As UK’s second largest city, Birmingham has so much to offer! The city is known for a large variety of restaurants, including Michelin Star Restaurants. Our list of 5 foods you have to try in Birmingham will take you on a full of tastes journey!
Curry
There are many foods you have to try in Birmingham, one of them being the Balti. A Balti is a spicy, aromatic Kashmiri dish served with boiled rice. If you’re going to visit anywhere in the UK for a curry, then it better be Brum. With over 100 Curry Houses across Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath and Moseley attracting over 20,000 visitors a year, you won’t want to miss out on a delicious curry.
Balti and curry houses started popping up in Birmingham in the 1970’s, being a popular haunt for locals and tourists ever since. The name ‘balti’ refers to the bowl the curry is served in, which originates from the Urdu word “balty” meaning ‘bucket’.
Offering a menu flowing with traditional dishes that explores pan-Asian flavors, INDUS at Park Regis Birmingham, is one to try. The menu will take you on a culinary journey across northern India with Head chef Manish taking inspiration from his years of experience working in five-star hotels across India.
Vegan & Vegetarian
According to Vegetarian Society research, over 3 million Brits are vegetarian or vegan, this has doubled since 2016. A plant based diet is becoming increasingly popular, so it makes sense for the UK’s second city to adapt. Birmingham has some delicious vegetarian and vegan cafes, eateries and restaurants that cater to vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements.
If you’re looking for a casual dining, plant-based restaurant, then we recommend Land. They take the pride in being one of the many independent businesses within the Great Western Arcade. Situated in Colmore Row, they offer a modern, plant-focused, and seasonal dining experience. What makes them unique is that most dishes change from day to day, depending on what high-quality produce is available!
Doner Kebab
Did you know that Doner Kebabs are often considered one of Britain’s best foods? When the first kebab restaurant opened in North London in 1966, no one could have predicted their popularity decades later. An average of 1.3 million kebabs are being sold in the UK every day, and over 20,000 kebab shops are selling 2,500 tonnes of doner meat a week.
However, a hearty meal isn’t the first thing that springs to mind when you think of a donor kebab, as it is hailed as one of the unhealthiest dishes you can eat. But when Mahmut Aygun invented kebabs in 1971 , it was never the intention for it to become a boozy snack. The doner kebab’s name originates from the Turkish word ‘dondurmek’ which translates to ‘rotating roast’. Back then, the lean meat was served with lettuce, onion, tomato and garlic dressing, all served into a pitta pocket.
With so many kebab houses flooding the UK, it can be hard to weed out the good from the bad, but don’t worry! Birmingham’s very own German Doner Kebab on Bull Street takes a healthy and innovative approach to one of Britain’s favourite dishes. Their Lahmacun – a traditional Turkish Pizza topped with lamb doner will please your hunger, and you’ll get to try something new as well.
Sushi
With over 277 Japanese restaurants in London, it’s safe to say that sushi is sweeping the nation. Brits are learning to use chopsticks and master true sushi etiquette when tucking into delicious fish dishes. From Sashimi to Maki and Nigiri, there are many healthy options to choose from. However, always make sure to go to an eatery selling fresh fish – that way you’ll get the best tastes!
Sushi is often called a theatre food, because of the skill and talent it takes to create such intricate dishes. Sushi first came to Japan 2000 years ago, when Tokyo was known as Edo. In the early 19th century, street vendors ran mobile food stalls that would sell Nigiri sushi. Although, when the Great Kanto earthquake struck Japan in 1923, sushi chefs were displaced throughout Tokyo and Japan, popularising Sushi as a meal.
If you want to try some sushi foods, then Birmingham is the best place to go (aside from Japan of course!). If you want a relaxed experience, then try Sushi Passion. With a huge selection of fresh sushi, it will be sure to tickle your taste buds.
Indian Afternoon Tea
Here at Park Regis Birmingham, we offer a range of Afternoon Teas that are curated to suit all palates. However, one of our favourites comes from our flag-ship restaurant, INDUS. Offering a one-of-a-kind Indian Afternoon Tea here in Birmingham, it has been curated with a nod towards Northern Indian cuisine. Brimming with authentic Indian sweet and savoury delicacies such as paneer, chicken tikka, samosas, Gulab Jamun cheesecake, carrot fudge and more. Vegan option is also available for this. Starting at £25.95 per person. Book yours here today.
With so many amazing eateries and restaurants for you to visit in Birmingham, why not make a weekend of it? When you book a city break at Park Regis, you don’t need to worry about catching the last train home or watch in envy as you sip your lime and soda because you’ve pulled the short straw being the designated driver. You can also indulge in a delightful breakfast the following day. Did you know: You can receive complimentary breakfast, 50% off car parking, discounted rate, and other exclusive benefits when you book direct via our Switch To Us offer.
