The Dilshad Balti, Stourbridge

Well it's fair to say the Midlands isn't short on curry houses.

Every town has dozens to choose from but to be fair I don't tend to stray too far from my local restaurant. You like what you like when it comes to curry and once you've found one you like that's you set.

But as always the best restaurants tend to come from a recommendation.

The Dilshad Balti is at the Oldswinford Cross in Hagley Road, Stourbridge, as you travel out of town. It is tucked in the middle of a thriving township complete with shops, a Chinese restaurant and several pubs including The Cross opposite.

But I'd heard good reports about the welcome you receive from the staff, including owner Noor Miah.

And the restaurant has just been honoured with the Best Chef award by the Midland Balti Association this year.

Quite the recommendation then! What's the atmosphere like?

The welcome was brilliant. As soon as you arrive you are greeted like an old friend. It's those extra touches for me that make me want to go back again and again.

There is a raised seating area at the top of the restaurant with windows looking out to Oldswinford Cross while the rest of the tables stretch away down the length of the room.

There is even a stage at the bottom where music acts and singers can perform. Even though we visited early in the week, there were still a number of tables from families to couples.

We saw many walking in to be greeted by staff and having warm conversations while the restaurant also seems to do a roaring trade in takeaways too.

Go on then, what did you eat?

I'm typical for being someone who sticks to having the same balti chicken bhuna every time I have a curry, it's an easy choice.

We opened up with some chicken tikka (£2.15) and an onion bhajee (£1.75)to start alongside popadoms and dips including a great spicy chilli sauce.

The extras are what always make the meal for me and these were delicious.

I then tried some balti saag aloo (£3.95) with a tasty potato and spinach dish I'd never tried before. The potatoes were soft and had a real kick thanks to the sauce.

The chicken jalfrezi (£4.55) for our main course was great too. I could have done with a few more chillies, but that's just my preference. The chicken was sliced into meaty chucks and the sauce was just the right consistency and it was also presented in a traditional dish.

The price for rice starts at £1.45 which makes for a very good value meal.

Nice, any deals if you're on a budget?

Yes there's plenty on offer, great if you don't fancy cooking in the week or for a meal out on the weekend with the family.

Monday to Wednesday the restaurant does a four-course set meal starting from £7.95 including a coffee.

The restaurant also holds its banqueting night every Sunday with five courses for £9.95 per person.

For those wanting to try a bit of everything there are also set meals for two people priced £17.50 including that British favourite Chicken Tikka Masala.

A glowing reference then by the sound of it, what's the verdict?

Put simply I loved it, it's a cracking curry house.

The food is good and what really sells it is the atmosphere and the hospitality. Most places forget to go that extra mile to make your night out a memorable one.

So when the Dilshad staff were so attentive and chatty, they really made a good impression and gave us a great night.

ADDRESS

132 Hagley Road, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 2JD

Tel: 01384 372762

Web: baltidilshad.co.uk