In a festive gesture bucking the trend of holiday surcharges, a legendary Birmingham restaurant will open its doors on Christmas Day, offering its famed balti dishes at normal prices.
A Birmingham Institution Keeps Its Ovens Hot
Shababs, the historic balti house on Ladypool Road in Sparkbrook, has confirmed it will trade as usual on Wednesday, December 25, 2025. The beloved independent spot, which has been a cornerstone of the local dining scene since 1987, will serve its full, regular menu without any festive price hikes. Tables are reportedly still available for those seeking an alternative to the traditional Christmas dinner.
Regular Menu, Regular Prices for a Proper Brummie Christmas
The restaurant announced its plans directly to customers, stating it would be open from 12pm with "normal menu, normal prices". This means patrons can enjoy Shababs' signature sizzling balti pans, with dishes starting from just £13. The extensive menu caters to all tastes, featuring a wide array of options including different meats, vegetables, mushrooms, and eggs, all cooked in a variety of authentic spices.
Shababs is celebrated not just for its food but for its warm service and status as a bastion of Birmingham's culinary heritage. Experts now refer to the area as the 'Balti Quadrangle', and Shababs is a key landmark within it. The restaurant's resilience was tested earlier in 2025 when a fire in June gutted part of the premises. Owner and chef Zaf Hussain explained that the blaze was worsened by a staff member using an incorrect fire extinguisher. One person was treated for smoke inhalation at Queen Elizabeth Hospital but was in a stable condition.
Overcoming Adversity to Celebrate Community
Demonstrating remarkable spirit, the Shababs team rallied to repair the fire-damaged section and managed to reopen to customers within days of the incident. Their decision to open on Christmas Day at standard prices is seen as a further commitment to the community that has supported them for nearly four decades.
In a Christmas message, the restaurant said: "Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas full of love and laughter." For those in Birmingham looking to swap turkey and trimmings for a fiery, flavourful feast, Shababs will be welcoming diners at 163-165 Ladypool Road, Sparkbrook, B12 8LQ.
