Pork is the Future of Curry

The British Pork Revolution: Bringing Pork Curry and Delicacies to the UK

By Binod Baral

The UK has long been known as a pork-loving nation. From the traditional English breakfast with bacon and sausages to pork roasts, this country embraces the delicious flavors of pork. Yet, when it comes to the rich, aromatic world of curries, there’s a noticeable gap — where is the pork curry?

Despite the immense popularity of curries in the UK, pork is strangely absent from most curry menus. I believe it’s time to change that. Pork is not only an economical and flavorful meat, but it also pairs beautifully with spices, herbs, and rich sauces. It's time for pork to take its rightful place in the world of British curries and restaurants, and I, Chef Binod Baral, am here to lead that revolution.

Why Pork? The Perfect Curry Meat

Pork is one of the most versatile and flavorful meats, especially when cooked slowly to allow the fat to render and infuse the meat with deep, rich flavors. It’s economical, accessible, and an absolute joy to cook with. The fat in pork complements spices perfectly, creating a natural balance of heat and richness, making it ideal for both hot and mild curries.

Dishes like Pork Vindaloo, traditionally from Goa, showcase how well pork can absorb and enhance intense flavors. The tangy, spicy combination of vinegar and chili in a pork curry brings out the succulent richness of the meat in a way that no other protein can match.

Beyond Vindaloo, pork is at the heart of traditional dishes from Eastern Nepal, like:

• Pork Sekuwa: A Nepalese-style BBQ pork, marinated with spices and grilled to perfection.
• Pork Jheer: A spiced grilled pork skewer that melts in your mouth.
• Pork Taas: Tender pork cubes fried to a golden crisp, popular in street food culture.
• Pork with Mustard Greens: One of the most beloved dishes from Dharan in Nepal, this dish pairs perfectly with pork’s richness and the sharp bite of mustard greens, creating a balanced, comforting meal.

These dishes are not just tasty; they celebrate pork’s natural richness and its affinity for spices. It’s time the UK embraced them.

A Missed Opportunity: Why No Pork Curry in UK Restaurants?

In the UK, many curry houses are run by chefs from regions where pork is not traditionally consumed, such as Bangladesh and Pakistan, where pork is not included in the diet due to religious reasons. As a result, pork curries never made their way onto menus, and that legacy persists even today. When Nepalese and Indian pork-eating chefs came into the scene, they didn't take the risk of introducing pork to their menus, playing it safe with chicken, lamb, and beef.

But I believe in taking that risk. Pork is an untapped opportunity that could bring something fresh, exciting, and authentically delicious to curry lovers in the UK. It’s time to break free from this legacy and embrace the potential of pork in curries.

My Vision: A Pork-Only Restaurant in the UK

I want to take this passion further by opening a pork specialty restaurant in the UK. A place where pork lovers can explore the full range of pork’s potential, from slow-cooked curries to BBQ pork dishes inspired by Eastern Nepal. Imagine walking into a restaurant that celebrates pork in all its forms — where pork is the hero of every dish, and each bite showcases its incredible ability to marry with spices and flavors.

Some dishes I want to feature include:

• Slow-cooked Pork Vindaloo with traditional British pork, slow-cooked until it falls apart.
• BBQ Pork Sekuwa grilled to perfection with Nepalese spices.
• Pork with Mustard Greens for a unique, healthy twist.
• Pork Taas, crispy and packed with flavor, ideal for fast service.
• Pork Chops with Nepali Spices, grilled and paired with fresh Great British Apple chutneys.
• Pork Jheer for hearty, warming bar snacks food.

I also want to shine a light on the delicacies of Eastern Nepal, from pork curries to grilled pork dishes that have been a part of Nepalese culinary tradition for centuries but remain relatively unknown in the UK.

Celebrating British Pork

British pork is some of the best in the world. Raised sustainably and with great care, it’s time we celebrate local pork in all its glory. By using locally sourced pork, I’ll be supporting British farmers and promoting an ethical, sustainable food chain. Plus, British pork is versatile — perfect for curries, BBQs, grills, and more.

This restaurant will not only introduce people to pork-based curries but will also showcase how pork can be paired with traditional Nepalese flavors, creating a unique fusion that’s both familiar and exciting.

Pork is the Future of Curry

The time for pork in British curries has come. As a chef, I believe in innovation, and there’s nothing more exciting than breaking new ground. I want to be the one to change the narrative, to give British curry lovers a taste of something new, and to introduce the world to the beautiful pairing of pork and spices.

Whether it’s a rich Vindaloo or a fragrant BBQ dish like Pork Sekuwa, pork has endless potential. It’s time for a revolution in the UK curry scene, and I’m ready to lead it.

Stay tuned for the first-ever pork specialty restaurant in the UK. Let’s bring pork into the spotlight — where it truly belongs!

More Than A Chef Binod Baral: Bringing Pork to the People