Cafe Soya

4 Upper Dean Street
Digbeth
B5 4SG
0121 622 3888
(near to Birmingham's market)

We recently visited Cafe Soya, (not to be confused with its sister restaurant of the same name in the Arcadian Centre), a Vietnamese restaurant near to Birmingham's markets. The restaurant is large with lots of room so is ideal for groups and families but perhaps not so much for cosy, intimate dinners for two, although there were a number of couples, like ourselves, there. It is obviously popular as we went on a wet Monday evening and it was quite busy. The staff are all very pleasant and friendly and the service throughout our meal was attentive and efficient.

The menu is large and varied and we were told that all the dishes could be cooked using vegetarian meat substitutes if desired, so it could be described as a sort of vegetarian's heaven, although there is obviously a wide choice for all. Dishes are drawn from Vietnamese, Chinese and Thai cultures.

Portions are very generous and well presented. We chose Vietnamese Vegetarian Spring Rolls (£3.80) and Chicken and Tofu Skewer Mix (£4.80) to start which was accompanied by a pot of fragrant tea which was replenished during our meal. For the main course, Robert had Vietnamese Beef Curry Hot Pot at £7.80 and I opted for the Vegetarian Tofu with Aubergine in Garlic Black Bean Sauce for £6.50. Both were tasty and plentiful, so much so that unfortunately we had no room left for a dessert! These are very reasonably priced at only £2.00 for traditional fresh soya dessert to £3.50 for a range of ice cream and fruit sundaes. Cafe Soya is well known for its range of teas and delicious fresh fruit smoothies which provide a touch of something different to accompany your meal.

So, for delicious food with a bit of a difference, very reasonably priced, we would recommend a visit to Cafe Soya.