The flavours and dishes from our childhood often linger with us into adulthood, forming a common experience of Brummies' collective earlier memories.
Picture a simmering pot of rich, thick stew, its steam carrying the aroma of tender meat and vegetables, seasoned with love and a hint of thyme, at your childhood home, or biting into its soft, pillowy doughnut, the taste of sweet, enriched dough tinged with a hint of nutmeg after a long day at school.
Together, these dishes are not just food; they are a tapestry of memories, each thread a story of Birmingham’s diverse and rich culture, a comforting reminder of days gone by. We asked our readers for their favourite dishes from their childhood and were overwhelmed with tasty responses.
Let’s take a delightful culinary journey down memory lane in Birmingham. Here are 21 iconic dishes that evoke nostalgia and remind people of their upbringing in this vibrant city:
9. Balti
The Balti is a sizzling curry cooked in a flat-bottomed wok-like pan. The city’s Balti Triangle boasts numerous restaurants serving this spicy delight, often accompanied by naan bread or rice. | neillangan - stock.adobe.com
10. Black Pudding
A love-it-or-leave-it delicacy, black pudding is a blood sausage made with pork blood, fat, and oatmeal. Birmingham’s markets and butcher shops proudly display this traditional treat. | carlos perez gomez - stock.adobe.com
11. Fish and Chips
While not exclusive to Birmingham, the city’s chippies serve up crispy battered fish and chunky chips that transport you to childhood seaside memories. Don’t forget the mushy peas! | Flickr
12. Flummery
Flummery is an old-fashioned dessert, a mix of jelly and evaporated milk. Light, yet deliciously creamy, often flavoured with vanilla or nutmeg. Birmingham’s grandmas have perfected their secret recipes, creating creamy, dreamy bowl of nostalgia. | agcreationsnz - stock.adobe.com