American traveller and food expert Kalani visited the UK’s second city to sample two Balti dishes in their birthplace – labelling one as the ‘best curry in England’
A globe-trotting foodie has made a pit stop in Birmingham to sample the city’s famous Balti dish.
American man Kalani (@kalanighosthunter) told his three million TikTok followers: “We’re in Birmingham and this is what they’re known for here in the Balti Triangle, so let’s try and get one to eat.”
Settling down in a local restaurant, he ordered: “We’ve got one Hairy Biker Chicken Vindaloo and one Chicken Tikka Chilli Garlic Masala.” As he showcased his tantalising dishes with naan bread on the side, Kalani enlightened his viewers: “What makes it a Balti is this dish its served in.”
Tucking into the Chilli Garlic first he noted the “consistency is different” due to the pan cooking. “It kind of caramelises a little bit,” he added. And after taking his first bite, he exclaimed: “Wow, that is freaking good. It kind of changes the consistency of the curry, but that’s delicious. That’s incredible – very spicy, nothing too crazy though but a lot of good flavour.”
He further noted: “You’re not going to sweat by any means, but I will say cooking it in this dish does make a difference. I didn’t really know what to expect with this Balti – but this is a pleasant surprise.” After detailing the ingredients and spices used in the dish, Kalani gave his final verdict: “I might give this a 10.”
Following further praise of his naan bread, Kalani soon tackled his Vindaloo. “It’s a good looking colour,” he observed before giving it a stir and exclaiming: “Wow, oh my God,” clearly impressed by the dish. “It’s definitely spicier, but I could do more. Beautiful flavour – this might be the best curry I’ve had in England hands down.”
He went on to add: “I do like the spice more than the previous one and this is perfect for me. If I could give something an 11. Honestly, Shababs [name of restaurant] you’ve taken my breath away tonight.”
Local Brummies were quick to back up Kalani’s glowing review, meanwhile. One TikTok user enthused: “You will not find a better place in England to have a curry.” While another commented: “So pleased you got to try a curry in Birmingham, the best place to have them!”
A third shared their own experience of the same restaurant, penning: “Shababs on the Balti Triangle is hands down best curry I’ve ever had.” And a fourth local celebrated his choice: “Good man you tried the Vindaloo. And you definitely can’t beat a baptism from the Midlands.”
The Association for the Protection of the Birmingham Balti (APBB) notes the Balti was introduced in Birmingham in the 1970s by a Pakistani restaurateur aiming to draw in both Western patrons and his mainly Pakistani/Kashmiri clientele to his café-style eatery.
The APBB’s website further explains: “As a consequence he devised a dish which was cooked and served in the same receptacle, as was often the usual custom in northern Pakistan but uniquely the ‘Balti’ was fast cooked and used vegetable oil not ghee.”
