Britain's Indian Balti cuisine seeks EU protection

Liberal Democrat member of European Parliament (MEP) Phil Bennion has backed the Birmingham Balti Association's campaign.

“I have been a massive Balti fan since I was a student at Birmingham University. The Balti method produces a very different flavour to the typical ‘Indian restaurant' curries seen all over Britain, which I believe use a culinary technique of combining various curry sauces using ghee instead of light vegetable oil. I love both kinds of curry, but they are different,” said Bennion, who has launched a petition in favour of the application.

Adas, the agency which helps in the application process, said it would be a big advantage for the city's so-called “Balti Triangle” district and “pin down” its recipe and cooking method.

Irene Bocchetta, EU protected food names manager at Adas, said it was unusual to have a place name included in a TSG application.

“But people know the Balti is from Birmingham. It is a reputation that has been built up over years,” she said.