The Birmingham Balti is perhaps Birmingham’s most iconic dish, thanks to one neighbourhood.
Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle neighbourhood, located between Balsall Heath and Sparkhill, was once home to around 30 Balti houses, but is now home to a mere four Balti houses. Andy Munro, an expert who has written books about the world famous curry, wants every remaining city restaurant serving proper baltis to be recognised.
He has approached Birmingham City Council over the possibility of seeking out those eateries giving customers authentic baltis and providing them with a “mark”.
The Balti is said to have been invented in Birmingham in the mid 1970s, with a number of restaurants located in the area helping the Balti Triangle to thrive during the 80s, 90s and 2000s.
The authentic balti is cooked using vegetable oil, not ghee, in a specially designed bowl made of pressed carbon steel.
But the number of balti houses has disappeared drastically over recent years. Rising costs and the closure of other independent businesses in the area, including pubs, has contributed to the closure of many balti venues in the neighbourhood.
But even today, it still attracts plenty of visitors, but they certainly won’t see balti houses on every corner anymore.
Recent photos show how the once thriving area looks today. Take a look below:
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1. Shahi Nan
A chef cooks naan breads in the kitchen of the authentic balti restaurant 'Shahi Nan' in the 'Balti Triangle' area of Birmingham, 7, 2023. The balti dish was first created in Birmingham in 1975. The authentic balti is cooked using vegetable oil, not ghee, in a specially designed bowl made of pressed carbon steel. | AFP via Getty Images
2. Shababs, Balti Triangle
Staff prepare ingredients used in balti dishes in the kitchen of 'Shababs' restaurant in the 'Balti Triangle' area of Birmingham, central England on June 7, 2023. The balti dish was first created in Birmingham in 1975. The authentic balti is cooked using vegetable oil, not ghee, in a specially designed bowl made of pressed carbon steel. The balti is cooked in the dish it is served in and the diner is expected to eat out of the same dish too. The Balti Triangle, located south of Birmingham city centre, contains some of the oldest balti restaurants although currently only four authentic balti restaurants remain trading in the area. (Photo by OLI SCARFF / AFP) (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images) | AFP via Getty Images
3. Balti Triangle, June 7, 2023
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4. A dilapidated sign of a closed-down balti restaurant in the 'Balti Triangle'
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