Curry is one of the most popular foods found in Birmingham and all other major cities in the UK.

The term "curry" originates in the old Tamil word "Kari," which means sauce or gravy.

The name "curry" does not relate to a single dish in particular; instead, it is a generic term that can be applied to a dish consisting of stewed meat, tofu, or vegetables cooked in a spiced gravy or aromatic sauce. It is served with steamed rice or naan.

Though a South- Asian cuisine, there are several popular Restaurants in Birmingham offering Curry which have helped to cement the city's reputation as a hub for Indian cuisine. But why exactly? We're here to find out.

How Curry became British cuisine

The story of how Curry became British cuisine is full of exciting details and fascinating historical figures. Many British personnel in India initially tried to steer clear of Indian cuisine.

The British made every effort to maintain a "pure" British identity in India, including maintaining their culinary practices and preferences. But it wasn't successful.

In India, it wasn't always easy to find the ingredients for British food. Also, most lower-class planters, soldiers, and British administrators who could not afford cooks – mainly cooks trained in British culinary styles – and who couldn't prepare food themselves frequently resorted to consuming what was easily accessible in the area.

In the 19th century, the Indian Curry expanded to all classes of British residents in India, and it eventually made its way into the routine consumption habits and food choices of British residents. It was widely accepted that Joseph Edmunds, a British author, wrote a book on it titled "Curries and how to prepare them."

Once established, the taste for Indian curries was not limited to the British in India. In 1810, Sake Mahommed opened the first Curry house called Hindoostane Coffee House, targeting British imperial officials who had recently returned from India and had a craving for Indian curries.

In 1823, The Brighton Pavilion was opened. It was initially constructed as a resort for king George IV. The Royal Pavilion sparked a craze for all things Indian, which led to the mass adoption of Indian culture and cuisine, especially by the Royals.

Curry became more appealing to the British when William White told the people that curry powder had health benefits. In his book" Curries: their Healthful and Medicinal Qualities, he argued that it is the secret behind the Oriental's healthy living.

Queen Victoria's love for Indian culture and the mass immigration of commonwealth countries into the United Kingdom during World War II boosted the Curry industry.
These immigrants sold Curry and rice alongside fish and chips and meat pies. They catered to a new generation of college students who benefited from the country's rapid growth in the number of Universities in the 1960s, providing them with standard, low-cost cuisine. By staying late, they could get crowds returning from pubs. So, the taste for curries spread beyond the affluent to all classes.

Why Curry became popular in Birmingham

There are many reasons why Curry became popular in Birmingham, but the most striking was because the Balti dish was invented in this city. The balti dish has become a staple of British cuisine, and the Restaurants in Birmingham are one of the main things that has helped it become so popular.

The Balti dish was created in the 1970s by a Birmingham restaurant owner who wanted to attract customers other than those from the local Pakistani community. He made an excellent dish that Westerners enjoy by mixing different herbs and spices.

The balti dish became a popular curry dish. As a result, balti houses started sprouting up to meet the growing demand, which led to the formation of the Birmingham Balti triangle. This area has some of the best food in the UK. It's so popular that people from outside this city come to taste the fantastic food served here; it is a hot spot for tourists and locals.

The Balti Triangle is a community of Balti houses along Ladypool Road, Stoney Lane, and Stratford Road, located south of Birmingham.

However, Birmingham is also home to an array of award-winning restaurants that aim to create the perfect dining experience for residents and visitors. With a wide range of cuisines, ranging from traditional Indian cuisine to Mediterranean fare; there is something for everyone.

Best Curry Restaurants in Birmingham

You can find many Indian Restaurants Birmingham that serve a variety of Curries. But to me, the best curry restaurant is a place to have lunch or dinner while enjoying some company. So, here's my pick;

OPheem

Location:65 Summer Row, Birmingham B3 1JJ, United Kingdom
Opheem is a legendary restaurant that serves delicious and authentic Indian cuisine. Opheem offers an extensive menu filled with food that is both mouthwatering and memorable. The quality of the food served by Opheem is genuinely exceptional, as it is prepared using fresh, high-quality ingredients to cater to its ever-growing customer base.

The owner, Aktar Islam, is a Michelle Star Chef and has been cooking since childhood. So, feel free to visit; you're assured of a great time.

Viceroy Tandoori

Location:109 Icknield St, Birmingham B18 6RZ, United Kingdom

Viceroy is another excellent Indian restaurant Birmingham that serves various curries, including veg and non-veg. They also have an impressive selection of drinks, including a great selection of beer and wine. The food is delicious, but the atmosphere makes this place stand out. It has a warm, cosy feel that makes you want to return.

If you are looking for a restaurant that offers Indian takeaway Birmingham at an affordable price, then visit Viceroy.

Asha

Location:12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham B3 3LX, United Kingdom

The staff in Asha are friendly; the atmosphere is welcoming. The menu offers an excellent variety of authentic Indian dishes, including lamb curry, chicken curry, and vegetarian dishes.

The restaurant has a casual atmosphere. It also has room for larger groups or parties that need extra seating.

The food at Asha is delicious and tastes authentic, which makes it an excellent choice for visitors looking for tasty Indian cuisine.

Dishoom Birmingham

Location: One Chamberlain Sq, Birmingham B3 3AX, United Kingdom

Dishoom Birmingham is a restaurant that offers fantastic food, a fabulous ambiance, excellent value, and quality with delicious food and curries.

They have been serving tasty meals since 2020. The menu is designed to meet the needs of all diners, whether you are vegan or gluten-free. They even have a children's menu available for those who want something different for their little ones!

The Indian Streatery

Location:21a Bennetts Hill, Birmingham B2 5QP, United Kingdom

Indian Streatary has been serving delicious, authentic Indian cuisine in Birmingham. They've got a great selection of curries and sides, with options for vegetarians and vegans. Their food is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented—it's no wonder they have a loyal following.

Their staff is friendly and welcoming, so you can relax and enjoy your meal while chatting with them. If you're looking for a great meal that won't leave you feeling stuffed or bloated after eating it, this is the place for you!

Final thought

Regarding Curry, Birmingham sits in a class of its own. It's known as the curry capital of Britain and has one of the largest Indian populations in the country.

The origins of Curry in Birmingham can be traced to Abdul Aziz, an Indian who worked as a labourer in a British Navy ship. It is believed that he started it with an Irish waitress called Violet. They opened a restaurant called Darjeeling, where they sold Curry and rice. This restaurant formed the bedrock of the curry trade in Birmingham.

Shrewsbury is in the county of Shropshire in western England. It sits inside the River Severn loop, and its Tudor centre is lined with half-timbered houses. Warm weathers proclaim the start of Shrewsbury's dynamic schedule of celebrations, including the Shrewsbury flower show, kids’ festival,and the world champions coracle race.

One of the nation's most popular festivals and shows is the Shrewsbury flower show, which attracts many tourists from all over the country, a remarkable show like no other. Over a hundred members of staff get together to prepare this grand event putting together marquees, entertainment, catering services for the public, and recruiting judges for the flower competition.

The Shrewsbury Flower show has been held nearly every year since 1857 which is very lengthy time. The show is held within 2 days where several bands, companies and organisations visit and entertain the guests and tourists who are visiting the show from across the country. The Shrewsbury flower show is held under a large arrangement of marquees and aims to display a range of flowers, vegetables, fruits and much more on the land area of the Quarry. The Quarry Marquee is home to the top national nurseries and growers from around the country who design remarkable displays for visitors to appreciate and become inspired by. There is no flower missing in this flower show, from assorted roses in all the most elegant colours, daffodils, lilies, lavenders, bluebell, carnation, and the famous poppy.

The show includes a variety of different celebrities such celebrity chef James Martin and many more, who put up little demonstrations and activities for visitors to take part in. Not only are there celebrity chefs, but also famous tv personalities that would be recognised by those of you who enjoy watching gardening tv shows, such as Joe Swift who is one of the main presenters in the BBC 2s gardening show ‘Gardeners World’. Other celebrities who have been a part of the Shrewsbury flower show include Phil Vickery, Gino D’Acampo and Tom Kerridge.

With a range of challenges and competitions from bands, motorcycling competitions, fine paintings and to which businesses or farmers have the best selection of flowers or vegetables. Shrewsbury flower show has all the entertainment needed for 2 days. Action packed, creativity, amusement and not forgetting to mention a lot for the kids to do and a food hall that will busy your tummy! The children’s area consists of fun packed activities, for kids of all ages to be entertained. Planting sessions, bubble displays and circus play tents are some of the activity’s children can take part in, to keep themselves busy. The food hall is nonetheless a place for one to get a taste of different cuisines and tasters from Restaurants in Shrewsbury. There is also an exciting opportunity to meet celebrity chefs!

There is accessible parking, and the place offers facilities such as showers and toilets, so you don’t need to worry about finding the right spot to park your car.

History of the Shrewsbury flower show:

The Shrewsbury flower show was first held by the Shrewsbury Shropshire Horticultural Society, the first flower show held by them was in 1857. Since then, the show had grown popular nationally and has now even gained international praise.

The first Shrewsbury Floral show after WW2 was known as the 60th show of 1947, which saw 180,000 visitors, which was quite a large number of visitors since after the World War II. In the following years, the number of visitors only began to increase due to the range of celebrity appearances and the variety of entertainment the show consisted of. The Shrewsbury Floral show has been one that many residents of Shrewsbury and visitors look forward to every year.

Did you know?

In 1924 the Shropshire Horticultural Society bought Shrewsbury Castle for £2,621 from profits generated from the Flower show.

Taste of London is the best event for foodies to participate in this summer. If you are a foodie and enjoy tasting an assortment of different cuisines and dishes from around the globe, the Taste of London event is the one for you. The event will take place from 7th -11th July and 14th – 18th July, giving you an exciting 2 weeks packed of scrumptious goodness. Taste of London will be taking place in Regents Park, central London lasting with number of sessions throughout the day for you to take part in.

What can you expect at the Taste of London Event?

With over a 100 varieties of dishes from several Restaurants in London, you should most definitely expect a LOT of delicious food. These restaurants are predominantly going to be high rated, thrilling, and well-known restaurants from different parts of London. Get the chance to taste of the best food and drinks as well as enjoy live entertainment with your friends and family.

Do not miss out on this event! If you are looking to taste some of your favourite dishes from your favourite London Restaurants, this is the event for you. Not only that, get exclusive off menu dishes made just for the event, so you will only be able to get a taste of those dishes if you visit.

Enjoy a live demonstration by the Culinary crème de la crème as they cook up a storm while preparing something you have ordered. There is nothing like observing the way your gratifying meal is prepared, as it enables you to learn a few tips and tricks yourself while watching. There are a range of activities and workshops for you and your friends to take part in, some being paid ones and others complimentary. Work alongside some of the best chefs in workshops or enjoy a complementary wine tasting session with friends and family at Taste of London.

With the different sessions available throughout the two weeks, there is a variety for you to be able to choose from. The different sessions offer you a range of different live entertainment, masterclasses by top chefs and more than 200 plus food and drink stalls to stop by.

Mentioning entertainment, there will several performances during the 10 days of the event, giving you an exciting and memorable experience to remember. For those who would love a drink or two, there will be more than plenty of cocktail twists to shake up before you dance until dusk in front of the bandstand where you get to dance to live music.

A number of restaurants have taken park in the Taste of London Event, some of these being top-notch and even fine dining experience restaurants offering you some of the finest dishes in the city. These restaurants include: Two lights, SmokeStak, Som Saa, Quality Chop House, Berber & Q, ROVI and many more. Taste of London summer 2021, can only be better, with many more restaurants taking part and a whole new selection of scrumptious foods and drinks to savour. Book your tickets now to be part of one of the biggest foodie events in London this summer!