Dilkush, Pershore Road

[MrTee]

I moved back to Stirchley about 3 weeks ago, and still hadn't sampled the delights of any of the many local curry establishments til last Friday night. And boy was I starving....

It was getting late (just before closing time in fact) and I was feeling rather peckish, so I popped into the Dilkush to grab a bite to eat. I've walked past the place many times and was never particularly impressed by its' external appearance - it does look like it could possibly do with a bit of a facelift (when compared with some of the more glamourous-looking establishments along the Pershore Road), but I was interested in getting as much as I could for the few quid I had on me at the time... In the window there's this great big poster advertising the "Dilkush Special" at £6.50. For this you can choose from any starter, any main course, rice or naan, and poppadum & salad. So in I went...

I actually had to check with the (very friendly) guy at the counter that I'd read the sign right... There's almost always a "catch" with these things (for example offer ends at 7pm or only available Mon-Thurs etc). But no, it was late on Friday night and the offer was running. And they really do mean ANY starter and ANY main course. I opted for the mixed kebab starter, and could have gone for the Tandoori King Prawn Masala (just to get my money's worth! - normally £8), but I went for the Chicken Bhuna.

Folks, I've got to tell you, I've not been having takeaway curries very often these past few months, because I got fed up of the crap quality and the over-usage of food colourings at the takeaways and restaurants at the area I was living in before (Cradley Heath). However, the food from the Dilkush was absolutely sensational. I could actually hear the chef SINGING LOUDLY as he was cooking my meal - he was obviously happy and this came out in the quality of the food! It was just absolutely sensational. I'm not even going to bother trying any of the other takeaways in the area now - there's really no point when I've obviously already found the perfect balti house. Believe me guys, I have very high standards when it comes to food. The portions were generous, and the flavour and attention to detail in the ingredients and preparation were even better than £25 curries I've had at places like Jay Jays on the Hagley Road, in my opinion.

The Dilkush doesn't look great from the outside. It might even put a lot of people off ever trying it. But behind the almost tatty looking exterior is a chef who has clearly has a passion for his food. I suspect this place has got a cult following to rely on to keep it in business. It's most likely frequented by those of us who see expensive refurbs as a possible comprimise for pretentious faffy food... those of us who appreciate the talents of a fantastic chef.

Now... I'm gonna absolutely pee myself laughing if someone posts a response saying they had a really crap curry from there. Cos I know it does happen! You get good night and bad nights.

So which curry house are you most loyal to... and why? And have you trie the Dilkush (I don't work for them, by the way!)

[Dalliard]

I agree wholeheartedly with you, MrTee. I recently had my first Dilkhush curry, having just moved into the area. It was phenomenal! It was very fresh and the quality was incredible, better even than what you'd find in most expensive posh curry houses. The subtle nuances of flavour in my lamb rogan josh and Kashmiri pilau rice were utterly perfect, like nothing I've tasted before. You can tell the chef is a true expert.

The "Dilkhush Special" deal is outrageously good value, especially considering the sheer quality of the ingredients and the expertise of the chef. In one Dilkhush Special there was easily enough food for two people (unless your appetite is huge). Don't let the plain exterior fool you, this curry house is well worth a visit. A friend of mine has has a curry from Dilkhush practically every Saturday night for six years, and has never been disappointed once.

Dilkhush has entirely changed my opinion on curry. I have never been a great curry fan, thanks to the mass produced neon-orange dishes from takeaways I have been to in the past. But now Dilkhush has shown me how curry is supposed to taste, it is fast becoming one of my favourite foods. I will certainly be a regular customer from now on, and I strongly reccommend everyone try it!

[mart]

Sound,s like the managers son doing an advertisement to me?