Are Brummies really saying bye bye to the Birmingham Balti?

The Birmingham Balti - perhaps Birmingham’s most iconic dish - may be dying out. Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle is now home to a mere four Balti houses. I ask Brummies whether they still indulge, and generally their thoughts on West Midlands regional cuisine.

Alex says: “I mean, I love South Asian food. So I’m a big fan of that. I didn’t really hear about the balti going down in certain numbers, but I’ve noticed myself in a lot of areas anyway, a lot of curry houses, things like that, that have been lowering balti options.

“Obviously, I think it’s that a lot of street food right now is really popular. So a lot of traditional restaurants are being put out. But I think you know, a little adaptation - if they kind of convert that sort of style they have with these Balti houses and add that new twist it’s sort of just like a marketing ploy.

“Just need to adjust with the times of what the advertisement that people want see, really, so you can have a give it like a street food twist. Keep it the same. Yeah, that kind of keeps it fresh in people’s minds.”

Kim says: “​​Oh, I’ve always loved a balti. But I think people just can’t afford to go out to eat now with the way things are financially for everybody, they’re all feeling the pinch. Getting out there to eat. It’s too expensive.

“So it’s much cheaper to eat in, get a few beers from the supermarket and then get your friends round - and it’s safer. A lot of people feel safer in their own home as well so. But you can’t knock a good balti!”

Kevin says: “If you look in Birmingham as a whole - pubs are dying, and traditionally they will go out for a few beers on the weekend and then go for a balti. I think I’ve only ever been to the Balti Triangle myself once. But I still go out for a curry. But as I said, since pubs are dying, people don’t go out now.”