Ep 4. Birmingham

Len and Ainsley's Big Food Adventure season 1 episode 4 takes the viewer on a culinary journey through Birmingham. The city, known for its diverse food scene, promises to be an exciting stop for Len and Ainsley. The episode will showcase some of the city's unique dishes and talk to the local food heroes who make them.

Len and Ainsley take a leisurely stroll through the city, starting at the famous Bullring market. The market is one of the oldest in the UK and is a hub for fresh produce, meat, and fish. The pair meet one of Birmingham's legendary fishmongers, who has been in the business for over 40 years. He talks about the types of fish he sells and recommends a selection for Ainsley to try.

The next stop is a curry house which has been in the same family for over 30 years. The restaurant is known for its traditional Punjabi cuisine and the duo gets to try some of its signature dishes. Ainsley's taste buds are on fire as he tastes some of the spiciest food he has ever eaten. The chef teaches Len and Ainsley how to make a classic Punjabi dish.

Next up, Len and Ainsley head to a Jamaican restaurant. Birmingham has a sizeable Jamaican community and is renowned for its Caribbean food. The chef at the restaurant shows the pair how to make a traditional jerk chicken dish over coals. The dish is served with rice and peas and is a favourite of many locals.

After the Jamaican meal, Len and Ainsley visit a bakery in the heart of the city. The bakery has been run by the same family for three generations and specialises in award-winning pies and pastries. Ainsley is impressed with the range of pastries on offer and learns how to make a famous pork pie.

The final stop is a balti house. Birmingham is the home of the famous balti dish, a spicy curry served in a metal bowl. The dish was created by immigrants from Pakistan and has become an integral part of Birmingham's food heritage. The pair meet the owner who explains the history behind the dish. Ainsley then gets the chance to cook a balti dish, with Len trying it afterward.

Overall, the episode showcases the diversity and depth of Birmingham's food scene. Len and Ainsley meet the passionate people who are preserving their culinary traditions and creating new ones. The episode encourages viewers to explore the city's food scene and try out some of its delicious dishes.