Introduction
Birmingham’s culinary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with the rich threads of South Asian flavours, making it a paradise for food lovers seeking authentic Indian, Pakistani, and Bangladeshi cuisine. The city’s deep-rooted connection with South Asian culinary traditions dates back decades, creating a food scene that rivals any in the United Kingdom.
At the heart of Birmingham’s South Asian food heritage lies the famous Balti Triangle, an area that has become synonymous with the city’s culinary identity. This celebrated district, spanning Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath, and Moseley, earned its name from the distinctive ‘balti’ style of cooking that was introduced to Birmingham around 1975 by Pakistani restaurateurs. The Birmingham Balti represents a fascinating culinary evolution – a cooking style adapted to appeal to Western palates whilst maintaining authentic flavours, resulting in dishes that are lighter, healthier, and served more quickly than traditional curry house fare.
Birmingham also finds itself at the centre of one of Britain’s most intriguing culinary debates – the origin of chicken tikka masala. Whilst some claim this beloved dish was invented in Glasgow by a Bangladeshi chef responding to a customer’s request for gravy with their chicken tikka, others argue it evolved from butter chicken in Delhi. The debate continues to simmer, adding a delicious layer of mystery to Birmingham’s South Asian food narrative.
For visitors and locals alike, navigating the city’s extensive offering of South Asian restaurants can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve curated this guide to four exceptional establishments, each representing a different facet of South Asian cuisine. From Michelin-starred fine dining to authentic balti houses and traditional Bangladeshi fish specialities, these restaurants showcase the remarkable diversity and quality that make Birmingham a true destination for South Asian food enthusiasts.
Join us as we embark on a culinary journey through Birmingham’s finest South Asian restaurants, where centuries-old cooking traditions meet contemporary innovation, creating dining experiences that are as memorable as they are delicious.
Opheem: Michelin-Starred Indian Fine Dining
In the realm of fine dining, Opheem stands as Birmingham’s crown jewel of Indian cuisine. This Michelin-starred establishment, helmed by the visionary Chef Aktar Islam, has redefined what Indian food can be in the British culinary landscape. Located in the city centre, Opheem represents the pinnacle of Indian gastronomy, where traditional flavours meet contemporary techniques to create an extraordinary dining experience.
Upon entering Opheem, guests are immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance. The restaurant’s interior strikes a perfect balance between modern luxury and subtle nods to the Indian subcontinent, creating a space that feels both international and intimately connected to its culinary roots. The ambient lighting, thoughtful design elements, and impeccable service set the stage for the culinary journey that awaits.
What truly sets Opheem apart is Chef Islam’s innovative approach to Indian cuisine. Rather than simply recreating traditional dishes, he and his team strive to push boundaries, employing cooking techniques from around the world whilst remaining faithful to authentic Indian flavours. This philosophy is eloquently expressed in their own words: “We’re striving to push the boundaries with Indian flavours, but with cooking techniques from all over the world, some traditional, and some very modern.”
The dining experience at Opheem revolves around their meticulously crafted tasting menus, available in both five and ten-course formats. These seasonal menus evolve throughout the year, showcasing the finest ingredients at their peak. Each dish tells a story, often drawing inspiration from specific regions of India or particular moments in the subcontinent’s rich culinary history. The presentation is nothing short of artistic, with each plate arriving as a visual masterpiece that hints at the complex flavours to follow.
For those with dietary requirements, Opheem offers both vegetarian and pescatarian tasting menus, though they do note that certain elements intrinsic to Indian cuisine – spices, onion, garlic, chilli – feature prominently in their cooking. The restaurant recommends confirming any dietary needs in advance to ensure the best possible experience.
At £185 per person for the ten-course tasting menu, dining at Opheem represents a significant investment. However, for special occasions or for those seeking to experience Indian cuisine at its most refined and innovative, the value is undeniable. The restaurant’s Michelin star – a rare accolade for Indian restaurants in the UK – speaks to the exceptional quality and creativity on offer.
Opheem’s operating hours accommodate both lunch and dinner service, with seatings available from 12:00-13:30 and 17:30-21:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. Given the restaurant’s popularity and limited seating, advance reservations are essential, particularly for weekend dining.
For those seeking to experience the pinnacle of Indian fine dining in Birmingham – a city already renowned for its South Asian cuisine – Opheem offers an unparalleled gastronomic adventure that celebrates the sophisticated complexity and rich heritage of Indian flavours through a contemporary lens.
Shababs: The Heart of Birmingham’s Balti Triangle
If Opheem represents the avant-garde of Indian cuisine in Birmingham, then Shababs embodies its soulful tradition. Nestled in the heart of Birmingham’s famous Balti Triangle, Shababs has established itself as one of the city’s most beloved purveyors of authentic balti cuisine. This family-run establishment has been serving locals and visitors alike for decades, earning a reputation for excellence that extends far beyond the city limits.
The restaurant proudly declares itself the “Home of the Birmingham Balti,” and few would contest this claim. The balti, named after the thin, pressed steel bowl in which it is both cooked and served, is more than just a dish in Birmingham – it’s a cultural institution. Shababs honours this tradition with an unwavering commitment to authenticity, cooking each balti to order in the traditional manner that has made this style of cuisine a Birmingham speciality since the 1970s.
Stepping into Shababs offers an immediate contrast to the refined elegance of fine dining establishments. Here, the atmosphere is bustling, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming. The restaurant’s interior, whilst comfortable, places the focus squarely where it belongs – on the food. The sizzle of balti bowls and the aromatic cloud of spices that greets diners creates an immersive experience that feels deeply connected to the culinary traditions of Pakistan and northern India.
The menu at Shababs is extensive, but their balti dishes are undoubtedly the stars of the show. Their Balti Chicken Tikka Masala (from £12.18) offers a masterclass in balti cooking – tender pieces of chicken tikka bathed in a rich, aromatic sauce with a perfect balance of spices. For those who prefer lamb, the Lamb Bhuna (£12.59) showcases “succulent tender diced lamb in a lip-licking bhuna style sauce” that has earned the description “Only at Shababs” on their menu – a testament to its distinctive preparation.
Perhaps the most talked-about dish at Shababs is their Lamb Chops (£12.60), playfully described on the menu as “‘Marry Me’ you won’t look at another lamb chop again!” These finely spiced chops have developed something of a cult following among Birmingham’s food enthusiasts, with many considering them the benchmark against which all other lamb chops should be measured.
The restaurant’s balti offerings extend beyond these signatures to include numerous variations featuring chicken, lamb, and vegetable combinations. Their Balti Chicken Tikka Spinach (from £11.54) and Balti Chicken Tikka, Mushroom & Spinach (from £12.06) demonstrate the versatility of the balti cooking style, while maintaining the authentic flavours that have made this cuisine so beloved.
Price-wise, Shababs represents excellent value, with most main dishes ranging from £11 to £13. This accessibility, combined with generous portion sizes, makes it an ideal choice for casual dining or for those wanting to experience authentic balti cuisine without breaking the bank. The restaurant is proudly halal, catering to Birmingham’s diverse population.
For visitors to Birmingham seeking an authentic taste of the city’s balti heritage, Shababs offers something that cannot be replicated elsewhere. It’s not just the recipes or ingredients that make dining here special – it’s the decades of expertise, the specific cooking vessels, and the cultural context of the Balti Triangle itself. A visit to Birmingham without experiencing a traditional balti at an establishment like Shababs would be, for many food enthusiasts, an opportunity missed.
Poncho Khana: Authentic Bangladeshi Cuisine
Birmingham’s South Asian culinary landscape would be incomplete without acknowledging the significant contribution of Bangladeshi cuisine, which has profoundly influenced British food culture for generations. Poncho Khana stands as one of the city’s most authentic representatives of this culinary tradition, offering diners a genuine taste of Bangladesh that goes beyond the usual curry house fare.
Describing itself as “a very authentic traditional Bangladeshi restaurant,” Poncho Khana has built its reputation on serving dishes that remain true to their origins rather than adapting extensively for Western palates. This commitment to authenticity is immediately apparent in both their menu and approach to cooking, where regional Bangladeshi specialities take centre stage.
The restaurant’s interior creates a welcoming, unpretentious atmosphere that puts the focus squarely on the food. Warm colours, traditional decorative elements, and attentive service combine to create a dining environment that feels both comfortable and culturally immersive. As their website proudly states, “Our staff are very talented and have been trained to meet customer’s need and to provide the best quality possible.”
What truly distinguishes Poncho Khana from other South Asian restaurants in Birmingham is their exceptional range of fish dishes, reflecting Bangladesh’s geography as a riverine country where fish forms a cornerstone of the national cuisine. Their “Deshi Shaad” section of the menu (deshi meaning “of the homeland”) showcases this speciality with an impressive array of traditional Bangladeshi fish preparations.
Among their standout offerings is the Boal Fish Bhuna (£12.50), featuring two pieces of this prized freshwater fish native to Bangladesh, prepared in a rich, spiced bhuna style. Equally impressive is their Hilsha Fish Bhuna (£12.50), showcasing Bangladesh’s national fish, renowned for its distinctive flavour and cultural significance. For the more adventurous diner, their Boal Dim (Fish Egg) Tenga (£9.95) offers a truly authentic delicacy – fish roe prepared in a tangy sauce that exemplifies the complex flavour profiles of traditional Bangladeshi cooking.
Beyond their fish specialities, Poncho Khana offers several distinctive menu categories that highlight different aspects of Bangladeshi cuisine. Their “Deshi Borta” section features various mashed preparations – a cooking style particularly associated with Bangladeshi home cooking. Meanwhile, their “Ponchokhana Special Meal Deal” options provide excellent value, with the Tiffin (£7.95) offering a complete meal of “chicken or meat bhuna, dall or vegetable curry, and rice or roti” – perfect for those seeking a comprehensive taste of Bangladeshi cuisine.
For weekend diners, their Friday Special (£7.95) is particularly noteworthy, featuring “Deshi Murog Pilao” – Bangladeshi-style chicken pilaf with special Chinigura rice, a fragrant, short-grained variety prized in Bangladesh for its distinctive aroma. This dish exemplifies the restaurant’s commitment to using authentic ingredients rather than substitutes.
With most main dishes priced between £9 and £13, Poncho Khana offers excellent value, particularly considering the quality and authenticity of their offerings. The restaurant is halal-certified, making it accessible to Birmingham’s diverse communities.
For diners seeking to explore beyond the more familiar territory of Indian and Pakistani cuisine, Poncho Khana provides a genuine taste of Bangladesh that is increasingly rare even in a city as culinarily diverse as Birmingham. Their specialisation in fish dishes, in particular, offers an opportunity to experience an aspect of South Asian cuisine that is often underrepresented in British curry houses.
Tipu Sultan: Majestic Pakistani Dining
Completing our culinary tour of Birmingham’s finest South Asian establishments is Tipu Sultan, a restaurant that has redefined the concept of Pakistani dining in the city through its combination of regal ambience and authentic North Western Pakistani cuisine. Named after the 18th-century ruler of Mysore who resisted British colonial expansion, Tipu Sultan the restaurant embodies the same spirit of grandeur and cultural pride as its namesake.
Located on Alcester Road in the Moseley area, Tipu Sultan makes an immediate impression with its striking exterior and opulent interior design. Unlike the more casual atmospheres of traditional balti houses, Tipu Sultan embraces a lavish aesthetic that draws inspiration from the Mughal era, with ornate chandeliers, intricately carved wooden furniture, and luxurious upholstery creating a dining environment that feels genuinely majestic.
The restaurant proudly describes itself as offering “Majestic Dining,” and this philosophy extends beyond mere decoration to encompass the entire dining experience. As their website states, “An entertainment and banqueting suite on the first floor with private meeting spaces. Tipu Sultan is the perfect restaurant for couples, families and friends.” This attention to creating a complete experience has made the restaurant a popular choice not only for everyday dining but also for special occasions and celebrations.
Tipu Sultan’s menu focuses on authentic North Western Pakistani cuisine, with particular emphasis on grilled meats and traditional curries. Their tandoori offerings showcase the art of Pakistani grilling, with meats marinated in complex spice blends before being cooked in the intense heat of the tandoor oven. The result is dishes of remarkable tenderness and depth of flavour that exemplify the best of Pakistani culinary tradition.
Among their most celebrated offerings are their mixed grill platters, which provide an excellent introduction to the diverse grilling styles of North Western Pakistan. These generous selections typically include seekh kebabs, chicken tikka, lamb chops, and various other grilled specialities, all served with fresh naan bread and accompanying sauces. For those seeking a more substantial main course, their karahi dishes – named after the deep, wok-like vessel in which they’re prepared – offer rich, aromatic curries that remain faithful to their Pakistani origins.
What particularly distinguishes Tipu Sultan’s approach to Pakistani cuisine is their commitment to using traditional cooking methods and authentic spice blends rather than adapting extensively for Western palates. This results in dishes with a depth and complexity of flavour that more accurately represents the cuisine as it would be experienced in Pakistan itself.
Price-wise, Tipu Sultan sits in the mid-range category, with most main dishes priced between £10 and £15. Given the opulent surroundings and high-quality ingredients, this represents good value, particularly for diners seeking a more elevated dining experience than that offered by casual curry houses. The restaurant is fully halal, reflecting its commitment to serving Birmingham’s Muslim community.
The restaurant has garnered significant acclaim since its opening, becoming a finalist in the British Curry Awards and establishing itself as a destination for Pakistani cuisine enthusiasts from across the Midlands. Its popularity means that booking ahead is advisable, particularly for weekend dining or special occasions.
For visitors to Birmingham seeking to experience Pakistani cuisine in a setting that reflects the rich cultural heritage from which these culinary traditions emerge, Tipu Sultan offers a dining experience that is both gastronomically satisfying and aesthetically impressive. It stands as a testament to the evolution of South Asian dining in Birmingham – respecting tradition while creating spaces that celebrate the sophistication and complexity of these ancient culinary arts.
Conclusion: Birmingham’s South Asian Culinary Tapestry
Birmingham’s reputation as a culinary destination for South Asian cuisine is well-earned, built upon decades of cultural exchange, culinary innovation, and a commitment to authenticity that spans the entire spectrum from street food to fine dining. Birmingham is a true destination for South Asian food enthusiasts, much like exploring Southall’s vibrant culinary scene. The four restaurants highlighted in this guide – Opheem, Shababs, Poncho Khana, and Tipu Sultan – represent different facets of this rich culinary landscape, each offering a distinctive window into the diverse traditions of the Indian subcontinent.
What becomes apparent when exploring these establishments is that Birmingham’s South Asian food scene defies simple categorisation. It encompasses the refined, boundary-pushing approach of Michelin-starred Opheem, where Indian flavours are reimagined through contemporary techniques; the steadfast traditionalism of Shababs, preserving the authentic balti cooking that has become synonymous with Birmingham itself; the regional specialisation of Poncho Khana, showcasing the fish-focused cuisine of Bangladesh; and the regal dining experience of Tipu Sultan, celebrating the sophisticated flavours of North Western Pakistan in appropriately majestic surroundings.
This diversity reflects the complex history of South Asian migration to Birmingham and the West Midlands, with different communities bringing their specific culinary traditions and adapting them in response to local ingredients, tastes, and circumstances. The result is a culinary ecosystem that offers extraordinary depth and variety, making Birmingham a genuine destination for food enthusiasts seeking to explore the full breadth of South Asian cuisine.
For visitors to Birmingham, these restaurants offer more than just excellent meals – they provide cultural experiences that connect diners to centuries of culinary tradition and innovation. Whether you’re a dedicated foodie seeking to understand the nuances that distinguish Bangladeshi fish preparations from Pakistani grilled meats, or simply someone who appreciates a delicious curry in welcoming surroundings, Birmingham’s South Asian restaurants offer something to satisfy every palate and preference.
We encourage you to venture beyond the familiar and explore the full spectrum of South Asian cuisine that Birmingham has to offer. Visit the historic Balti Triangle to experience the dish that put Birmingham on the culinary map; book a special occasion meal at Opheem to witness the evolution of Indian fine dining; sample authentic Bangladeshi fish specialities at Poncho Khana; or enjoy the opulent surroundings of Tipu Sultan for a taste of Pakistani royal dining.
In doing so, you’ll not only enjoy some exceptional meals, but also participate in the ongoing story of Birmingham’s love affair with South Asian cuisine – a relationship that has profoundly shaped the city’s identity and continues to evolve with each new generation of chefs, restaurateurs, and diners. The restaurants featured here represent just the beginning of what there is to discover in this vibrant culinary landscape. The only question that remains is: where will your South Asian food journey through Birmingham take you next?