The Dilshad, Chadsmoor

Nestled at the end of an unassuming row of shops on a Cannock high street is one of the Midlands hidden gems when it comes to taking a culinary journey,

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The Dilshad Restaurant, in Cannock Road, Chadsmoor, has a long and successful history providing Staffordshire customers with some of the best Asian cuisine – and was one of the first curry houses to set up business in the former mining town.

Decades later its reputation locally is unassailable but having sampled the food on offer it deserves a larger following.

On entering the restaurant the first thing you cannot fail to notice is the manner of the welcome.

You are almost treated like a family friend returning after a long gap with handshakes and smiles you are instantly put at ease by the staff who could not be more pleasant.

With opulent surroundings each table is perfectly set out and gives a real feeling of luxury – which is just what you want in a night out.

But getting down to the business of food is as much a pleasure as walking through the door.

The Dilshad has expert chefs able to conjure up not just the usual bhuna or madras but they also have a lengthy menu of special dishes with unique flavours for all tastes.

The menu is extensive and offers a plethora of choice with food separated into regions and types.

A very interesting aspect is the number of fusion meals offered by the Dilshad and for those with an adventurous side there is plenty to choose from.

Some of the fusion dishes on offer include a duck uri masala (£7.95) which is a breast of duck with a fine bean curry and basmati rice. Another tempting dish could be the Bombay lamb chops (£7.40) which are flame grilled and served on a bread of mushrooms and baby potatoes covered in a medium sauce.

For our food journey we started the trip with starters Modhu De Hash (£3.95), an amazingly sweet dish made of crispy shallow fried duck breast with drizzled honey and roasted sesame seeds.

We also had a stuffed pepper with tikka meat which was expertly cooked and succulent. Both were superb appetisers and along with popadoms and chutney our tastebuds were tingling already.

I decided to go for a fusion dish on the advice of owner Tony Uddin.

The Modhu Minty Lamb (£7.95) is tender strips of lamb infused with honey, sweet mango and fresh garden mint, with baby potatoes in a medium thick sauce with basmati rice.

The dish was wonderful to eat, giving a full flavour unlike any curry I have had before. It was a great recommendation.

My dining partner tried the traditional chicken korma (£5.10) which had great colour and fresh chicken breast.

Both dishes were fantastically presented.

Along with the main meals we ordered a peshwari naan bread (£1.85) which was delicious and perfectly cooked.

Another great suggestion from Mr Uddin was the fresh mushroom bhaji (£2.50) which was a fantastic taste sensation with the mushroom taste really coming out. It was a great addition.

With a portion of plain rice (£1.70) to accompany the meal we were more than satisfied and delighted with the experience.

It may be unassuming from the outside but the Dilshad packs a punch in terms of quality of service, menu, and taste which many restaurants can only dream of. The Dilshad is a must! Simple.

ADDRESS

The Dilshad, 1 Ashworth House, Cannock Road, Chadsmoor, Cannock WS11 5DZ

Tel: 01543 570 264

Web: www.thedilshad.co.uk