The word balti literally translates as ‘bucket’, but it is actually a round bottomed wok with side handles, originally used by the people in the Baltistan region of Pakistan.

We are looking for the perfect balti recipe, inspired by the history, people and culture of Birmingham – can your restaurant rise to the challenge?

Supported by Birmingham City Council, restaurants across the city are being challenged to create the ultimate balti dish – something that not only tantalises and stimulates the taste buds, but captures the strengths, diversity and ideals of our great city.

As well as being hailed as the best balti in Birmingham, the winner will be chosen as the city’s entrant to the British Curry Awards 2009 in November in one of the following categories:

Best newcomer (Applicable to 50+ cover restaurants, trading less than 3 years)
Best spice restaurant (Applicable to 50+ cover restaurants, trading at least 3 years)

The competition will be broken down into a number of stages:

Stage 1: Submission of entry form - Deadline 17th July 2009
Stage 2: Shortlisting of restaurants - Week commencing 20th July 2009
Stage 3: Cook-off with finalists - 28th July 2009
Stage 4: Application support and promotion - Week commencing 3rd August 2009

Stage 1: Submission of entry form
Restaurants should fill out the electronic form below and submit it before 17th July 2009. We are looking for an imaginative and stimulating dish that represents the true taste of Birmingham.

Stage 2: Shortlisting of restaurants
An independent panel will assess entries (between 20th – 24th July 2009) and whittle down the field to five finalists. Successful candidates will be notified by telephone and post.

Stage 3: Cook-off with finalists
A live cook-off between the finalists will take place 28th July 2009 at the University College Birmingham (formerly College of Food). Finalists will be expected to cook their nominated dish in front of an independent panel of judges. The successful candidate will be notified at the event.

Stage 4: Application support and promotion
Birmingham City Council will aid the winner in completing the British Curry Awards application form and send it off on their behalf. We will also strive to organise publicty for the successful competition winner.

The pride of Birmingham is in your hands! Good luck.

To register your interest, click the email link below and describe the dish you would like to create and the inspiration behind it in no more than 100 words. Don't forget to include all your contact details.

click here to send your details

click here for full terms and conditions