DCMS have now issued the latest Government guidance on the proposed UK version of the UNESCO Convention of Safeguarding Intangible Cultural Heritage (which includes a food category). It focuses on intercultural dialogue with an emphasis on traditions and heritage and there will be an Inventory of successful applications which will be announced quarterly. Further guidance […]
Another Balti Bluff!
Nestled on a shelf in Aldi was a jar of Aagra Balti Tarka Dhal with a description on the back announcing that the Balti originates from the north west frontier of Pakistan. Yet another legend or perhaps ‘fairy tale’ would be more appropriate !
The Desi v Balti Debate
There have been a couple of articles in the media recently about the ‘demise’ of Balti and the rise of ‘Desi’ pubs. Now I like an Indian mixed grill as much as anybody and there has been a proliferation of Sikh run pubs providing this type of fare. However noticeably none of them do a […]
Pie and Mash; and Balti!
A recent article in a food magazine called Vittles criticises a move to go for protected status for London’s pie and mash. If boiled mash (no butter allowed), meat pie with eel liquor and chilli vinegar floats your boat then fine but give me a proper balti anytime. Having said that, although the pie and […]
Balti at Xmas
It is still a mystery to me why Balti restaurants don’t do something more festive for Xmas anymore other than an occasional lonely cracker. Years ago during the Balti boom, the many genuine Baltihouses back then would be competing fiercely so as an inspiration here is a menu … Poppadoms with spiced cranberry dip Brussel […]
New Kid on the Birmingham Balti Block
Following the demise of Imlees in Moseley, a new restaurant called Begum now flies the Balti standard. A quick visit to their spotlessly clean kitchens, confirmed their authenticity and the meal didn’t disappoint. Tandoori lamb chop starters were almost other worldly and my chicken and mushroom balti was served sizzling brimful of spices and good to […]
The Balti Bus
It is good to see the Balti Triangle being recognised by Birmingham’s bus operators as a destination with the launch of a poster designed by talented Birmingham artist Milan Topovic. Needless to say that the centrepiece of his design is the balti bowl. Copies of the poster can also be purchased from his website.
A heap of Balti
Following the hosting of Steve Heap, chef and You Tuber, in the hallowed kitchens of Shababs I sat down afterwards to chew the fat with him (Balti style) to talk about both the history of Birmingham’s iconic dish and the attempts still ongoing to preserve it …
A Balti Baptism
I hooked up with adopted Brummie Steve Heap who has a large following on You Tube for his culinary exploits and also provides a private cheffing service. Now whilst Steve has had more than a few Baltis, he had never been behind the scenes to see one cooked so what better person to show him than […]
Meat and two veg … and a Balti!
This well-known and, to some, notorious food critic has been scathing in some of their reviews of genuine Baltihouses. Although I may disagree with much of that criticism at last they have visited a Baltihouse that we both agree on … Shababs in the Balti Triangle. Piping hot Baltis fast cooked and served in a […]