Rosa’s lunchtime extravaganza
By Thomas Attwood, Birmingham’s first Member of Parliament
We are proud to host one of the city’s most famous sons, Thomas Attwood, right here in Chamberlain Square.
The city’s first Member of Parliament, elected in 1832, Attwood was a vital figure in the city’s growth in the nineteenth century and now reclines on the steps by the Town Hall. Here we imagine his thoughts about the many restaurants and cafés that grace Paradise.
Rosa’s Thai has been beckoning me for a visit for some time. It was one of the first restaurants to open at Paradise back in 2020, and has been doing a simply storming trade ever since, or so I am told.
I have only ever heard positive reviews about this authentic Thai restaurant and have made it my priority in recent weeks to get up and sample its wares as part of my aim for the year – to visit each and every refreshment house across Paradise.
Walking into this exceptionally clean and modern-looking space on Centenary Way certainly made me feel my age – which isn’t hard these days since I am more than two hundred years old!
The restaurant was full of people, many with colourful drinks in front of them, as well as plates and bowls of amazingly colourful food.
But it was the warming aromas of coconut milk and chillies that really drew me in, along with the delicious smells of fresh herbs – particularly basil, coriander and mint.
After much angling of my stiff limbs, I managed to ease myself into a corner seat by the window which ensured I had views up and down Centenary Way and could watch the crowds pass by in their finest attire and equally immaculate footwear.
I am always impressed by the quality and appearance of modern dress: people look smart even when wearing their causal clothes. You can see the quality of their garments.
But anyway, I digress!
A pleasant young man came and took my order, and I was very excited about what would arrive. In my day, Thai food was a faintly-whispered rumour more than a widely-understood cuisine – back in the day no-one I knew had ever experienced it, and its names and ingredients all sounded like exotic fancies which could simply never be prepared in Georgian Britain.
But the country has changed since then – and for the better I’m glad to report. We’re more alive these days to doing things differently. And my watching the world go by was gloriously interrupted by the quick arrival of my food and its amazing aromas.
First of all, Prawn Crackers – not what I quite expected, but delicious nonetheless – a bit like a super satisfying crisp, but better and with an entirely moreish texture. The tiny bowl of chilli sauce that came with the crackers gave the bite I had been looking for without being overly spicy.
Next, the main, a dish with the irresistible name of Drunken Noodles, which I considered a must-try! It turned out to be a super spicy bowl of garlic and chilli-infused noodles with enormous king prawns (other protein options were also available, I must add).
The saltiness of the seafood definitely seemed to go well with the spice and flavouring of the sauce. The twisty, slippery noodles certainly offered a satisfying texture – and left me craving more.
One thing I must admit though about eating Thai food is I did have to ignore the chopsticks placed before me and utilise the helpfully available fork instead.
As much as I wanted to try chopsticks, looking around me at the dexterity and obvious experience of some of my fellow diners reminded me chopsticks were just not going to work out for me, at least not at a first try.
Others looked like they were well practiced with their finger work and I was not. Also, to be fair, my hands are made of bronze which does put me at quite a disadvantage – imagine trying to eat a meal with a pair of metal gloves on!
So chopsticks apart, I enjoyed the food immensely and can see exactly why this restaurant always seems to be busy. The food was unique, fresh and spicy – a great combination, I have learned, and one that truly packs a punch – as well as being good value too.
To make a booking at Rosa’s, or check out the menu, visit Thai Restaurant & Takeaway in Birmingham | Rosa’s Thai