In Britain, curry houses have become something of a national institution, and Birmingham is acclaimed all over the country as the home of the Balti.

The word “Balti” literally means bucket, but it actually refers to the wok-like pan that the food is cooked in.

Balti cuisine is cooked according to traditional Pakistani and Kashmir recipes and is essentially pan-fried meat and vegetables with a curry sauce. Experienced Balti eaters use a naan bread or a chapatti to scoop up the food, but beginners will probably need cutlery!

Meals are notoriously cheap, often costing no more than �But it is worth noting that many Balti houses are unlicensed, so they operate a “Bring Your Own” policy when it comes to alcohol.

If you are in Birmingham there are literally hundreds of Balti houses to choose from, so you really should try one.

The best places to head for are Balsall Heath and Sparkhill in South Birmingham - there are so many Balti houses here, they have been nicknamed the “Balti Trail”!