Shaban Restaurant

Tucked into the heart of Boldmere, Shaban is a long-standing balti and tandoori house that has been serving Sutton Coldfield since 2002 and has picked up a shelf of local good-food awards along the way. This is classic Birmingham balti territory, where curries arrive bubbling in their traditional steel bowls and the tandoor turns out blistered breads and char-grilled starters. Expect generous, satisfying plates built around familiar favourites, including a proper Lamb Balti, sizzling mixed grills and plenty of milder options for less adventurous diners.

Regulars describe it as a neighbourhood stalwart, the kind of place people return to for years rather than visit once, and the welcome tends to be warm and unhurried. It works well both as a sit-down meal and as a takeaway, and there is a decent run of vegetarian curries built on paneer, lentils and spinach. Reviews are largely positive, with the odd quibble about busy-night waits, but the consensus points to dependable cooking and friendly service. A solid pick for an honest, traditional curry in the area.