Must-Try Foods In Birmingham (United Kingdom) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Birmingham, United Kingdom: A Culinary Melting Pot

Birmingham, one of the United Kingdom's most populous cities, boasts a vibrant food scene that reflects its diverse cultural heritage. The city has a rich food history that is inseparable from its industrial past, with foods from different communities shaping its culinary landscape. Once known for its "Balti Triangle," Birmingham put a spotlight on South Asian cuisine, particularly Pakistani-Kashmiri dishes, which became a staple in the city's diet.

The city's innovation in food extends to being the birthplace of the now-famous Balti curry in the 1970s, a dish that has become synonymous with British-Asian cuisine. Additionally, Birmingham has cultivated a reputation for fine dining with multiple Michelin-starred restaurants. It also caters to a wide range of dietary preferences, offering notable vegetarian and seafood options, reflecting the changing demands of its cosmopolitan population.

Must-Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Birmingham

1. Balti Curry (Non-Veg) - A distinctly Birmingham creation, Balti curry is a fragrant, tomato-based curry cooked and often served in a pressed steel wok-like "balti bowl."
2. Vegetable Samosas (Veg) - Crispy pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and other vegetables, often enjoyed as a snack or starter.
3. Sea Bass (Non-Veg) - Grilled or baked, this delicate white fish is frequently spotted in the menus of fine dining restaurants across the city.
4. Birmingham Soup (Veg/Non-Veg) - A homely and hearty soup whose ingredients vary based on the season and chef's choice, but often features root vegetables and sometimes meat.
5. Chicken Tikka Masala (Non-Veg) - Though its origins are debated, this creamy, spiced curry dish is a favorite in Birmingham's Indian restaurants.
6. Mushy Peas (Veg) - A classic British side, often served with fish and chips; mushy peas are a simple, earthy accompaniment to many dishes.
7. Paneer Tikka (Veg) - Indian cheese marinated in spices and grilled, a popular vegetarian option with a satisfying, meaty texture.
8. Lamprey Pie (Non-Veg) - Historically a delicacy in Birmingham, this pie has medieval origins and is made from the eel-like fish, lamprey.
9. Sticky Toffee Pudding (Veg) - A delectable dessert of moist sponge cake covered in a rich toffee sauce, often served with vanilla ice cream or custard.
10. Chicken or Seafood Paella (Non-Veg) - Reflecting the city's diverse culinary scene, this Spanish rice dish can be found in various international eateries.

Top Famous Restaurants in Birmingham

Adam's

16 Waterloo St, Birmingham B2 5UG - Famous for their Tasting Menu (Various)

Purnell's

55 Cornwall St, Birmingham B3 2DH - Known for their innovative British cuisine (Various)

The Wilderness

27 Warstone Ln, Birmingham B18 6JQ - Acclaimed for their Seasonal British dishes (Various)

Carters of Moseley

2C St Mary's Row, Wake Green Rd, Birmingham B13 9EZ - Renowned for their locally sourced British fare (Various)

Asha's Indian Bar and Restaurant

12-22 Newhall St, Birmingham B3 3LX - Popular for their Balti curry and Vegetable Biryani (Non-Veg/Veg)

Jilabi

2065 Coventry Rd, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3DY - Liked for their Lamb Rogan Josh (Non-Veg)

Zindiya Streatery & Bar

21 Woodbridge Rd, Birmingham B13 8EJ - Offers a variety of Street Food, including Chat and Papri Chaat (Veg)

Lasan

3-4 Dakota Buildings, James St, Birmingham B3 1SD - Offers a sophisticated take on Indian cuisine, with dishes such as Chicken Tikka (Non-Veg)

Hotel du Vin & Bistro

25 Church St, Birmingham B3 2NR - Serves up a fusion of French and British cuisine, with a range of dishes to suit all palates (Various)

Ox and Origin

48A Frederick St, Birmingham B1 3HN - Known for their Seasonal tasting menus (Various)