Try a Balti in its hometown

Birmingham has more Michelin-star restaurants than any other city in the UK save London, but the Balti, a modest one-pot stew, is the centerpiece of the city's identity. The Balti is a fiery curry that is swiftly prepared with the freshest ingredients over a searing hot flame and was created by Birmingham's Pakistani population in the early 1970s.

Although Baltis are now offered in restaurants all over the city, the district of Balti Triangle, a few miles south of the city center, is where the cuisine originated. For a taste of the Balti at its finest, visit the original pioneer eatery Adil's or contemporary favorite Shababs on the Ladypool Road.

There is no denying that Birmingham is a foodie's paradise. It's clear that cuisine is regarded seriously in this country because Glasgow has more Michelin stars than any other UK city outside London.