Our Frankfurt Christmas market has been going for more than 20 years and now, each year, the city is filled with the scent of sizzling bratwursts, warm gluhwein and powered by big steins of weissbier. Twin cities, Birmingham and Frankfurt come together best at Christmas.
Walking down New Street, I've come to notice that the market leans much more 'Frankfurt' than 'Birmingham'. As ace as I think Germany is, I have been wondering what it would be like if it the market had a little more of that local influence.
My question was answered when I visited Christmas in Cathedral Square this week. Now open for the best part of a month, it's a distinctly different market to the 'big' one. Filled with city art, jewellery and crafts, food and drink, it's as Brummie as it gets.
Read more: I tried the £5 bratwurst with a twist at Birmingham Christmas market - but it wasn't quite perfect
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Keen to enjoy a belly full of warm festive food, I perused the stands, take a look here for a full list of them. As festive options go, there's not a great deal going on, truth be told.
The carvery stand is heavy on the hot pork and turkey with trimmings of course, but that's pretty much it for Christmassy mains. They're not short on other vendors though, there's steak, burgers and chicken on offer elsewhere and pizzas that would have suited me fine. None were giving what I wanted, though.
And then I spotted it, right down the end. Mumbai Grill, serving up hot bowls of balti! It may not be a Christmas classic but it's peak Brummie!
There's loads of the menu, including lamb shish, chicken tikka and mixed grill wraps and boxes. Then there are two 'balti curry specials', bowls filled with chicken and rice (or their special balti chips) for £12 or chana, a chickpea option, for a tenner.
I grabbed the latter from a team in great spirits and made a beeline for the picnic tables, nestled up against the cathedral by the Christmas tree and sheltered a little from the wind. Lights twinkled, a guitarist struck up a tune and began singing and I watched people toasting marshmallows on the magical hearth.
The balti was warming and surprisingly spicy, which I do prefer. It was far too salty for my taste, though it was early on the first day, so we can forgive things not being perfect from the get-go. It'd be good if they'd adjust that for the next batch, though!
The portion size was generous, a heavy bowlful. I felt like a tenner was a fair price for it given it's a good hearty fill.
It might not be the most traditional Christmas dinner, but on a cold festive night with a pint of Attic beer from the Vagabond stand? It feels just like Birmingham.
