Shababs Balti Restaurant, located in Birmingham's vibrant Sparkbrook district, is an iconic venue renowned for its traditional Birmingham Balti cuisine. Established in the mid-1970s, Shababs is one of the pioneering establishments that helped introduce the Balti cooking style, which is now synonymous with the city. Situated within the famous Balti Triangle—an area in Birmingham known for its concentration of Balti restaurants—Shababs has become a key player in preserving and promoting this unique culinary tradition.
The Balti Triangle, which spans parts of Sparkbrook, Balsall Heath, and Moseley, is home to numerous restaurants that serve the signature dish, the Balti—a style of curry cooked and served in a wok-like bowl. This area has earned its reputation as the birthplace of the Balti, where the dish was first introduced to Birmingham's diverse population in the 1970s. Shababs, as one of the original establishments in the area, continues to celebrate the authentic flavours of the Balti, offering diners a taste of Birmingham's rich culinary heritage.
The menu at Shababs features a wide range of classic Balti dishes, all prepared with a perfect blend of aromatic spices and fresh ingredients. One of their most popular offerings is the Balti Chicken, with tender chicken cooked in a spiced sauce and served sizzling in a traditional Balti bowl. The Butter Chicken, a creamy and mildly spiced curry, offers a rich and comforting flavour, while the Chicken Tikka Masala, with marinated chicken pieces simmered in a tangy tomato-based sauce, remains a classic favourite.
For meat lovers, the House Mix Grill Sizzler is a popular choice, offering grilled chicken tikka, lamb chops, and seekh kebabs, all served sizzling on a hot plate. The Mix Grill Tikka combines marinated chicken and lamb tikka, grilled to perfection and served with fresh salad and naan bread.
Shababs also allows customers to recreate the Balti experience at home by offering Balti bowls and specially crafted spice packs. The restaurant provides a collection service, making it easy for diners to enjoy their meals at home. For those wishing to dine in, Shababs offers a welcoming, family-friendly atmosphere.
As a staple of the Balti Triangle, Shababs continues to be a cornerstone of Birmingham's culinary landscape, known for its authenticity, flavour, and long-standing contribution to the city's food culture.