Shifnal Balti

Reviewer's rating:***** Emma Kasprzak enjoys a selection of Indian dishes which were expertly cooked and served

The balti is often considered the UK's national dish, so it was with that in mind that my boyfriend and I set off on a trip to Shifnal.

The Shifnal Balti has been a mainstay of the town's eating out options for many years with both dining in and takeaway meaning it is popular with those wanting a night out as much as with those on their way back from one.

The venue, in Broadway, is easily accessible with on street parking outside and it is neatly divided into two restaurant sections and a takeaway area so that diners can enjoy their food away from people picking up a meal.

The restaurant has been modernised in recent years and the contemporary feel fits in with the new-look menu.

For a Tuesday night the place was fairly busy with a good atmosphere which was helped with Indian music and trendy lighting panels on the wall that change colour.

To whet our appetites we both had a papadom to start with a selection of chutneys and pickles.

The papadoms were light and crispy while the dips were really fresh tasting so with our taste buds tempted we both ordered starters.

I chose the sheek kebab and Andy went for the bahar tandoori — a selection of marinated meats. The portions were just the right size and both came served with a fresh salad.

There was a little wait for our main course but we enjoyed sampling the Indian beer which perfectly complemented the meal while we waited.

For the main course I had the tandoori murghi massala — boneless chicken cooked in minced meat sauce with a tandoori spiced egg served with pilau rice.

Andy opted for the meat shatkora — a balti cooked with citrus fruit which gives a unique sour flavour. The dish originates from Sylhet in Bangladesh.

Murghi massala is my favourite Indian meal and I can easily say the Shifnal balti does the best version I have ever tried.

The sauce is sweet and delicately spiced while the chicken is tender and the egg perfectly complements the meal.

The rice was fragrant and cooked faultlessly and despite feeling full I had to finish as it was so delicious.

Andy said he really enjoyed the main course, which he had with pilau rice. We both tried a bit of each other's meal to see what we thought and I thought his was very tasty with a fresh lemon flavour which was very unusual and morish.

To accompany our meal we shared a garlic nan bread.

The bread was lightly toasted and the garlic was well cooked meaning it was not too overpowering.

Throughout the meal the staff were friendly and attentive and very quick to clear the table and check we were OK for drinks.

Filling

After the meal hot towels were brought out so we could freshen up before having a look at the tempting dessert list.

As the food was so filling we both decided we couldn't manage a whole dessert so opted instead to share one.

We chose pistachio kulfi — an Indian ice-cream. The kulfi was a bit like frozen yoghurt. It had a subtle flavour and was a good way to freshen our palates.

We also had a filter coffee each which was served with cream - a very indulgent end to the meal!

The bill was presented with chocolates and I was given a rose by our waiter. It's these extra touches that makes visiting the restaurant feel like a special occasion.

It would be an ideal venue for a birthday or anniversary celebration.

I am sure we will visit again and I look forward to trying out some of the other tempting dishes on the new menu.

ADDRESS

Shifnal Balti, 20 Broadway, Shifnal TF11 8AZ

Telephone 01952 460142

Menu Sample

Starters

Sheek kebab (£3.35); Bahar tandoori (£3.50); Onion bhajee (£2.95); Vegetable samosa (£2.85)

Main courses

Tandoori murghi massala (£12.95); Balti lamb tikka (£8.25); Meat shatkora (£7.95); Prawn dhansak (7.85)

Desserts

Kulfi (£1.95); Gulab jamon (£3.50); Strawberry cheesecake (£2.95) Selection of tea and coffees

Atmosphere

Lively and friendly

Service

Very friendly, efficient and professional

Disabled facilities

All on the ground floor but no disabled toilet