Balsall Heath isn't the first place you'd look for Brum’s best bites. Yet, nonchalantly poised between nothing in particular and even less, Ashiana can confidently claim the crown for Birmingham’s very best Persian plates.
The pick of the starters is the northern Iranian mirza ghasemi (baked aubergines mashed up with with lots of garlic and herbs). Satisfyingly smokey and served up with a generous, straight-from-the-oven flatbread, the biggest challenge you'll face is leaving room for the main event.
The charcoal-grilled minced lamb skewers are the pick of the mains. Marinated and seasoned in a manner befitting royalty, they're almost impossibly juicy.
If you don't fancy dining in, take advantage of free delivery within a three-mile radius. Previously BYO, Ashiana's attitudes to alcohol are less relaxed than they used to be, so exercise sensitivity if bringing booze.