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.

Birmingham is a huge and multicultural city, with people from many different ethnic backgrounds living across the city. This certainly means that there are endless options for any person to find the perfect place for dinner be it for Chinese, Italian or a delicious Indian cuisine. Whether you are looking for fine dining restaurants, contemporary causal dining or an ideal place for a family dinner, Birmingham offers you a vast variety of restaurants to visit for dinner. We will provide you with a list below of some of the best Restaurants in Birmingham.

Bill's Birmingham Restaurant

If you are touring and shopping around central Birmingham, Bills Birmingham restaurant is the ideal contemporary European restaurant chain to visit for a delicious dinner. Situated in Bullring, in the heart of Birmingham City centre, it is the ideal place to visit for dinner after a long shopping trip, you can also reserve a table, so no waiting for a table! Bills Restaurant offers a broad Dinner menu, from Tuna Tacos to Crispy Calamari, you name it. If you are a burger fan, Bills Restaurant a good selection of burgers ranging from Halloumi & Avocado Burger V, a classic Beef Burger, and a Dirty Vegan Burger ideal if you only go for vegan food. Worried about your diet? No worries, because Bills Restaurant offers a great deal of salad bowl options specifically Bill’s Chicken Caesar or Smashed Avocado, Feta and Poached Eggs V bowl. Bills provides customers with a nice selection of mains that include Pan Fried Chicken with Wild Mushrooms, Bill’s Fish Pie and more!

For those in search for a cheeky dessert after dinner, Bill’s restaurant offers a lovely choice of dessert. Desserts range from; Bill’s Flowerpot V; a pretty sight indeed, Salted Caramel and Chocolate Tart VG, Warm Gooseberry to Apple and Elderflower Crumble V. Bill’s Restaurant is ideal for a dinner date or a lovely evening out with friends for dinner. So, if you are in central Birmingham, you should definitely try out Bills Restaurant.

Opening times & Closing times:

Monday 8am–9:30pm
Tuesday 8am–9:30pm
Wednesday 8am–10pm
Thursday 8am–10pm
Friday 8am–10pm
Saturday 8am–10pm
Sunday 9am–10pm

Simpsons Restaurant

If fine dining and elegance is what you are looking for, Simpsons Restaurant is the right place for you. Simpsons Restaurant situated in Birmingham is a contemporary fine dining restaurant that offers its customers the best seasonal foods and high-quality food and services. Simpsons is known for holding a Michelin star since 2000, making it a restaurant of culinary excellence.

We all love a bit of wine tasting and we are happy to tell you all that Simpsons Restaurant offers its customers with sample wine pairing which is ideal to taste several different wines and find one that suits your taste buds, how exciting does that sound!?

Simpsons Restaurant also provides private dinning for parties, special events and even corporate events. The restaurant is surrounded by a beautiful garden, ideal for those looking for a relaxing view and perfect for people bringing along children.

Simpsons gives its customers a delightful dinner menu which includes Monkfish, Cured Salmon, Herefordshire Beef fillet and Chocolate Delice as one of the desserts, these are just some of the mains, and starters mentioned in the sample menu. As the restaurant is led by the Chef director Luke Tipping, who has enabled the restaurant to be known as the best dining experiences in Birmingham, we are sure to say that whatever is on the menu will taste absolutely pleasant. Simpsons also offer 3 course meals, so if you are looking for a modern, yet bright and spacious fine dinning experience, Simpsons is the one of the best restaurants to go to for dinner in Birmingham.

Opening & Closing times:

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday 12–2pm, 7–9pm
Thursday 12–2pm, 7–9pm
Friday 12–2pm, 7–9pm
Saturday 12–2pm, 7–9pm
Sunday 12–3pm

Buonissimo Restaurant Birmingham

As said once by someone ‘There's nothing more romantic than Italian food’ and we totally agree! Italian food truly does bring you into the settings of Romeo and Juliet, so if you want to bring your dear one out for dinner, what better place than Buonissimo? Buonissimo is a modern Italian cuisine restaurant that offers its customers a new menu each season, meaning there will always be something new to try out.

Buonissimo is an ideal restaurant if you are planning a dinner with you and your partner as it offers a relaxed ambiance filled space to enjoy your food in. Buonissimo offers 2 course meals and 3 course meals also, so you can choose your preference. You can also reserve a table for two, making it the perfect surprise for your loved one! Some items of the menu are namely: Garganelli con Crema Zucchine V, Nasello con Ceci Spinaci Limone e Peperoncino, and Cheesecake ai Fichi, if this sounds good to you, then go ahead a reserve a table for two at Buonissimo in Birmingham for dinner.

Opening & Closing times:

Lunch 12pm to 2.15pm (Last orders) Tue-Sat
Dinner 6pm to 10.15pm (Last orders) Mon-Sat
Closed Bank Holidays

Tattu Restaurant and Bar

There are some days we all fancy a bit of Chinese, takeaway or dine out, either way Chinese always tastes banging! Tattu Restaurant & Bar is a contemporary style and dim-lit restaurant which offers you a unique selection of Chinese dishes and snacks as well as an amazing bar, and is a restaurant situated in the heart of central Birmingham.

Tattu delivers its customers with traditional Chinese food but with a modern cooking style that ensures to gives eater a unique taste. Tattu offers a range of foods from small bites, Dim Sum, small plates, large plates, ideal for a group or a family sharing plates, Rice, noodles, vegetables, and a nice variety of desserts.

Tattu offers 3 types of menus namely the: Classic Tasting menu, The Modern Chinese menu, or the Emperors Choice menu. All of these menus have an interesting selection of foods that will surely make your experience at Tattu Birmingham a memorable one.

Opening & Closing times:

Monday 5pm–12am
Tuesday 5pm–12am
Wednesday 5pm–12am
Thursday 12pm–12am
Friday 12pm–1am
Saturday 12pm–1am
Sunday 12pm–12am

If you are planning on Going Out in Birmingham, these venues are some of the best ones to visit in central Birmingham and around Birmingham, be it with your family, partner or friends.

Find the best Indian cuisine in Birmingham. Restaurants that you simply must visit in the West Midlands.

Birmingham is known to have a large selection of Indian restaurants after other places in the West Midlands, such as Leicester and Coventry, so there are definitely a number of scrumptious Indian eateries and Indian restaurants across Birmingham to choose from.

You can sample everything from delicious North Indian dishes to stunning South Indian cuisine, all of which can be found in the several varieties of restaurants located within the city centre of Birmingham that have all been entered or won awards at the British curry awards

We have compiled a short list below of some of Birmingham's Best Indian Restaurants that you should experience if you definitely want to get a taste of some of the best Indian food in town!

Asha's Birmingham - Indian restaurants in Birmingham

Scoring high as one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham.

At the top of our list of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham is Asha's. Asha's is a contemporary Indian cuisine restaurant owned by one of India's most famous Hindi singers/ actresses, Asha Bhosle; this is known as the best local restaurant to visit when you are Birmingham looking for a traditional Indian flavour experience.

Birmingham city centre location.

Asha's is located in the centre of Birmingham, so you must frequent here if you are craving Indian food after a long shopping trip! Asha's authentic Indian allows you to explore the flavours of India from your seat.

Asha's offers its customers a range of high-quality Indian food that includes aromatic saffron, Biryani to delectable Tawa fish fillet.

Asha Bhosle's journey with serving Indian cuisine

Asha's menu is one that was created with Asha Bhosle's journey throughout life in mind. Asha Bhosle travelled throughout her life to different cities and towns across India with her father for their travelling theatre company.

This is how she came across the assortments of different dishes and flavours that one could ever dream of tasting. Using this inspiration and forward thinking approach to Indian food, Asha's menu provides a variety of authentic Indian dishes that you could only consider experiencing in the local restaurants of India itself.

Non-vegetarian and vegetarian Indian tradition

Asha's offers its customers a non-vegetarian and vegetarian menu keeping every customer in mind, so there is no need to worry if you think you will not be able to find vegetarian food.

A relaxing and romantic Indian restaurant.

The atmosphere at Asha's is one that is relaxing and quite romantic, with dim lights and an ambience-filled surrounding, perfect for a romantic dinner date! You can book your tables beforehand, as Asha's can get quite busy, and you do not want to be waiting.

Amazing Indian restaurants that also deliver.

Did you know? If you are someone who loves Indian restaurants and great Indian food and you would love to try some but are not wanting to go out, you can simply order Asha's and get it delivered to your house.

If you are Going Out in Birmingham and are craving the best Indian food there is no better place than Asha's to bring you exact flavours of India as many have said.

Opening & Closing times:

• Mon: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

• Tue: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

• Wed: 5:00 PM – 10:30 PM

• Thu: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Fri: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM / 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Sat: 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM

• Sun: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

Jilabi Indian Restaurant - Best Indian restaurants in Birmingham

Traditional cooking and delicious curry at Jilabi Indian restaurant.

If you are looking for the best restaurant in Birmingham, there are several Indian restaurants found in Birmingham that really stand out. If you happen to be on Coventry Road, you will be able to find one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham called Jilabi, it's restaurants like this that makes Birmingham a special place to go out and eat.

A friendly atmosphere in Birmingham

Jilabi offers its customers with a lovely friendly atmosphere with the best fine dining waiter service and the best Indian tasting food, and we are sure you will absolutely love the variety of tasteful curries they provide on their menu.

Jilabi offers a weekly buffet for customers, where you get the chance to sample some of the best flavoured and spiced authentic Indian foods prepared by experienced and talented chefs of Jilabi. Whatever Indian dish you are in the mood of eating, Jilabi is able to bring you that and offers its customers with an extensive menu of different flavoursome Indian street food dishes and drinks.

Pre-book a table at this Indian Restaurant online.

You do not need to wait to get a table, you can simply pre-book a table for yourself online and add any extra notes on the reservation if needed. Coventry road is not far from city centre so you can easily travel from the city centre to experience Jilabi.

Opening & Closing times:

• Mon: 5pm–12am

• Tue: 5pm–12am

• Wed: 5pm–12am

• Thu: 5pm–12am

• Fri: 5pm–12am

• Sat: 5pm–12am

• Sun: 5pm–12am

Tamatanga - Indian restaurant in Birmingham

We're sure you will think that Tamatanga is one of the best Indian restaurants in Birmingham.

Tamatanga is one of the top Indian restaurants in Birmingham that provides a great selection of traditional Indian dishes. If you are in Birmingham, visiting Tamatanga for outstanding Indian cuisine is a must. The restaurant is known to be in one of the best locations to get a sample of aromatic and delicious food. A vibrant and colourful setting, Tamatanga is undoubtedly going to give you the feeling of being in authentic India with a contemporary twist.

Extensive Indian menu to choose from.

Providing you with a range of colourful Indian dishes that are certainly mouth-watering, Tamatanga is one Instagram-worthy place in Birmingham, and one that has an extensive menu of Indian street food to select from.

Explore This Indian restaurant in the daytime for lunch or at night.

The menu includes delights such as Chicken Biryani, chicken chettiyar, chaats, the traditional Indian Thaali, Thama feast, salad bowls, Chicken Khurana, seafood, curry and much more! The variety does not end there and there are several menus, including a dessert menu, vegan menu, Beverages & Tipples, Gluten-free menu and a takeaway menu.

If these dishes and menus sound amazing to you, you should definitely plan your trip with friends or family to Tamatanga in Birmingham.

Opening & Closing times:

• Mon: 11:30am–10pm

• Tue: 11:30am–10pm

• Wed: 11:30am–10pmM

• Thu: 11:30am–10pm

• Fri: 11:30am–11pm

• Sat: 11:30am–11pm

• Sun: 11:30am–10pm

Mowgli's - Indian restaurant, Birmingham

Family dining at one of the most popular Indian restaurants in Birmingham.

If a dinner date is what you are planning, there is no better place in Grand Central, Birmingham to take your date for some traditional Indian food than Mowgli's, fantastic Indian curry and fayre served with exceptional service.

One of the must-visit restaurants in Birmingham

With beautiful seating, decor and fairy-tale-looking lighting, Mowgli's is definitely an ideal restaurant to have a romantic dinner. Mowgli's takes you back to India with its tiffin styles dining experience, providing you with food in Indian-style tiffin boxes, which is usually a traditional way of taking food somewhere whilst travelling.

Mowgli's Menu is an array of colourful plates that bring to you dextrous spices and herbs with a splash of healthiness to it.

Authentic Indian dishes and street food

Not only is Mowgli's ideal for a dinner date, but you can also bring along your family, including your dog!

Mowgli's offers an extensive menu with a range of foods that include Punjabi treats, street foods such as Yogurt chat bombs, potato dishes, fish, meat, Bhel Puri, Tamarind fries and street meets, tiffin boxes to takeaway, Paneer, Dahl, House Chicken Curry, Butter chicken, Prawn curry and a whole load of fancy beverages! There is so much to choose from; you will probably won't know where to start!

You can also get vouchers or voucher bundles to give to someone special, so they can plan a visit to Mowgli's in Birmingham Balti Triangle; walking from places such as the jewellery quarter and Bullring is easy. If you love what you are reading and you are visiting Birmingham, you should definitely experience Mowgli's for some traditional Indian tiffin and street food!

Opening & Closing times:

• Mon: 12–9pm

• Tue: 12–9pm

• Wed: 12–9pm

• Thu: 12–9pm

• Fri: 12–10pm

• Sat: 12–10pm

• Sun: 12–8pm

This summer of 2021 is going to be a blast for those of you foodie lovers who are on the look out for amazing summer events, and equally delicious food to taste. Wherever you are from across the country, the Big Feastival 2021 is the event to be at this Summer. Pack your bags for August as The Big Feastival takes place from the 27th to the 29th of August, giving you 3 whole days of fun packed and tummy filling cooked food and things to see.

Bring along your family, friends and anyone who is a food enthusiast on the 27th, 28th or 29th of August situated on Alex James Farm, The Cotswold’s. If you want to experience that fine dining feel with remarkable food to feast your eyes and tummy on, the Big Feastival’s decadent dining experience is ideal. Get the chance to devour some of the best cooked cuisines cooked by UK Michelin star chefs from high-end Restaurants in Gloucester and across the UK. Not only is there the taste of fancy fine dinning foods but you can enjoy some amazing street food that can be found at food stalls set up around the area for you to relish street food from all across the UK.

What’s better than some exciting entertainment while enjoying your food? This year at the Big Feastival there will be a range of performances from various well-loved performers such as Nile Rogers & CHIC, Rag ‘n’Bone Man and Sigala who have confirmed they will be taking part in this spectacular 3-day long Feastival, ensuring you and friends make the most of your visit. The Alex James Cheese Hub will be here again this summer of 2021, providing you visitors with another exemplary cheese innovation and a disco.

Other than great food and entertainment, there is so much more fun and activities to take part in, for you and your kids too! On the Big Kitchen stage, you will get to view some great culinary personalities and ask questions as well as observe live demonstrations of their remarkable cooking skills. For the kids, The Big Feastival is perfect to bring out your child’s inner chef. With the M&S Little Cooks Tent, children can learn about the food they eat, pick fresh ingredients, and learn what ingredients are best to create a scrumptious dish. The Cook with M&S activity gives you the chance to also test your culinary skills and learn a few tips of how to create that perfect dish in your kitchen for your family to appreciate.

There are a couple of different tickets for you to choose from that are ideal for when you would want to visit The Big Feastival. The camping tickets allow you and your family to attend the camping area and stay, in order for you to make the most out of the Big Feastival and create the best of memories. The weekend tickets will enable you to enter the festival on any weekend, where you can enjoy food throughout the weekend. The day ticket is best if you want to enjoy a whole day doing different activities as well as getting a taste of the variety of dishes and street food. Lastly, if you are a local resident, then you are just in luck as you get 20% off when you visit The Big Feastival.

If you’re a business that needs that push in marketing or getting your brand known, the Big Feastival is the place for you to promote. With a reach of 64,000 plus people ever year, we ensure that people will definitely fall in love with your products or brand in no time. The Big Feastival team offers a range of promotional packages which you can choose that suits best for your business needs.

So, what are you waiting for? Make the most out of 2021 summer, you have surely had enough of being in lockdown and takeaways, now is the time to experience fine dining, incredible street food, family dining and more, all in one huge field. Book your tickets before they are gone!