Remember those balti meals at Xmas? Bored with a plated dinner and the brussel sprouts? For those looking for a Xmas Meal with a difference, parties of between 20 and 50 can book a three course Balti meal (private room) with a cookery demo, a curry quiz and fun prizes. For more information contact Andy Munro on 07985-169462 or munroandy@hotmail.com
Top balti restaurant Shabab, on the Ladypool Road, has had to close for a few weeks following an incident when a drink driver crashed into their premises in a late night incident. Luckily nobody was hurt in the incident and the Police apprehended the driver.
STOP PRESS;THE RESTAURANT IS DUE TO REOPEN FOR BUSINESS ON THURSDAY 8TH NOVEMBER
It was pleasing to see the role of the Birmingham Balti recognised in the magazine’s main theme this month of ‘Curry Culture‘. It also lists under ‘Best Bites’, their take on the best 30 ‘curry’ restaurants. Eleven are predictably from London with the next in line being Leicester and Brum. Of our three, it’s good to see Shabab in the frame and ex Balti Triangle veggie specialists Jyoti.
Making up the trio predictably is Lasan. it’s just a shame that their chef Aktar still had to ‘slag off’ balti. He needs to concentrate on his own pretentious food. When I debated curry with him on the radio, he didn’t even know what a balti was and, even worse, for this ‘fount’ of ‘Indian’ culinary knowledge, didn’t even know what a popular Indian fruit was when I asked him!!
I rest my case.
Birmingham’s famous Balti is now the subject of an application for European ‘protected’ food name status with an application lodged for it to be registered as a TSG (Traditional Speciality Guaranteed). In doing so, it is the first ‘ethnic’ food in the UK to be the subject of a proposed TSG and, if successful, it will join the ranks of British stalwarts such as Melton Mowbray Pork Pies, Stilton Cheese and Arbroath Smokies.
As a proud Brummie, I wanted to see the genuine Birmingham Balti protected as this is the City where the phenomenon started. Unfortunately the term ‘Balti’ has almost become a generic term for curry and I want to ensure that the original fast cooked dish is properly protected from being diluted in its use.It has taken over a year’s hard work to get to formal submission even with great support from Adas UK and Matt O’Callaghan who masterminded the successful application for the Melton Mowbray Pork Pie.Birmingham now has some fabulous restaurants yet it is still the Birmingham Balti that is the initial culinary hook, as a recent article in the New York Times illustrates.
THE BALTI BITES BACK!
After yet another round of unnecessary balti bashing by the ‘haughty-cuisine’ clique of City Centre ‘Indian’ restaurants,it is worth noting that the prestigious New York Times has just placed Birmingham in its top 20 of ‘must see’ places in the world based on its food offer. Why, might ask? Well although restaurants like Purnells and Lasan are rightly mentioned in despatches, the main headline reason is its reputation as the home of the Balti. I wonder if there is a curried version of humble pie?!
If there is a large group of you locally and you need transport, why not hire a ‘Balti Bus’. Contact is Sue who runs the legendary ‘Brum Buzz’ and for more details you should visit www.birmingham-tours.co.uk or alternatively visit www.alternativetours.co.uk.
Andy
BALTI TOURS
A recent Balti Tour attracted much favourable comment when a party travelled from Kidderminster to sample the delights of the Balti Triangle.
Organiser Monica Guise described the day as ‘ wonderful ‘ and ‘highly recommended for somebody wanting something different or with an interest in food and cultures’.
The Tour included a short intro to Balti, a cookery demo, a tour around the area (jewellers, sari shop, spice shop, sweet centre and hardware store) before returning for a well earnt meal in top baltihouse Shabab and a chance to win a prize in a Balti Quiz!’
Andy
The Euro may be on the verge of being discredited but Europe may, at least, be about to do its bit for Birmingham’s signature dish. An application is currently in advanced stages of discussion in preparation for submission for ‘TSG’ status.
The Birmingham Food Fest is due to start on 14th October and run until 23rd. Imrans and Shabab are both involved and for more info visit www.birminghamfoodfest.com
The Punjab Paradise has closed its doors, possibly for the last time. Always on the decline from the halycon days of Mohammed Shabaz, it is still a great shame. RIP Ali (one of the best restaurant ‘House’ Managers in the business) and the back of house team who undoubtedly produced the best sizzler this side of Lahore.