Brum-made Balti bowls aiming to curry favour
AUTHENTIC Balti curry bowls are running off a production line in Birmingham for the first time in more than 25 years.
Historic engineering firm AE Harris is now making the dishes for the newly-formed Birmingham Balti Bowl Co. The pressed steel bowls are stamped with the city’s name and are being snapped up by curry aficionados.
Birmingham balti expert Andy Munro and his daughter Lora have launched the company after com- plaints from ‘Balti Triangle’ restaurateurs about the quality of some of the dishes being imported.
Mr Munro said: “I was hearing that the metal was too thick or thin, the handles were falling off, they were becoming warped. The original bowls went out of production in the 90s and whilst there are imitations available online, they are not suitable for cooking over high heat, the authentic way to cook a balti.
“So I spoke with the chefs to work out the best dimensions and what they wanted in a bowl. The essence of a proper balti is the way it’s fast cooked and served, so now curry-lovers everywhere can make an authentic Balti at home.
“Additionally and uniquely we have engraved the bowls with the legend ‘Birmingham Balti Bowl Co’ so there will be no doubt that the bowls have been made in the city where the famous balti began.”
He added that being made from pressed steel, the bowls develop a black layer when used and improve with age. The last Birmingham-based manufacturer stopped production more than 25 years ago so Mr Munro approached the engineering firm AE Harris, in the Jewellery Quarter, and set about producing the bowls. The company’s chairman is
columnist Russell Luckock.
So far the bowls are being bought online by curry fans but the firm is looking to expand through retailers and the restaurant trade.