Blog: Celebrating National Curry Week in Birmingham

Written by Student Content Shaper Lucy French

 

It’s National Curry Week, and what better place to celebrate than Birmingham, the birthplace of the Balti! 

Home to dozens of top curry houses, the Balti Triangle of Birmingham began as a cluster of curry houses, which flourished in the areas between Balsall Heath and Sparkhill during the 90s and 00s. Since then, popular Balti and curry houses have exploded throughout the entire city, and into the surrounding wider area as perfect places for us students to enjoy a tasty dish. 

So, if you’re looking to spice things up, you’re in luck! In this blog, I’ll be sharing some of the best curry spots and dishes across Brum to satisfy your curry fix. 

Copper Fox Grill, Harborne 

Within a short walking distance from the UoB campus, the Copper Fox Bar & Grill offers an amazing selection of authentic Indian and grilled food. It’s the perfect place for you to enjoy a curry with your mates. 

Not only is it open seven days a week from the afternoon until late, but the Copper Fox bar is also well-stocked with beverages suitable for everyone. I think it’s a great choice to grab a bite at lunchtime, or even a late-night dish for when you're craving something spicy and flavourful! 

Copper Fox Grill, Harborne

BONUS: The Copper Fox menu even has some traditional Indian desserts on offer, like mango and pistachio kulfi.  

My recommendations: 

  • Paneer Makhani: One of my favourite curry dishes made from paneer, a soft Indian cheese. A perfect dish if you’re not the biggest fan of spice! It’s also a vegetarian dish. 

  • Mushroom Balti: A Birmingham classic! Another not too hot, vegetarian dish. 

  • Chicken vindaloo: An exceptionally hot curry. Give it a taste if you’re brave enough! 

There’s also lots of different signature grills for you to get at The Copper Fox, which are all cooked in a clay tandoor and served on a bed of onions. How delish! 

 

The Royal Watan’s Kashmiri Restaurant, Pershore Road 

Up next is one of Birmingham’s most established Balti houses, The Royal Watan. As a family-owned restaurant, committed to creating fresh, authentic and passionate Kashmiri food, the menu is extensive. It even comes with the option to create your very own Balti! 

 

Credit to @Royal_Watan on Instagram

BONUS: You can order from Royal Watan’s online or in restaurant, with a 15% discount for collections over £15. 

My recommendations: 

  • Gosht Palak: Choose between chicken and lamb. Not too hot, but a dry dish offset with spinach. 

  • Desi Keema & Chips: A great twist on a classic dish! I couldn’t recommend it more. 

  • Balti Dall Vegetable Spinach Chana: A delicious gluten-free and vegan dish! 

 

The Soho Tavern, Park Road 

A newer Indian grill restaurant, which combines Indian dishes with Chinese cuisine. There are many locations for the Soho Tavern which extend beyond Birmingham to places such as Hockley. The Soho Tavern offers a huge range of vegan and vegetarian dishes, making it a great option for those of us who don’t eat meat. 

Credit to The Soho Tavern on Facebook

My recommendations (all vegetarian): 

  • Chilli Paneer: Soft Indian cheese served with onions and green chillies, in a spicy sauce. 

  • Veg Chicken Karai Pot: A great veggie alternative to chicken! 

  • Veg Machurian: An innovative special combining Indian and Chinese cooking. Also a vegan dish!

 

The Covered Wagon, Moseley 

Taking pride in creating homemade-style Punjabi dishes, The Covered Wagon is a warm and welcoming restaurant. The Covered Wagon combines a traditional pub atmosphere with Indian cooking. 

Credit to @TheCoveredWagon on Instagram

BONUS: If you’re vegan, you’re in luck as The Covered Wagon offers an entirely vegan menu, so there’s bound to be something you’ll enjoy.

My recommendations: 

  • Fish Pakora: Deep-fried fish marinated with Indian spices. Perfect for fish and chip lovers!  

  • The Wagon Special Curry: A unique dish to the Covered Wagon. A medium hot curry made with chicken, lamb and prawns, all cooked with rich spices. 

 

Super Tiffin, downstairs at the University Centre

Last, but by no means least, is UoB’s very own curry house on campus – how lucky are we?!

Credit to @UoBFoodFellows on Instagram

Super Tiffin is a local company, which has been recently introduced to Campus Infusion, located downstairs at the University centre. You can enjoy a range of authentic Indian street food, which is fresh, flavourful, and all from as little as £5.95. What a bargain! Their veggie naans are especially delicious. Pop down when you're on campus to grab a bite to eat between lectures!

BONUS: Super Tiffin offers vegan and halal options too, so everyone can enjoy a curry treat! 

Whether you’re a spice newbie or a curry fanatic, now’s the time for you to take advantage of the amazing curry houses Brum has to offer. Which one will you try first? 

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