Save the balti! Can Birmingham’s best dish come back from the brink? Authentic balti restaurants in Birmingham have dwindled from hundreds in the 1990s to around 20 today, prompting a campaign to have the dish officially recognized as British living heritage. Factors like rising costs, staffing issues, and the impact of Covid-19 have led to closures, but efforts are being made to preserve this culinary tradition. New businesses and a focus on its unique cooking method and serving style aim to attract new generations and revive the balti’s popularity.

• 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.