Top Local Dishes & Where to Try Them in Birmingham, United Kingdom
1. Birmingham Balti
A rich and spicy curry dish originating from Birmingham, typically made with lamb, chicken, or paneer.
- Authenticity: Taste the original Balti at its birthplace in Birmingham.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Dining Experience: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Balti Triangle restaurants.
2. Brummie Pie
A traditional meat pie filled with beef and gravy, often served with mushy peas or chips.
- Traditional Snack: Indulge in a classic British snack while exploring Birmingham.
- Portion Size: Enjoy a hearty meal in one hand and explore the city with the other.
- Variety of Fillings: Try different types of fillings such as steak, cheese, or chicken and mushroom.
3. Adderley Food Centre Pork Pie
A handmade pork pie made with a crisp pastry crust and filled with succulent meat.
- Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference that high-quality, locally sourced ingredients make.
- Craftsmanship: Appreciate the skill and passion of traditional pie makers.
- Portable Snack: Take a pie on-the-go for a quick, tasty meal.
4. Chicken Tikka Massala at Al Frash
A popular Indian dish made with marinated chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce.
- Popularity: Try the most ordered dish at one of Birmingham's favourite Indian restaurants.
- Flavourful Sauce: Enjoy the rich and aromatic flavours of the sauce.
- Vegetarian Options: Opt for a vegetable-based alternative like Paneer Tikka Massala.
5. Chinese BBQ Ribs at Chung Ying
Tender and juicy ribs slow-cooked in a sweet and savoury marinade.
- Flavour Intensity: Experience the intense flavours of Chinese BBQ cooking.
- Portion Size: Share this generous portion with friends and family.
- Traditional Technique: Witness the traditional BBQ technique used to cook the ribs.
6. Birmingham Fish Fry
A generous serving of battered fish with chips and mushy peas.
- Freshness: Savor the freshness of the fish caught daily.
- Portion Size: Feast on a substantial meal at an affordable price.
- Traditional Condiments: Enjoy your fish and chips with traditional condiments like salt, vinegar, or tartar sauce.
7. Birmingham Goose at The Old Contemptibles
Roast goose served with all the trimmings, a traditional Christmas dish.
- Holiday Tradition: Experience a festive favourite during your visit.
- High-Quality Meat: Taste the succulent, tender goose meat.
- Authentic Atmosphere: Dine in a charming, historic pub setting.
8. Balti Fish Curry at Asha's
A creamy fish curry cooked in the traditional Balti way.
- Seafood Option: Try a lighter, seafood-based alternative to the classic Balti.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Authenticity: Taste the original Balti at one of Birmingham's top-rated restaurants.
9. Vegetarian Balti at Shapla
A flavourful vegetable curry cooked in the traditional Balti style.
- Vegetarian Option: Indulge in a tasty, meat-free alternative to the classic Balti.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Authenticity: Taste the original Balti at one of Birmingham's oldest Indian restaurants.
10. Balti Squid at The Spice Lounge
Tender squid cooked in a rich and spicy Balti sauce.
- Seafood Option: Experiment with a less common seafood choice.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Authenticity: Taste the original Balti at one of Birmingham's top-rated restaurants.
11. Birmingham Bread Pudding at The Wellington
A rich and sweet dessert made with bread soaked in custard and baked.
- Traditional Dessert: Indulge in a classic British dessert.
- Portion Size: Enjoy a generous portion as a dessert or a light meal.
- Custard Variations: Try the bread pudding with different custards, like brandy butter or vanilla.
12. Balti Mushroom at The Balti House
A flavourful vegetable dish made with mushrooms cooked in the traditional Balti way.
- Vegetarian Option: Indulge in a tasty, meat-free alternative to the classic Balti.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Authenticity: Taste the original Balti at one of Birmingham's oldest Indian restaurants.
13. Brummie Bacon Cheeseburger at The Old Crown
A classic cheeseburger made with thick-cut bacon and locally sourced ingredients.
- Quality Ingredients: Taste the difference that high-quality, locally sourced ingredients make.
- Iconic Venue: Dine in one of Birmingham's oldest and most historic pubs.
- Portion Size: Enjoy a hearty meal that will keep you going all day.
14. Birmingham Baked Beans on Toast at The Wellington
A simple yet tasty dish made with crispy toast and hot baked beans.
- Traditional Breakfast: Start your day with a classic British breakfast.
- Portion Size: Enjoy a quick and filling meal on-the-go.
- Customization: Add extras like sausages, eggs, or black pudding to your beans on toast.
15. Balti Chicken Tikka at Mirch Masala
Tender pieces of chicken marinated and grilled in a yogurt-based marinade, served with rice or naan.
- Spiciness Level: Adjust the heat level to your preference.
- Authenticity: Taste the original Balti at one of Birmingham's top-rated restaurants.
- Variety of Dishes: Explore other dishes on the menu like vegetable or seafood options.