FOOD lovers in Bolton are tackling a new challenge for their taste buds -- a combination of the traditional meat pie and the increasingly popular curry.

As the country celebrates National Curry Day today, a Balti pie is the latest culinary offering to hit the shelves.

New research shows that curry is now more popular than fish and chips.

And a survey commissioned by Patak's foods, which is run by successful Bolton business couple Kirit and Meena Patak, showed that 90pc of Indian food fans eat curry at least once a week.

Three per cent of people surveyed even said they would happily eat curry for breakfast!

Saturday night is the most popular time for curry with one in four enjoyed then. And hot favourite curry dishes are chicken tikka masala and chicken korma.

The Balti pie has recently arrived at the Morrisons supermarket off Chorley Old Road in Bolton.

Store manager Ken Thomas said: "I think it's going to take a bit of time for people to get used to it.

"It's certainly not going to out-sell the traditional meat and potato pie or sausage roll at the moment.

"But all types of curry dishes are very popular here, so once people have tasted it I'm sure it will be a winner."

Mark Longbottom's verdict: It's very tasty and spicy without being too hot. But, to be honest, I'd rather have the filling with rice instead of having it surrounded by pastry.