Birmingham being Birmingham, we thought we had seen every variation of curry in the world. But until today, we had no idea about the jaw-dropping bunny chow. This South African fast-food wonder consists of a hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled with curry. But you don’t have to leave Brum to try it, just head down to Afrikana Kitchen.
Created by migrant Indian workers in South Africa’s Durban, the bunny chow was a cheap and easy way to carry their curries around the plantation on long days. it certainly gives Birmingham’s iconic curry a run for its money as a show-stopper. And you can tuck into it if you ever find yourself in the Balti Triangle on Ladypool Road.
Afrikana Kitchen launched back in 2018 in a small village called Aldridge in the Midlands, before later extending into Birmingham. There are now locations all over the country, including Manchester, London, Bristol and more. It offers authentic home-cooked African-inspired dishes to everyone. Meaning we can finally sample these unique cuisines rarely found on UK high streets.
It’s not all about the bunny chow though, you’ll find a plethora of African-inspired dishes from across the continent. All with a modern twist. Everything from spicy Jerk chicken and Caribbean-inspired fish ‘n’ chips to slow-cooked mutton goat curry and a soulful West-African-inspired chicken stew will leave you spoilt for choice. Plus, enjoy all the rice and peas and plantain your heart could desire.
Meanwhile, there are plenty of options for veggies and vegans in this halal restaurant. Enjoy butternut squash wraps, black bean burgers, meat-free rotisserie roti, chilli and more. Of course, we’re sure most of you will want to head down and tackle the bunny chow yourself. Just don’t skip the sides like jollof rice (i.e. party rice), okra fries and kachumbari – a fresh East African tomato, onion and chilli pepper salad.
If you want to learn more about Afrikana Kitchen head here.
Find Afrikana Birmingham at 359 – 361 Ladypool Rd., Balsall Heath, Birmingham B12 8LA.