Members of the reggae band UB40 have expressed their support for a campaign to secure protected status for the Birmingham Balti, a curry dish closely associated with the city. Robin Campbell, the band’s founding guitarist, along with his son Matt, emphasized their long-standing appreciation of the dish and its cultural significance to Birmingham.

“Balti is very much of Birmingham,” Robin Campbell said, highlighting the dish’s origins in the city and its reputation as a local specialty. “It’s where it was invented and it’s where it’s become famous. It’s a Brummie thing.”

The Birmingham Balti is currently being considered for recognition under the Unesco-backed Inventories of Living Heritage scheme, which aims to safeguard cultural expressions and traditional practices. This potential designation would place the Balti alongside other globally acknowledged cultural heritages, underscoring its importance both regionally and internationally.

The campaign has garnered support not only from prominent figures like UB40 but also from several restaurants located in Birmingham’s Balti Triangle, an area centered on Ladypool Road known for its concentration of Balti eateries. These establishments have played a key role in popularizing the dish and maintaining its culinary tradition.

Proponents argue that protected status would help preserve the cultural and culinary legacy of the Birmingham Balti, fostering local pride and potentially boosting tourism. Meanwhile, details regarding the timeline for the designation and any specific criteria remain subject to review by the overseeing heritage bodies.