The UK is a multicultural country – for centuries, people have moved to the UK from all over the world. Large numbers of ethnic minorities come from India, Pakistan and Africa. Ethnic groups have introduced aspects of their own cultures, such as music, food and fashion, into UK culture (e.g. migrants set up businesses such as shops and restaurants). People from the same ethnic background often settle in the same area of a city creating a distinctive character in that area.
Contribution of ethnic groups to UK food culture
Although traditional roast dinners remain very popular in the UK, much of the food we eat originates in other countries (e.g. curry, pizza). Restaurants cooking authenic ethnic food are very popular with people of a wide range of ethnicities. This also influences the products sold in shops as different national dishes require different ingredients, so shops selling specialist ingredients have sprung up as well as specialised aisles in supermarkets.
The Balti Triangle, Birmingham
- Birmingham is one of the UK’s most multicultural cities; 30% of its population come from ethnic minority groups, mainly from Pakistan, India and the Caribbean.
- Ethnic food retail sector is very important and one of the best-known areas specialising in food is the Balti Triangle in the south of the city. In this area there are over 50 restaurants serving balti dishes. Balti was first developed in Birmingham in the 1970s by people who migrated from Kashmir.
- The Balti Triangle is an important tourist attraction. As well as the restaurants, there are many shops selling cooking utensils, clothing and jewellery.
