The best thing about a Balti is the luscious taste full of spices and herbs. The protein can vary but it is well cooked and the meat has a soft mouthfeel. There are even vegan and vegetarian versions available for those who don’t eat meat. It curry goes well with rice, naans, rotis or any kind of bread.
Many chefs have also modernised the Birmingham-born recipe. But, if you are looking for the authentic Balti - which some say is at a decline - you can also find some of the original restaurants that sell the dish.
The balti originated in Birmingham and obviously, there are many Balti restaurants in the city. But, for those who have not tried it yet and wonder what a Balti is - it’s a dish both cooked and served up in the specially designed Balti pan.
The literal translation of Balti in several South Asian languages would be a bucket but the Balti pan closely resembles a kadhai but smaller. A kadhai is a large round cooking pan used in South Asia and is similar to a wok. The specially designed and manufactured Balti was made in Birmingham by a Pakistani Brummie restauranteur more than 40 years ago and still is available in Stirchley, Birmingham by the Birmingham Balti Bowl Company.
We took a look at Balti restaurants in the city with at least 50 Google reviews. And here are the top nine Balti restaurants ranked, according to the reviews:
1. Diwan Balti Restaurant, Balsall Heath
Diwan Balti restaurant on Alcester Road has 4.6 stars on Google reviews. Former UK PM David Cameron is one of its famous diners. He had visited in 2012. They serve authentic Indian curries, including Balti dishes, and a lot more. (Photo - Google Maps)
2. Royal Watan, Selly Park
Located in Selly Park, this restaurant serves authentic Kashmiri cuisine. They offer a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Halal dishes, including a variety of biryani and Balti. Started in 1984, this 39-year-old restaurant serves good home-style food and is popular among the community. They are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 5pm to 12am. Location - 602-604 Pershore Road. This has 4.5 stars on Google reviews. (Photo - Google Maps)
3. Akram’s, Stirchley
Akram’s on Pershore Road serves Kashmiri cuisine and has been around for a long time. It is a small family run restaurant. It has 4.4 stars on Google reviews. (Photo - Google Maps)
4. Popular Balti Tandoori, Balti Triangle
Located on Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook - this restaurant serves authentic Pakistani and other South Asian cuisines. It has 4.3 stars on Google reviews. (Photo - Google Maps)