While Watching this,my Shepherds pie was in the oven….. and thanks to you,I’ve just ordered a ruby….that’s £16.75 you owe me…. Shepherds pie tomorrow!!
So pleased you enjoyed my Home City Balti Gary, I started eating Balti in the early 70's, goat Balti was my first curry at a place called the lunchbox Ladypool Road, no longer there it was very basic, plastic tablecloths no menu just a chalk board of what was available on the day take your own booze in, but the food was out of this world!. Since then I have tried virtually every curry house in Brum over 50 years and Shabbabs is one of if not the best.
Hi Gary, ive been a chef for 30 years and as you can imagine critics are not my favorite people, i came across your channel recently and i cant stop watching! A really respectful and honest take on food, really well done. How do you not pack on the pounds?!
Shababs was our go to in the early 90’s after a night out in Brum. We’d be there 3/4am and love that some of the offerings still exist. Menu in the table, onion, yogurt and tamarind in the same pot, which our mate Scott used to love. Ate everyone’s! Then the Balti dish and a family naan stretching the table and shared by the group. Happy days! Think I might have to take a trip for nostalgia.
Hi Gary yet another great review WOWWWW what a naan that was as I live in the East Midlands and travel for work I have googled the restaurant and put the address in sat nav will definitely pay a visit hopefully in the near future cheers 🍻
I miss the days of Indian restaurants with flock wallpaper and the velour seats. Looks like a very nice place. I have to say the appearance was spectacular!! I like chicken tikka made with thigh meat as it is so juicy, but that looked really good. The Balti looked really tasty. Love that dish. Nan bread looked great but even for a chunky lad like me I don't think I'm finishing that. Love a Peshawari nan if I get a choice. I'm thinking that's a 10 , I'm biased cos I love a curry. I think the price was excellent bearing what you had .Another outstanding review. I'm enjoying these so much.
I couldn't finish all of the naan, I gave some to the cameraman afterwards as it was too much for me... the rest was exceptional and I really agree with you regarding Indian restaurants. The meal could feed two people so 18.50 each is good value. Thanks mate, I really appreciate it!
Actually quite expensive for Birmingham round there now. Before the marketing of the "Balti triangle" you'd have paid half that. 30 years ago 4 of us would eat curry, rice and a table naan for £10 total!
@@NH-tv3jr I remember those days fondly, along with the sweet counter, I used to pop into the sweet centre in witton for lunch or to pick up a nice selection of Barfi.
Gary, being a born and bred proud Brummie now living in the South West (where a decent curry hasn't been invented yet) this video really brought a tear to my eye - the Ladypool Road, my old curry stomping ground. So many memories. Some of the best tastes around and it all started with some villagers migrating over here to The Triangle and it became a sensation. Ironically, when Baltis arrived in London they didn't go down well to start with, with Londoners thinking that something so cheap couldn't possibly taste excellent - they soon learnt. That naan made me smile - they were always called family naans years ago and would be scoffed by about 4 people. As you say, rice is pretty pointless (in my opinion mostly unnecessary with any Indian meal - try chips, if you need a filler} .... it kinda dilutes the subtle tastes (chips don't) so best is to scoop with naan and put sauces on if required. We also used to have shedloads of sheek kebabs for starters. Thanks for this video buddy - really made my day.
I just stumbled across your channel and I like how you present your reviews with profession and straight to the point on things. I do love a curry myself, with the tidbits like onion bhajis, samosas, poppadoms, mango chutney and not forgetting a lovely piece of naan bread.
My mouth was watering, watching you eat that food! My absolute favourite Indian food is Chicken Tandoori, & I could almost cry that I'll never go to the Baltic Triangle to taste it myself. Then you chose Lamb Balti - a dish I've not eaten for years, but absolutely loved! Lol I was impressed that the restaurant gave you a choice as to the heat of the spices - I used to love eating highly spiced food, but can't any more, & Indian food like you just had was my go-to! 😭 That Naan bread was totally impressive, & I think my daughter & I would eat the whole thing, if given the choice - even if we had to take it home in a doggy bag first! Lol This looked like a very well deserved 10/10! 👍
Some years ago, I attended a course with some lads from the north of my county. On the last night we all went to Sparkbrook for a Balti. We had a "table naan", so called because it was the size of a table. It was enough for all 8 of us. One of the lads made me laugh. He reckoned it wasn't a real Balti unless you burned your face on the bottom of the pan. Oh, and we had to get get alcoholic drinks from the off licence next door, something quite common in the West Midlands.
First time we went back in '88, the bill came to £13.50 (tandoori fish was 50 pence I remember) and they did a tropical balti with an "elephant's ear" naan, with gulab jarmun for pud. Always loved the food there even though I left Birmingham decades ago.
First visited in the early 80's. Went to a place called Punjab Paradise where the challenge was to try and spend £5 per head. Glass topped table with the menu underneath and the walls covered in egg cartons. Never found out the reason. The naan was enormous and the tandoori fish was also 50p.
Commented before that I'm not a curry eater but that chicken sizzler looked the business. Loved the cracking when you tore the naan bread. Another top upload sir
The naan is HUGE! Enough to feed a family!!! The food looked really nice in general. Love, love, love Indian food. Please keep reviewing these places. I especially love the comments from the cameraman now we know who he is x
If Gary accidentally got locked in that restaurant and had to sleep overnight in there, you know that Naan is gonna be his duvet while he's kipping! 😴🛏. Lol 😆
Ahhh seeing that lamb balti literally made my mouth water, it looks delicious! Another great video, Gary. Loved seeing your eyes light up at the naan bread 🤩
Gary you came to my home city. As you may know the Balti was invented in Birmingham and Shababs was the second restaurant in the Balti triangle. The first unfortunately closed. Glad you enjoyed it.
Gary, This looked immense!! Quite a few reviewers have been there, & none as good as you 👏 The food always looks amazing! The Tikka starter & Lamb balti, the nann bread & even the rice looked cooked to perfection! It looks a great place to eat in Birmingham and you showcased it perfectly. Cheers to you 🍻
I like how they serve the balti in the same pan that they made it in, that way all the flavours of that charred spices you can enjoy 😄 That charred flavours are just 😋😋😋
Still catching up with some of your historic reviews Gary. Mid 1990's; attended a residential business course in Birmingham and, with other colleagues, went out during that stay for a few Baltis and my first ever experience of a massive "Table Naan!" There was so much choice then in Birmingham of Balti restaurants or rather "Balti houses" being the correct term. One was even called "The King of the Baltis" if I remember rightly. Learned recently that Shababs is one of the few traditional Balti houses left after many closed over the years. Very sad as they were fantastic with such a unique and flavourful taste! If you're interested Gary, "James March" who's a travel writer, wrote about this demise of the Balti houses in Birmingham in an article in late 2023. Just need to Google "James March Balti" to read it. Glad you enjoyed your visit. 😊
It all looks delicious Gary The naan bread hid you from view I'm so glad that you enjoyed a wonderful meal It's no wonder that you are stuffed......lol lol
I was raised in Birmingham,but before it was known as the Balti Triangle,in NYC Poppadoms come with the meal,also the rice,we don’t get mango chutney we use to but not anymore,now we get coriander/mint chutney,and tamarind chutney.I never get the tandoori chicken tikka as it always seems dry.I love the curries,all of them,especially the vegetables curries,the people from east Asia are so good at vegetarian food.The price you paid was about the same as here in the ordinary Indian restaurants.We have a few upscale restaurants that charge more,and try to use fancy ingredients,like lobster tails,and steaks,and veal chops,so I don’t count those places.
I'm a Brummie now living in Brighton, both my parents came from the Basall Heath born 100 years ago. I know the area and Shababs because I've eaten there myself, you gave a true and accurate review, when ever I'm back in Brum Shababs is a point of call on the Ladypool Road, consistent and quality....
Love that review!! Will DEFINITELY visit when next in Brum. One reason I really like your reviews Gary is thst you go for the type of food and restaurants that appeal to me and you are always so honest in your reviews. Hope one day you will be able to visit Cardiff!
Thanks Peter. I have a review planned in Wales soon but not in Cardiff. Have you heard of the Skirrid Mountain Inn? Thanks mate and I appreciate the kind words.
Welcome to Brum Gary, so glad you took mine (and others) recommendation and enjoyed Shababs. I always think the table naan is a bit gimmicky at some restaurants and you really have to trust your mates to wash their hands! The lamb balti with a naan or roti is a standard choice there and as you found out.. absolutely gorgeous. Its a great restaurant mate.
This is brilliant! I was only thinking about Shababs yesterday and the Hairy Bikers visit and how I'm going to visit. They have their own Balti bowls from memory.
Na Gary , you tuck in mate , I’ll make do with my butter milk chicken wrap 😢, I think I’ll send Mrs Petrus on a Curry cooking course , I can’t take much more of this 🤣🤣🤣plus you’re one of the few bloggers who actually read the comments and Kindly Reply , top top chap !
I'm sorry mate. How was the wrap? Thanks Petrus. Try to reply as much as I can but I also work so can be difficult. Haha, you and Mrs Petrus should sign up to curry cooking course. All the best mate.
I stumbled across your channel, and love your reviews. Refreshing and no fuss reviews. The look on your face at the end of the meal did say “I am stuffed”! The food looked amazing
Lol at that naan bread! They don’t mess around. I certainly love me some Indian food, and this looks awesome. Thanks Gary, I love this channel, and have been keeping up with the videos.
Hi Gary just subscribed I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease 20 years ago 57 now what I can eat now has rapidly declined as I cant eat greasy or spicy foods I eat a lot of pastas chicken and cook all my meals from scratch.Enjoying your videos they are really informative and entertaining it brings back a lot of memories, for me. Thats my Saturday evening viewing sorted lol.Who needs reality tv lol Cant stop drooling lol.Oh how I miss an Indian lol
I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope you're well nonetheless Angela? Thank you very much for your kind words despite your situation. All the best always.
Thank you my friend. Leeds will be coming up soon. I spent a bit more time in York than planned so didn't have enough time to go to Leeds but I will be back very very soon to do some videos in Leeds. If you have any recommendations, let me know!
Once again ATD in your comments. Have been there and it was exceptional. Keep it up. I enjoy your reviews. Gary you're a great Ambassador for restaurants. Top Man.
Oh Garry mate you have me drooling. What a delicious banquet. To big to call that a meal. I unfortunately could never afford a feed like that but you took me to another level with this one. Many thanks. 👍
It looked a wonderful restaurant Gary and seemed great value. You keep discovering great places. That Naan is two meals on its own. 10 out of 10 from me too (and 11 out of 10 for the review !)
Thanks for picking up on my comment on the pronunciation of popadom with an M. I felt guilty about pulling you up on that point but you corrected yourself. Love that’s. Great content again
Haha no problem. I remembered the comment from last time and the cameraman pulled me up on it. I always listen to feedback as you are all extremely important to this channel working. Thanks for watching!
I like the fact that you eat the meal in its entirety and don't just pick at bits so that you can do numerous reviews in a day. Home of the balti has to be 10/10.
Wish we had an Indian restaurant like this in Scotland 🏴 Dont even have one in our home town in Eyemouth! Excellent review Gary, as always, that nann bread looked amazing 😂 Keep the great content coming and look forward to the next one.
Great review as always Gary, What a massive Nan bread! Part of me want's to throw the chicken tikka and rice into it, Roll it up and have a good chow down Mate!
Had a great Indian in KL where the food was served on Banana leaves while sitting on the floor. Living in Asia on occasion miss the UK. When my kids (2) were. Growing they got to choose. What they wanted to eat (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai etc) they loved it!
I recall back in the 90s the Balti Houses in Sparkbruck, Brum serving Naan like that with 2 waiters carrying it out (held up high) as part of the theatre.
I don't live far from Birmingham and used to travel here quite often but then found that the service had deteriorated quite bad, really miserable and didn't care but maybe i chose the wrong days 😢 only way to eat any curry is with nann bread, throw the knife and fork out the window 😅
Ah, I'm sorry to hear that Chris. It was fine when I went... had better but it was polite at the very least. A very unknown fact in the UK. Thanks mate.
I remember visiting my friend Colin, who worked for Cadbury's, in the '80's. He took me to a balti house (before I, or indeed anyone outside Birmingham, had ever heard of a balti). On sitting at the table I was struck by the lack of cutlery. After studying the menu I naively suggested that we order a naan bread each. At this point he started laughing, much to my puzzlement. When the said bread arrived I understood both his mirth and the lack of silverware. We then set to, using the naan to shovel the curry into our expectant gobs. Yum.
Hi Gary hope you enjoyed your trip to Birmingham. Restaurant looked very nice. Bread was huge! you could wrap it round you if its cold outside !food looked nice and hot. glad you gave it 10/10
Loved that review Gary. I'd really like you to go back there for a 4 or 5 am visit. See what custom there is and maybe talk to the staff about the 6am finish and why? Nice work.
Evening Gary👍 I had to burst out laughing at the literal table naan🤣looked super tasty with well cooked fluffy rice, I'm a fan of lamb curry also (lamb bhuna) and that balti was spot on for me. I'm not a tandoori fan but it looked really good, but that naan mate🤣Great review and I see why it's well rated, nice one✌️🍻
@@GaryEats honestly I was listening and paying attention but I was creased up shouting over to the Mrs 'look at this' 🤣anyway we had a laugh about it and you had a great meal so win win. Take care mate✌️🍻
that look top notch wish they had taste vision they are lucky people in birmingham to have a quality restraunt like that another cracking review thanks gary all the best steve
Nice eatery, authentic. A very good Indian meal, quality ingredients and fresh with good presentation. Enough there in your order for 2/3 diners so reasonable value. Massive Naan. 10/10.
I've Just found your channel and stumbled upon your visit to Shababs, I've visited there several times myself and agree with everything you said, being open 18 hours a day is a big plus too. You have another subscriber.👍
Arghh, I've just done the same. Had a chicken Kiev out for supper, changed me mind now. Ordering a curry now, don't think the naan will compare. My local does a 4 course special on weds, £14.95. Jackpot, poppadoms, mixed kebab starter, garlic chicken tikka balti main and chunky chips. Another 10 and another class video. Keep up the crackin' work 👍
Watched this latest video, amazing, it looked very good, not my food really, but I love watching all things food, that naan looked really good, that would be sufficient for me! but moreover, love watching your Chanel.
Taxi drivers used to eat a curry after their shift in Leeds. Usually after the night clubs close, so that would be after 3AM. Plus the clubbers probably leave feeling a little peckish. Up to Chapeltown for a balti! Possibly more beer too!
Gary, thank you for an excellent review of a place that I, over here in Arizona, have already heard of from other reviewers. I don't know if you've eaten Indian food in the US, but as my wife and i are preparing for a trip to London in a couple months, i've been noticing some differences in these UK restaurants that serve almost identical menus to ones in the US: -Here, pappadum is complimentary as a starter, and no matter what state I'm in, the chutneys are always mint, tamarind, and sometimes raita. I've never been served mango or beetroot chutney. -white rice is served complimentary with the mains. For me that's annoying, as I prefer bread with all curries, and if the proprietors there are as stubborn as they are here, they'll give me white rice even when I ask not to have it!
Hi Gary, I can see why you could have done without the rice. Must admit, that food looked great and not surprised you scored it as you did. The reason they are open until 6am, it's to give you plenty of time to eat the naan bread.
Been here a few times over the years! Great food/drinks, service, great value for money! Another enjoyable video Gary 😀 As for the naan bread-I hav seen ones even bigger on TV programmes over the years-you must of done a well seen the same size or even bigger somewhere??
I was in Birmingham in May and had a so-so weatherspoons lunch...i should have gone here as for certain i would have left full up, cheers Gary a great review yet again
I loved all your videos and they made me hungrier. Have you tried Iranian cuisine? Your mind will fly from the pleasure. I recommend Kish Restaurant in West London. Try it and you will not regret it. All the best to your channel.
I had Google Streetview on another monitor as I watched your review. I clicked on the restaurant menu and was confused that Just-Eat are doing deliveries at 4am! I thought you said it opened at 6am, but it closes at 6am! A shame the refuse to cycle to Thatcham at this time of day 🙂 A very extensive menu. The nan looked fun and a talking point, but I'd have ignored camera man and gone for a normal one. The chicken and the veg looks perfect, and the curry sauce looked great.
Talking about flying saucers landing at you table 😂😂😂😂 great meal looked great no 🌶 chilli for me though great looking place yum I'd be in that😊😊love nann bread my favourite 😊😊not that much though 😊😊
Hi mate hope you and the camera man are keeping well and had a nice weekend? Didn't think I had watched this review before but I had and yes the food looks very nice. Am relocating up north to Yorkshire over the weekend so might have to pay this place a visit on the way up and fill a hole with a massive table Naan lol
While Watching this,my Shepherds pie was in the oven….. and thanks to you,I’ve just ordered a ruby….that’s £16.75 you owe me…. Shepherds pie tomorrow!!
Invoice me it and I'll get it paid for haha! Cheers Danny. Shepherds pie is lovely as well.
🤣🤣
Shepherds pie is much nicer the day after making it 😂
That's a whopper of a naan bread!
@janwong9437 Haha.. Certainly that it had overnight to absorb more flavour etc
So pleased you enjoyed my Home City Balti Gary, I started eating Balti in the early 70's, goat Balti was my first curry at a place called the lunchbox Ladypool Road, no longer there it was very basic, plastic tablecloths no menu just a chalk board of what was available on the day take your own booze in, but the food was out of this world!. Since then I have tried virtually every curry house in Brum over 50 years and Shabbabs is one of if not the best.
You'll be delighted to know that I've just done another review in Birmingham. Will be up in a few days!
Hi Gary, ive been a chef for 30 years and as you can imagine critics are not my favorite people, i came across your channel recently and i cant stop watching! A really respectful and honest take on food, really well done. How do you not pack on the pounds?!
Wow. That's very kind of you and means a lot when chefs like my content as I must be doing something right. I try not to eat too much during the week!
I've no idea how many times you eat out weekly and keep slim😮
Shababs was our go to in the early 90’s after a night out in Brum. We’d be there 3/4am and love that some of the offerings still exist. Menu in the table, onion, yogurt and tamarind in the same pot, which our mate Scott used to love. Ate everyone’s! Then the Balti dish and a family naan stretching the table and shared by the group. Happy days! Think I might have to take a trip for nostalgia.
Give it another go!
Fabulous meal, drooling over it. The nan was superb. Great show as always Gary.
Thank you Ziggy. Appreciate it mate.
Hi Gary yet another great review WOWWWW what a naan that was as I live in the East Midlands and travel for work I have googled the restaurant and put the address in sat nav will definitely pay a visit hopefully in the near future cheers 🍻
I miss the days of Indian restaurants with flock wallpaper and the velour seats.
Looks like a very nice place. I have to say the appearance was spectacular!!
I like chicken tikka made with thigh meat as it is so juicy, but that looked really good. The Balti looked really tasty. Love that dish.
Nan bread looked great but even for a chunky lad like me I don't think I'm finishing that. Love a Peshawari nan if I get a choice.
I'm thinking that's a 10 , I'm biased cos I love a curry. I think the price was excellent bearing what you had .Another outstanding review. I'm enjoying these so much.
I couldn't finish all of the naan, I gave some to the cameraman afterwards as it was too much for me... the rest was exceptional and I really agree with you regarding Indian restaurants. The meal could feed two people so 18.50 each is good value. Thanks mate, I really appreciate it!
The Gate of India in Chester is old school Indian and excellent.
Actually quite expensive for Birmingham round there now. Before the marketing of the "Balti triangle" you'd have paid half that. 30 years ago 4 of us would eat curry, rice and a table naan for £10 total!
It’s not Indian. It’s Pakistani. Not the same.
@@NH-tv3jr I remember those days fondly, along with the sweet counter, I used to pop into the sweet centre in witton for lunch or to pick up a nice selection of Barfi.
Gary, being a born and bred proud Brummie now living in the South West (where a decent curry hasn't been invented yet) this video really brought a tear to my eye - the Ladypool Road, my old curry stomping ground. So many memories.
Some of the best tastes around and it all started with some villagers migrating over here to The Triangle and it became a sensation. Ironically, when Baltis arrived in London they didn't go down well to start with, with Londoners thinking that something so cheap couldn't possibly taste excellent - they soon learnt.
That naan made me smile - they were always called family naans years ago and would be scoffed by about 4 people. As you say, rice is pretty pointless (in my opinion mostly unnecessary with any Indian meal - try chips, if you need a filler} .... it kinda dilutes the subtle tastes (chips don't) so best is to scoop with naan and put sauces on if required. We also used to have shedloads of sheek kebabs for starters.
Thanks for this video buddy - really made my day.
I’m really pleased it brought back memories Roger this was an excellent curry house and incredibly busy late evening
I just stumbled across your channel and I like how you present your reviews with profession and straight to the point on things. I do love a curry myself, with the tidbits like onion bhajis, samosas, poppadoms, mango chutney and not forgetting a lovely piece of naan bread.
Thank you very much! Appreciated :) Probably one of my favourite cuisines, your selection sounds delicious!
My mouth was watering, watching you eat that food!
My absolute favourite Indian food is Chicken Tandoori, & I could almost cry that I'll never go to the Baltic Triangle to taste it myself.
Then you chose Lamb Balti - a dish I've not eaten for years, but absolutely loved! Lol
I was impressed that the restaurant gave you a choice as to the heat of the spices - I used to love eating highly spiced food, but can't any more, & Indian food like you just had was my go-to! 😭
That Naan bread was totally impressive, & I think my daughter & I would eat the whole thing, if given the choice - even if we had to take it home in a doggy bag first! Lol
This looked like a very well deserved 10/10! 👍
This Indian restaurant was simply very impressive as was the naan lol 😂
Some years ago, I attended a course with some lads from the north of my county. On the last night we all went to Sparkbrook for a Balti. We had a "table naan", so called because it was the size of a table. It was enough for all 8 of us. One of the lads made me laugh. He reckoned it wasn't a real Balti unless you burned your face on the bottom of the pan. Oh, and we had to get get alcoholic drinks from the off licence next door, something quite common in the West Midlands.
Haha great stuff mate. Those table naan's are deceptively big!
A lot of the Indian restaurants in the Balti triangle do not have alcohol licenses .
The ones that don't have alcohol licences are the best because you can bring your own for a fraction of the price.
They is always off-licence nearby
First time we went back in '88, the bill came to £13.50 (tandoori fish was 50 pence I remember) and they did a tropical balti with an "elephant's ear" naan, with gulab jarmun for pud. Always loved the food there even though I left Birmingham decades ago.
Very nice.
First visited in the early 80's. Went to a place called Punjab Paradise where the challenge was to try and spend £5 per head. Glass topped table with the menu underneath and the walls covered in egg cartons. Never found out the reason. The naan was enormous and the tandoori fish was also 50p.
Commented before that I'm not a curry eater but that chicken sizzler looked the business.
Loved the cracking when you tore the naan bread.
Another top upload sir
Glad you enjoyed it. Thank you my friend :)
The naan is HUGE! Enough to feed a family!!! The food looked really nice in general. Love, love, love Indian food. Please keep reviewing these places. I especially love the comments from the cameraman now we know who he is x
Thank you!! He can be a tricky so and so at times
If Gary accidentally got locked in that restaurant and had to sleep overnight in there, you know that Naan is gonna be his duvet while he's kipping! 😴🛏. Lol 😆
You are not wrong my friend. If I wake up hungry, no problem. It's there. Thanks for watching!
Ha ha, funny comment 😄
You always put these videos up when I'm starving 🤣🤣
I'm so sorry Sean! Just make sure you eat between 4-5:30 so you don't have the issue with me uploading haha. Thanks for watching!
Gary the food looked delicious 10 out of 10 for looks and the lamb looks excellent thank you for sharing this with us
Thanks for watching Lorraine. Glad you liked it!
Ahhh seeing that lamb balti literally made my mouth water, it looks delicious! Another great video, Gary. Loved seeing your eyes light up at the naan bread 🤩
A good sign of an Indian restaurant for me is how well the lamb is cooked and it was perfect! The naan, no words. Never seen anything like that!
Yet another masterpiece Gary. Your videos give so much joy, believe me. Food looks pretty magnificent.
Wow. That means an awful lot to me Dale. Thank you :)
Gary you came to my home city. As you may know the Balti was invented in Birmingham and Shababs was the second restaurant in the Balti triangle. The first unfortunately closed. Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Mark. I remember you saying you lived in Birmingham before as well as a few others so I thought it would be good to pop in and try! Thanks mate.
Gary,
This looked immense!!
Quite a few reviewers have been there, & none as good as you 👏
The food always looks amazing!
The Tikka starter & Lamb balti, the nann bread & even the rice looked cooked to perfection!
It looks a great place to eat in Birmingham and you showcased it perfectly.
Cheers to you 🍻
Thanks Tel. Always too kind as per usual. Have they? I didn't know about that but I will go and have a look now. That's big praise - thank you!
I like how they serve the balti in the same pan that they made it in, that way all the flavours of that charred spices you can enjoy 😄
That charred flavours are just 😋😋😋
Really liked that aspect of it too. Made it even more enjoyable. Thanks for watching!
Still catching up with some of your historic reviews Gary.
Mid 1990's; attended a residential business course in Birmingham and, with other colleagues, went out during that stay for a few Baltis and my first ever experience of a massive "Table Naan!"
There was so much choice then in Birmingham of Balti restaurants or rather "Balti houses" being the correct term. One was even called "The King of the Baltis" if I remember rightly.
Learned recently that Shababs is one of the few traditional Balti houses left after many closed over the years. Very sad as they were fantastic with such a unique and flavourful taste!
If you're interested Gary, "James March" who's a travel writer, wrote about this demise of the Balti houses in Birmingham in an article in late 2023. Just need to Google "James March Balti" to read it.
Glad you enjoyed your visit. 😊
Thank you for going back through my videos. Much better choice back then
It all looks delicious Gary
The naan bread hid you from view
I'm so glad that you enjoyed a wonderful meal
It's no wonder that you are stuffed......lol lol
I was certainly very very full after this one
I was raised in Birmingham,but before it was known as the Balti Triangle,in NYC Poppadoms come with the meal,also the rice,we don’t get mango chutney we use to but not anymore,now we get coriander/mint chutney,and tamarind chutney.I never get the tandoori chicken tikka as it always seems dry.I love the curries,all of them,especially the vegetables curries,the people from east Asia are so good at vegetarian food.The price you paid was about the same as here in the ordinary Indian restaurants.We have a few upscale restaurants that charge more,and try to use fancy ingredients,like lobster tails,and steaks,and veal chops,so I don’t count those places.
Thanks for that Janet!
Fantastic review and thank you so much for taking us along 👍
No problem Nigel, thanks for watching! 👍
I'm a Brummie now living in Brighton, both my parents came from the Basall Heath born 100 years ago. I know the area and Shababs because I've eaten there myself, you gave a true and accurate review, when ever I'm back in Brum Shababs is a point of call on the Ladypool Road, consistent and quality....
Thank you very much that’s really appreciated
That naan, just comical. Everything looked delish. I had to look up what a lamb balti was, I definitely want to try that. Gaz, always a pleasure xx
It was certainly huge, but it was very tasty Nicole xx
Gary love your videos really enjoy them you try all sorts of restaurants great keep up the good work
Glad you like them! Thanks mate!
All I can say is, you've got a bloody good appetite! Food looked amazing.
Love that review!! Will DEFINITELY visit when next in Brum.
One reason I really like your reviews Gary is thst you go for the type of food and restaurants that appeal to me and you are always so honest in your reviews.
Hope one day you will be able to visit Cardiff!
Thanks Peter. I have a review planned in Wales soon but not in Cardiff. Have you heard of the Skirrid Mountain Inn? Thanks mate and I appreciate the kind words.
Yes I have heard of that Inn. Allegedly the oldest Inn in Wales.
Not far from Abergavenny.
Look forward to your review when you visit.
Heard it's quite haunted. Might be somewhere to do on the 31st! Cheers Peter and thanks for the info.
*I edited the first comment as I made a mistake.
Welcome to Brum Gary, so glad you took mine (and others) recommendation and enjoyed Shababs. I always think the table naan is a bit gimmicky at some restaurants and you really have to trust your mates to wash their hands!
The lamb balti with a naan or roti is a standard choice there and as you found out.. absolutely gorgeous. Its a great restaurant mate.
Hi Morgan. Thanks for the recommendation, I remembered your comment. You were spot on and thank you again. Any more good ones about?!
@GaryEats if you fancy something desi pub style you could try the Hen & Chickens on Constitution Hill... great mixed grills and curries there.
Thanks mate.
Love your videos. Thanks.
That was quick Paul. Thanks mate, glad you like them!
This is brilliant! I was only thinking about Shababs yesterday and the Hairy Bikers visit and how I'm going to visit. They have their own Balti bowls from memory.
Excellent Nigel, definietly go down there and give it a try... as you can see... they're open pretty much all day!
What an amazing Indian meal Gary. All looked very high quality and taste to match. You certainly struck gold there Gary !
Thank you kindly Robert. It was exceptional!
Na Gary , you tuck in mate , I’ll make do with my butter milk chicken wrap 😢, I think I’ll send Mrs Petrus on a Curry cooking course , I can’t take much more of this 🤣🤣🤣plus you’re one of the few bloggers who actually read the comments and Kindly Reply , top top chap !
I'm sorry mate. How was the wrap? Thanks Petrus. Try to reply as much as I can but I also work so can be difficult. Haha, you and Mrs Petrus should sign up to curry cooking course. All the best mate.
Hi, if you're serious about Mrs Petrus on Indian cooking classes, then no need! Just tell her to watch a channel called Latif’s Inspired. 👍💯💫
I stumbled across your channel, and love your reviews. Refreshing and no fuss reviews. The look on your face at the end of the meal did say “I am stuffed”! The food looked amazing
Thank you mate. I was incredibly full.
Lol at that naan bread! They don’t mess around. I certainly love me some Indian food, and this looks awesome. Thanks Gary, I love this channel, and have been keeping up with the videos.
HUGE! Me too. One of my favourite cuisines! Really appreciate you watching my videos :)
Royal Watan Naan bread is double the size of that, and the food blows shababs out the water.
Hi Gary just subscribed I was diagnosed with Crohns Disease 20 years ago 57 now what I can eat now has rapidly declined as I cant eat greasy or spicy foods I eat a lot of pastas chicken and cook all my meals from scratch.Enjoying your videos they are really informative and entertaining it brings back a lot of memories, for me. Thats my Saturday evening viewing sorted lol.Who needs reality tv lol Cant stop drooling lol.Oh how I miss an Indian lol
I'm really sorry to hear that. I hope you're well nonetheless Angela? Thank you very much for your kind words despite your situation. All the best always.
I love Indian food & that one looked outstanding. Reasonably priced I’d say & a definite 10.
Well done Gary.
Ps - I expected Leeds after York 🤔
Thank you my friend. Leeds will be coming up soon. I spent a bit more time in York than planned so didn't have enough time to go to Leeds but I will be back very very soon to do some videos in Leeds. If you have any recommendations, let me know!
Once again ATD in your comments. Have been there and it was exceptional.
Keep it up. I enjoy your reviews.
Gary you're a great Ambassador for restaurants.
Top Man.
Thank you so much 🤩
Oh Garry mate you have me drooling. What a delicious banquet. To big to call that a meal. I unfortunately could never afford a feed like that but you took me to another level with this one. Many thanks. 👍
Glad you liked it Philip. Really happy you enjoyed the video.
It looked a wonderful restaurant Gary and seemed great value. You keep discovering great places. That Naan is two meals on its own. 10 out of 10 from me too (and 11 out of 10 for the review !)
Thank you Stephanie as always. I'm always happy that you enjoy the review!
Thanks for picking up on my comment on the pronunciation of popadom with an M. I felt guilty about pulling you up on that point but you corrected yourself. Love that’s. Great content again
Haha no problem. I remembered the comment from last time and the cameraman pulled me up on it. I always listen to feedback as you are all extremely important to this channel working. Thanks for watching!
My mouth's watering as I watch this I can feel a midnight snack coming on. I don't live too far away so i'm definately gonna pay them a visit.
It was a very good meal one I recommend Phil
Good choice. That is very good. Hope you took my advice about the Leeds ruby house!!
Of course Heather, I've noted it down. Thanks for watching!
Ah Gaz, so glad you enjoyed it. Excellent review and your choice of restaurant.
Thanks again my friend! 😄
I like the fact that you eat the meal in its entirety and don't just pick at bits so that you can do numerous reviews in a day. Home of the balti has to be 10/10.
Thanks John. Not possible for me to do more than one review in a day!
Wish we had an Indian restaurant like this in Scotland 🏴 Dont even have one in our home town in Eyemouth! Excellent review Gary, as always, that nann bread looked amazing 😂 Keep the great content coming and look forward to the next one.
This was fantastic and thank you Richard
Great review as always Gary, What a massive Nan bread! Part of me want's to throw the chicken tikka and rice into it, Roll it up and have a good chow down Mate!
Thank you Scotty. All the best to you my good sir.
Awesome 👌 I swear I could smell the food coming through my Iphone! 🤤
I can safely say it was absolutely superb John. Thanks for commenting!
Had a great Indian in KL where the food was served on Banana leaves while sitting on the floor. Living in Asia on occasion miss the UK. When my kids (2) were. Growing they got to choose. What they wanted to eat (Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai etc) they loved it!
Sounds great!
OMG Gary your meal looks fantastic I'm sure the camera man was making sure you enjoy your meal that nann bread is enormous
This was excellent, and that was one big naan bread Ian
You are so good at this Gary 👏
Thank you!
I recall back in the 90s the Balti Houses in Sparkbruck, Brum serving Naan like that with 2 waiters carrying it out (held up high) as part of the theatre.
Good info that Gareth. I love a bit of theatre so it's probably why I ordered it. Looked really good!
Was that Adils ? I don't know if that still exists now. It had the claim of being the first ever Balti house in Birmingham.
I don't live far from Birmingham and used to travel here quite often but then found that the service had deteriorated quite bad, really miserable and didn't care but maybe i chose the wrong days 😢 only way to eat any curry is with nann bread, throw the knife and fork out the window 😅
Ah, I'm sorry to hear that Chris. It was fine when I went... had better but it was polite at the very least. A very unknown fact in the UK. Thanks mate.
Another great review Gary,food looked delicious 😋.
Thanks so much Steve. It was scrumptious!
I always look forward to your posts Gary, top stuff!!😀
So nice to hear my friend. Thank you for watching!
I remember visiting my friend Colin, who worked for Cadbury's, in the '80's. He took me to a balti house (before I, or indeed anyone outside Birmingham, had ever heard of a balti). On sitting at the table I was struck by the lack of cutlery. After studying the menu I naively suggested that we order a naan bread each. At this point he started laughing, much to my puzzlement. When the said bread arrived I understood both his mirth and the lack of silverware. We then set to, using the naan to shovel the curry into our expectant gobs. Yum.
Joanne that’s the way I eat it now absolutely perfect 👌👌👌
Another great review. Im pescatarian, but still enjoy all your reviews . Especially the fish ones.
I will try to do more fish related reviews soon!
Hi Gary hope you enjoyed your trip to Birmingham. Restaurant looked very nice. Bread was huge! you could wrap it round you if its cold outside !food looked nice and hot. glad you gave it 10/10
I wish I had it today Susan. Glad you liked itn
As a Brummie I was a bit anxious for this one. Great to see Shababs get a 10! 😁
This was really good, Jeremy
Hi Gary great review I'd eat that meal anytime boiled rice always the tikka looked lovely well done😊
Thank you Craig. Looked good, didn't it? 😋
There used to a couple of dozen balti houses in that area. They are nearly all gone now. The meal looked great.
Agreed Rob. Was fantastic!
Loved that review Gary. I'd really like you to go back there for a 4 or 5 am visit. See what custom there is and maybe talk to the staff about the 6am finish and why? Nice work.
I will do a late night video (or early morning) at some point soon. I can do that for you for sure. thanks Oliver!
Looks superb Gary great video !!
Thanks Lee!
That is only down the road from me, I must give the Balti triangle a go as haven't had a good eat-out curry in ages so might treat myself.
Honestly, the curry is to die for. Such good food! Go and treat yourself mate and let me know how it was!
Will do mate, keep up the great reviews. I really enjoy them:)
Great video mate love your programme keep up the good work
Thank you Roy!
Evening Gary👍 I had to burst out laughing at the literal table naan🤣looked super tasty with well cooked fluffy rice, I'm a fan of lamb curry also (lamb bhuna) and that balti was spot on for me. I'm not a tandoori fan but it looked really good, but that naan mate🤣Great review and I see why it's well rated, nice one✌️🍻
I couldn't believe my eyes. The cameraman even had some afterwards as there was zero possible chance of me eating all of that!
@@GaryEats honestly I was listening and paying attention but I was creased up shouting over to the Mrs 'look at this' 🤣anyway we had a laugh about it and you had a great meal so win win. Take care mate✌️🍻
Haha. Glad you had a good laugh mate. Everyone's happy! Cheers for watching Martin.
that look top notch wish they had taste vision they are lucky people in birmingham to have a quality restraunt like that another cracking review thanks gary all the best steve
Yes they are Steve. Cracking place to eat. Cheers mate, all the best.
Wow. That looked incredible! Cheers and thanks Gary.
Glad you enjoyed it Stephen
Im so glad I had eaten before watching this one just got chicken out of the freezer for my curry tomorrow cheers gary for another cracking video
Haha, good timing. Enjoy your curry for tomorrow, what you going for?
Nice eatery, authentic. A very good Indian meal, quality ingredients and fresh with good presentation. Enough there in your order for 2/3 diners so reasonable value. Massive Naan. 10/10.
Thanks a ton Leslie. I agree with yo.
Delicious! Love Indian food!
Nice channel by the way. Subbed!
Thank you very much for subbing!
I've Just found your channel and stumbled upon your visit to Shababs, I've visited there several times myself and agree with everything you said, being open 18 hours a day is a big plus too. You have another subscriber.👍
Welcome and thanks for subbing mate. Glad you like it also!
Arghh, I've just done the same. Had a chicken Kiev out for supper, changed me mind now. Ordering a curry now, don't think the naan will compare. My local does a 4 course special on weds, £14.95. Jackpot, poppadoms, mixed kebab starter, garlic chicken tikka balti main and chunky chips. Another 10 and another class video. Keep up the crackin' work 👍
I actually apologise to many of you for getting you in the mood for a curry. Sounds lovely mate, enjoy!
I’ve been using this place over 20 years! It’s rammed at 3 a.m., after everyone has been in the pubs/clubs etc!
I've got my answer then, that's why! Hope you enjoyed the review :)
Now that's a Nan!
The biggest Naan i've laid eyes upon!
Watched this latest video, amazing, it looked very good, not my food really, but I love watching all things food, that naan looked really good, that would be sufficient for me! but moreover, love watching your Chanel.
Ah Garry. You're too kind, means a lot to me that you think that. Thanks for watching!
Taxi drivers used to eat a curry after their shift in Leeds. Usually after the night clubs close, so that would be after 3AM. Plus the clubbers probably leave feeling a little peckish. Up to Chapeltown for a balti! Possibly more beer too!
That’s a great point thank you Ian
Gary, thank you for an excellent review of a place that I, over here in Arizona, have already heard of from other reviewers. I don't know if you've eaten Indian food in the US, but as my wife and i are preparing for a trip to London in a couple months, i've been noticing some differences in these UK restaurants that serve almost identical menus to ones in the US:
-Here, pappadum is complimentary as a starter, and no matter what state I'm in, the chutneys are always mint, tamarind, and sometimes raita. I've never been served mango or beetroot chutney.
-white rice is served complimentary with the mains. For me that's annoying, as I prefer bread with all curries, and if the proprietors there are as stubborn as they are here, they'll give me white rice even when I ask not to have it!
You are more than welcome.
Hi Gary, I can see why you could have done without the rice. Must admit, that food looked great and not surprised you scored it as you did. The reason they are open until 6am, it's to give you plenty of time to eat the naan bread.
Had to take the rice home otherwise it would have gone to waste. The food was excellent and I laughed out loud at your last message, cheers mate.
Only 1 word for that review Gary - BRILLIANT & I had a good laugh 😂😂😂 too - been there & also had take aways - always 10/10
Thank you very much…you know 👌
thanks for the review Gary 👍👍👍
My pleasure!!
Been here a few times over the years!
Great food/drinks, service, great value for money!
Another enjoyable video Gary 😀
As for the naan bread-I hav seen ones even bigger on TV programmes over the years-you must of done a well seen the same size or even bigger somewhere??
Hey Gary, im glad Brum looked after you. If you're still in town, try Raja Monkey in Hall Green. Good luck and all the best with this adventure
Thanks for the tip and thank you my friend. All the best.
Great review Gary . That meal looked superb . If I go there “ lamb chops pink in the middle please “ . Yes I agree with you on that one 👍😊
Great stuff Jim!
Oops my comment for the wrong review …….
I was in Birmingham in May and had a so-so weatherspoons lunch...i should have gone here as for certain i would have left full up, cheers Gary a great review yet again
Always next time Geoffrey!
I loved all your videos and they made me hungrier. Have you tried Iranian cuisine? Your mind will fly from the pleasure. I recommend Kish Restaurant in West London. Try it and you will not regret it. All the best to your channel.
Thank you my friend, I have eaten it before and loved it. I will try my best 😊
Delish and obviously worthy of a 10 - you rarely eat the rice wherever you go Gary!
On this occasion, Bob, you can understand why
Shababs will always be a 10/10. Top review and glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks Richard! Appreciated my friend.
I've been to this place multiple times. It's amazing,
I agree I loved it 💯
I’ve been to this restaurant many times when in Birmingham and it is fantastic. Never had a bad meal in there. Great video ❤️👍
Thank you 😋
I had Google Streetview on another monitor as I watched your review. I clicked on the restaurant menu and was confused that Just-Eat are doing deliveries at 4am!
I thought you said it opened at 6am, but it closes at 6am! A shame the refuse to cycle to Thatcham at this time of day 🙂 A very extensive menu.
The nan looked fun and a talking point, but I'd have ignored camera man and gone for a normal one. The chicken and the veg looks perfect, and the curry sauce looked great.
It was like a pillow mate 😂
@@GaryEats Duvet!
Very nice meal. Price ok - nan bread a feature - all in all pretty ok. Made me hungry watching it!😀
That's the main thing!
Looks fabulous
My favourite is lamb
Tika looks good
Fab meal
Keep the good show going
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it Eric.
That's the Brum Balt for you Gary ❤
❤️
Thank goodness I was eating Indian food while watching this review! I would've bought a ticket to England and flown there tonight! LOL :)
That was very funny, thank you very much
Talking about flying saucers landing at you table 😂😂😂😂 great meal looked great no 🌶 chilli for me though great looking place yum I'd be in that😊😊love nann bread my favourite 😊😊not that much though 😊😊
Right!! Went to sleep on that bad boy lol
Eaten at Shababs lots - it’s awesome! Good review, loved the table naan effort - we usually have one between 3 or 4 without rice!
Yep. Lovely place mate, really enjoyed the food!
Hi mate hope you and the camera man are keeping well and had a nice weekend? Didn't think I had watched this review before but I had and yes the food looks very nice. Am relocating up north to Yorkshire over the weekend so might have to pay this place a visit on the way up and fill a hole with a massive table Naan lol
You’ll need to very hungry Rob especially for naan 🫓 lol