I met a couple of friends in the Balti Triangle (one of whom uses to own a proper Baltihouse called Al Frash) and we visited one of the many new eateries to chew the fat.
In fairness, I won’t reveal its name but we ordered a large Mixed Grill Tawa and a ‘Balti’ Chicken. The good news is that the Tawa was a decent affair but that was more than could be said for the ‘Balti’. Lumps of chicken thighs (some a bit gristly) served up in a one dimensional sauce in a shiny karahi bowl with not a trace of caramelisation at the edges.
In authenticity terms this amounts to a treasonable offence but, am I surprised ‘no’ and was I disappointed ‘yes’!
Unfortunately the lonely girl waiting on front of house was young enough to be my granddaughter so I resisted the temptation to reeducate her in a culinary sense.
Not the best advert for the Balti Triangle!
Does the previous owner of Al Frash intend to restart? I miss that place. Where does he recommend going now?
Unfortunately, there is no prospect of Al Frash reopening (also one of my old favourites) as the owner had a young family and found the hours to onerous.
Some Recommendations below…
Shababs or the Popular Ladypool Road,
Royal Watan, Selly Park.
Begum, Moseley
Shahi Nan, Stratford Road
All the above BYO and not licensed and all do a genuine balti!
Andy