thought it would essentially be a curry house, not ‘fine dining’ cuisine that I had thought, considering the other restaurants in the area. That’s not putting it down however, I was really pleased with the menu –classic dishes such as chicken tikka masala for example, but a few Nepalese specialities where on it, that I decided to try.
We were are party of 25 and considering the lack of staff, as it was only a Tuesday night, they managed really well. Everyone got everything they ordered in a reasonable time. The first time I’ve ever finished a curry! In fact, every plate was clean!
Starters were £5, mains £10−12, naan bread £2.50, pint of Mongoose £4.
I am looking forward to going back again!

A group of six of us ate here on a Thursday evening and although it wasn’t particularly busy (correction, there were probably another four diners inside), we had a fine meal and the service was attentive.
You don’t tend to see many Nepalese/​Himalayan restaurants — we have Tibetan Kitchen in Manchester (
), but that’s more of a takeaway with a few seats if you wanted to dine in. Anyway, I was looking forward to trying the cuisine again.
The menu is quite comprehensive, though on seeing they had steamed momos (dumplings) I ordered those and was copied for four of my workmates when they saw how keen I was. A generous serving of six chicken momos with some salad and dipping sauces — they were fine but I preferred the beef momos in Manchester if I’m honest.
For mains, I had to try their ‘Award Winning Lamb Rogan Josh’, which had tender pieces of lamb, containing «dozens of spices», tomato pieces, coriander and cashew nuts. My photo of this dish really doesn’t do it justice, but believe me when I say it was delicious, especially coupled with a garlic naan.
Washed down with a large bottle of Nepalese beer, it was a hearty and enjoyable meal, if not lacking in atmosphere.

I have walked past this place for years, but only popped in a couple of weeks ago. The interior décor is genuinely lovely and gives a feel of opulence (without the price tag that goes with it). There was the right level of background music for a good conversation and it feels intimate and cosy.
The food is Nepalese, and if you’re unfamiliar; think spicy, hybrid Chinese/​Tibetian and Indian flavors. I opted for an Okra side as a main which was colorful and flavorful with a mix of spices and herbs. The rice was really good too!
The menu is extensive with a mix of meat and vegetarian dishes, all served by friendly and helpful waiting staff.
I had a nice glass of white wine with my meal and was stuffed after my main and side. The whole meal (for mine) was around £15 on a Friday night. They do great offers in the week as well (if you’re looking for somewhere for a swift business lunch).
If you’ve never popped in and fancy somewhere new to check out on a Friday night, give Jojolapa’s a go.

I dropped in just before 10:00PM on a Friday, the place was busy but not packed. Décor very pleasant, service prompt, efficient, and friendly but dignified. The food was exceptional, led by a superb rogan josh. Prices very reasonable. I strongly recommend this place.

A Nepalese restaurant in Birmingham city centre is a about as rare a Yeti, and the quality of the food is equally as legendary.
Perched high on the slopes of Newhall Street, Jojolapa has an eye-​catching and slightly unusual appearance — I often wonder what this building used to be back in the day. When my husband and I visited recently we took a deep breath of the thin air, and entered not really knowing what to expect from a Nepalese restaurant. We needn’t have worried. The staff were wonderful and the welcome was very warm. The flavours were equally beautiful and noticeably different from the other Asian cuisines that Birmingham is so very famous for that we are used to.
When we went we took advantage of the two courses for only £6.99 offer. We couldn’t have asked for a better introduction into Nepalese food or culture for that matter! Thanks Jojolapa!

Jojolapa is a Nepalese restaurant on Newhall Street just outside of
Birmingham’s town centre. But is it, cough, worth the trek? I could never be sure, and Yet-​i always wanted to go (another little cough).
The venue is small but smart and features leather chairs, Nepalese art and dark wood finishings.
Service is fast and friendly. A large group of us went one lunchtime and we were all served quickly from the set lunch menu.
Nepalese food will appear mostly familiar to those who know their classic Indian fare of curry, rice and bread. The difference seemed to be an extra layer of richness, with creamier sauces where your tastebuds had once known spice. It could be the dfference between finishing admittedly not overly-​large portions or leaving that bit about which a mother would tell you off. If not quite full of Eastern promise, it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed.