The stretch of Bilston Road and the streets immediately around it has a concentration of British-Punjabi restaurants serving karahi and balti cooking — thick, aromatic dishes cooked in a pressed-steel wok over high heat, finished with butter and fresh coriander. This is the food the Sikh and Punjabi community has eaten here since the 1960s, and the best of it is seriously good.
Look for places with a loyal local clientele — they will be busy and unpretentious, with menus focused on the karahi rather than a long list of tourist-friendly alternatives. Lamb karahi, seekh kebabs, and fresh naan are the staples. Prices are consistently lower than comparable South Asian food in Birmingham city centre. Go hungry.