Reggae musicians Robin Campbell and his son Matt, both associated with the band UB40, have publicly supported a campaign to secure protected status for the Birmingham balti under a Unesco programme aimed at preserving authentic culinary traditions. The effort seeks to formally recognise the dish, which originated and gained popularity in Birmingham, England.

Speaking at Shababs balti house in the city’s Sparkbrook area, Robin Campbell emphasised the dish’s strong connection to Birmingham, noting that it is where the balti became well known. His son, Matt, highlighted the balti’s distinctive style of eating, which often involves using bread rather than utensils.

The bid has garnered backing from several restaurants in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle, a district renowned for its concentration of balti restaurants. The Association for the Protection of the Authentic Balti has also been established to advance the campaign and promote the dish’s cultural and historical significance.

The Campbells endorsed the initiative as part of events commemorating the third International Day of Birmingham, a celebration inaugurated in 2024 by comedian Joe Lycett. The occasion fosters connections among cities sharing the name Birmingham worldwide.

During the event, the Campbells sampled a balti dish inspired by Birmingham, Alabama, reflecting a culinary link between the two cities. Robin Campbell described the experience as an honour, underscoring the shared cultural heritage celebrated through the campaign.