An American food enthusiast, Kalani (@kalanighosthunter), known for his captivating food adventures on TikTok, recently made a pit stop in Birmingham, England, to experience firsthand the city’s renowned Balti dishes. With a dedicated following of three million, Kalani shared his culinary journey, captivating his audience with a glimpse into the world of Birmingham’s Balti cuisine.
“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,” Kalani enthusiastically announced to his followers. He settled into a local eatery, his choice falling on two classic Balti dishes: “We’ve got one Hairy Biker Chicken Vindaloo and one Chicken Tikka Chilli Garlic Masala.”
As he presented the mouthwatering dishes, accompanied by a generous portion of naan bread, Kalani explained, “What makes it a Balti is this dish it’s served in.” He then delved into the unique characteristics of the Chilli Garlic Masala, observing, “The consistency is different because it’s cooked in the pan. It kind of caramelizes a little bit.” His first bite elicited a joyful exclamation, “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 flavor.” He further remarked, “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 blend of spices and ingredients used in the dish, Kalani gave his final verdict, “I might give this a 10.”
Next up in this culinary adventure was the Vindaloo. “It’s a good looking colour,” he remarked, stirring the dish before exclaiming in delight, “Wow, oh my God!” He was clearly taken aback by the quality of the curry, declaring, “It’s definitely spicier, but I could do more. Beautiful flavor – this might be the best curry I’ve had in England hands down.” His glowing review didn’t stop there; he praised the spice level, saying, “I do like the spice more than the previous one, and this is perfect for me. If I could give something an 11 I would. Honestly, Shababs [name of restaurant] you’ve taken my breath away tonight.”
Birmingham locals quickly rallied in support of Kalani’s high praise. One TikTok user confidently stated, “You will not find a better place in England to have a curry.” Another expressed their joy, “So pleased you got to try a curry in Birmingham, the best place to have them!” A third recounted their own experience with the establishment, “Shababs on the Balti Triangle is hands down the best curry I’ve ever had.” Meanwhile, a fourth local applauded his bravery for trying the Vindaloo, “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) shed light on the origins of this beloved cuisine, highlighting that it was introduced in Birmingham back in the 1970s by a Pakistani restaurateur. This innovative restaurateur sought to create a dish that would appeal to both Western customers and his predominantly Pakistani/Kashmiri clientele. The APBB’s website elaborates, “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.”
Kalani’s enthusiastic review of Birmingham’s Balti dishes has not only introduced a new audience to this culinary gem but has also reignited a sense of pride among Birmingham locals. His experience serves as a testament to the unique flavors and history of this iconic cuisine, cementing its place as a must-try culinary experience for any visitor to Birmingham.