Birmingham's Balti Triangle
Unlike its ship-swallowing namesake, the Balti Triangle is just south of the city centre and the only place to go for an authentic Balti curry. After years of eating curry in Brum, we'd say the triangle is somewhere between Sparkhill, Sparkbrook, and Moseley.
If you're suddenly blinded, you've hit it. Flashing neon signs try to lure you in, but to save you having to turn down 50 angry waiters, we thought we'd help you out. Our guide will act as a spoon on your tongue and lead you to the tastiest tandooris. Better still, all of our favourites are 'Bring Your Own', with off-licences a minute's walk away.
First up is Al Frash. Poncy food critics rave about it, and rightly so. It's just amazing. Absolutely everything on the huge menu is worth having, and at the prices they charge, that might not seem like such a bad idea.
Jewel in the Crown has everything you need for a classic curry house: tacky décor, big portions, and late opening hours, making it the best post-pub option for a poppadom or two.
Plaza wouldn't win a beauty pageant, but it's a firm favourite for picky eaters; if you can't hack the spice, they'll make it how you like it.
Herbivores, hold your carrot sticks, we haven't forgotten you. Jyoti is your spiritual home in the triangle with every dish lovely and veggie, or even vegan. Chicken korma shmorma, we say.
Finally, a hot tip, literally. If your mouth is on fire and you can't take the heat, don't ask for a glass of water, as this will make it worse. Yoghurt is a much better cooler.
Al Frash
186 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, (0121) 753 3120
Mon–Sun, 5pm–late; take-out available 24 hours
Jewel in the Crown
125 Alcester Road, Moseley, (0121) 449 4335
Sun–Thu, 6pm–12am; Fri–Sat, 6pm–1am
Plaza
278 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, (0121) 449 4249
Mon–Sun, 5pm–12am
Jyoti
569-571 Stratford Road, Sparkhill, (0121) 766 7199
Tue–Wed, 6pm–9.30pm; Thu–Sun, 1pm–3pm & 6pm–9.30pm
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