Tried the “best burrito in birmingham” to see if it could live up to the claims and got beef

If you pass by the bullring, you might see the signage. Slapped all over the sides of the escalators on the M&S side are signs claiming that “Birmingham’s best burrito” is within walking distance of that spot.

Zambrero opened where Indian Streatery used to be, up that hill to St Martins between the two halves of the arena, in May. That’s a bold claim, I thought.

My friend Harry asked if it was legal to claim something was “the best” in this way. I reminded him of the time when I fully supported that sandwich in the Great Western Arcade, the spring rolls in Harborne and the unforgettable lunch menu at Opheem, and added that I would positively encourage him if the business or person saying that he would have full confidence that it was true.

Read more: Tried the family friendly cafe next to a lovely park just down the road from Birmingham

Sign up to Brum Food Club’s free weekly newsletter for updates on what’s happening in the town’s food and drink scene.

So before heading to Toca Social, the new football bar that Debenhams was in, we came to test Zambrero’s big claim. Sitting looking at the menu, in a restaurant with no customers but us, I feel a sense of ja vu.

As I recall, there was a burrito at this location years ago. Mission, maybe? A failed mission, clearly. Indian Streatery took over and now Zambrero was tightening its cover, just as it spins on Colmore Row.

The menu is pretty simple, really. Chicken breast, barbacoa beef or chili ‘zin’ soy minced meat served in regular burritos, a fried version, in bowls or tacos. There are also quesadillas as well as nachos.

I opted for the veggie version, while Harry ordered the roast beef. Watching him eat was like watching someone who had just arrived on earth try to eat a burrito, but I’ll get back to that.

The service, I must say, was exceptional. The genial service was friendly and welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable, telling us how they donate a meal to someone in need every time you buy a bowl or a burrito.

There’s a counter on the wall showing how many have been added up as the brand pushes for a billion. Wild. The fact that the guy serving didn’t know us from other customers, but still wanted to talk about it, I thought was noteworthy.

The level of customization of the burritos is pretty standard. White or black rice (black, for my sea goth aesthetic, please), black or pinto beans (black again, obviously), lettuce, onion, and corn salsa, as well as three choices of sauce, chipotle, green, or one red with hot peppers. they both wandered off to try just in case one of us passed out at football. We both had guac for an extra pound because it’s the law.

It was delivered well packed and strong and I paid an equally hefty £23.95 bill. Yowzers, pants. Still, we sat outside and watched the people go by, and the thought that Britney Spears loves so much, that adds value.

I ate mine contemplatively while Harry spluttered all over it like he’d just hunted it down in a forest after two weeks of not eating anything at all. He really liked beef, but not as much as I liked to see him eat it.

Mine was OK, not as drippy, but pretty generous. I took a bag of nachos, salty and crunchy, to take out the inside and made a salty mouth.

It needed a little more creaminess, I agreed. There wasn’t enough cream to cut through the salt. The rice, cooked in spices and broth, was tasty, as were the beans, also cooked in spices. It was huge, I was full before I finished and, to fill the gap before I went back into the arena to go to the bar? It did the job.

Call it the best burrito in Birmingham? Well, that’s about as reliable as the advertised Bullring escalators.

When did you put Habanero at Great Western Arcade making those thick, flavorful, perfectly balanced wraps that are so big, delicious, and awesome? Never in a million comes close.

Maybe Zambrero should change their ad to “NOT THE WORST BURRIT IN BIRMINGHAM”. If you don’t fancy walking to that little independent near Snow Hill Station? Zambrero is the right place for you.

This review was conducted randomly, anonymously, and food and drink were paid for by the reporter.