economy
Save the balti! Can Birmingham’s best dish come back from the brink?
In the 1990s, there were hundreds of authentic balti restaurants in the English city. Now, there are about 20. Will a big campaign bring back the boom times?
TL;DR
- Authentic balti restaurants in Birmingham have drastically declined from hundreds in the 1990s to approximately 20.
- A campaign is underway to get balti cuisine officially certified as an element of Britain’s living heritage.
- The decline is attributed to rising produce costs, staffing issues, economic recessions, and the impact of Covid-19.
- The traditional balti dish is cooked and served in a special steel bowl at high heat, emphasizing speed and flavor.
- New ventures and a focus on the dining experience are emerging, alongside a revival in the manufacturing of traditional balti bowls.
- Campaigners believe official recognition will help authenticate the dish, encourage experimentation, and boost business for remaining restaurants.