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Birmingham Balti, Britain’s best-loved curry ?

Discussion in 'Culture and Food' started by Micawber, Jan 15, 2016.

  1. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    I do like a good Balti especially when it's good hot one.
    To be honest the best Balti's ever have always been served up in Birmingham and alledgedly originated there. Hence it's inclusion in a list of 15 UK foods awaiting an EU decision as to whether it merits protected status.

    I've enjoyed some great 'Balti Nights' along Ladypool Road. Truly memorable

    Good luck Birmingham Balti

    Here's a bit more:-
    http://www.bbc.com/travel/story/20160113-in-search-of-a-truly-british-curry
  2. oss
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    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    Traditionally Glasgow's curries were better, but I have to say that I only sampled one curry house in Birmingham so I don't have a great sample size on which to base my opinion :)
  3. ChoiAndJohn
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    ChoiAndJohn Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I've always had very good curries in Bradford. I've had curries in London Brick Lane and Birmingham a number of times and been a bit underwhelmed. I've never had curries in Glasgow - indeed I've never slowed the car slower than 80mph in the vicinity - imagined encounters with Rab C Nesbitt or 'the big man' from Chewin' the fat always kept my foot planted firmly on the accelerator.

  4. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    Urban legend says Tikka Masala originated in Glasgow.
    I've never had a curry in Glasgow but I've had a fair share of great nights out.
    I worked in East Kilbride for while and spent most free time and weekends in Glasgow. Always had a soft spot for Glasgow.
    Great place.
  5. oss
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    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    Yeah there is a bit of discussion over that one, but it was most certainly invented somewhere in Britain.

    A lot of the Glasgow curry houses have started to taste more like the ones down in England but there are one or two old style restaurants that still seem to taste like they did in the 1970's.

    Just had a look at a couple of locations in my old home town that had famous Indian restaurants shocking to see them gone.

    This is one of them the Shish Mahal on the right hand side up and down at one time, interestingly the Castelvecchi chippy is still there been there all of my life :)

    https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@55.8...4!1sYIgfe83e1mqL95fBOI79kQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656
  6. Micawber
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    Micawber Renowned Lifetime Member

    L adypool Road had lots of Balti Houses years ago. It was a very rough area but interesting.
    Within walking distance of Cheddar Road. Once known as the busiest cul-de-sac in UK.
    If it's not know to you just google it.
  7. KeithAngel
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    KeithAngel 2063 Lifetime Member

    Back in the late 70,s I was spoilt for choice in Ilford lots of "cafes" catering to the asian community heaven school dinners environment but food to die for I cook my own these days and always took spice to the Fils which is hopeless for curry
  8. Dave_E
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    Dave_E Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    I loved the Bradford curry houses when it was £1.00 for an Onion/Tomato/Raita starter + Keema Bhuna + three chappatis.

    Never saw Chicken Tikka Masala at that time.

    I always used to take one chappati home with me, play frisbee with it, or soak it in water and wrap it around a light bulb or my neighbours door handle in halls of residence.

    Not as much fun these days. :(
  9. Aromulus
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    Aromulus The Don Staff Member

    Ahhhhhhhhhh............ Nothing beats an Italian "Arrabbiata".........
  10. oss
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    oss Somewhere Staff Member

    That one you served at Paul's place last year was absolutely stunning, best I've ever had! :)
  11. bigmac
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    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    i knew the area well--i was born in balsall heath road.
  12. bigmac
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    bigmac Well-Known Member Trusted Member

    another well known birmingham restaurant--the slow boat---chinese. my first ever. anyone remember it ?
    Last edited: Jan 16, 2016
  13. Anon04576
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    Anon04576 Well-Known Member

    I concur. Thing is Doms wife can watch him cook something once and she will then do her interpretation of the dish and its just as tasty.

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