Crystal Balti — Restaurant in Dudley

The last time I ate here was back in the 20th Century. Externally it doesn't appear to have changed much and the outside doesn't exactly draw you in. In addition the parking is far from convenient, so given these hurdles it must have been Divine Intervention that brought me here. Walking through the door, and it's apparent that it has been recently refurbished and looking good. The decor giving it a Balti house vibe rather than a restaurant, more so as it is unlicensed. Although there are several small tv screens dotted around the room, they were unobtrusive, and surprisingly there was a very pleasant relaxed atmosphere. On my Friday night visit there was an all young female waiting team. They were very friendly and efficient although my waitress wasn't overly clued up on the menu, not that it mattered, or does it? The poppadums, onion salad and a couple of dips were a very nice start. So too was my sheekh kebab, flavoursome and quite spicey. Fortunately the wife wasn't with me as I think it might have been a bit too hot for her. I had a chicken korai, unusually it had a deep red slightly gravy, it was slightly bitter but the chicken was excellent. I had it with some chips and a garlic and coriander naan. The naan was huge, easily enough for three in my opinion. It was very nice but I wish they could have offered me a smaller version. I could have taken it home I suppose for another day but I think they are never as good. The bill came to £27 which is a lot for just one but I could have have had another meal out of it if so wished. While the korai didn't quite do it for me, judging by it's popularity and longevity it is obviously doing something right and I'll be back to try...

Authentic food at decent prices. Not licenced - so bring your own or pop into the off licence next door. So that's a star right there - not having to pay for over priced drinks. Not sure why anyone would drink wine with curry (perhaps they feel sophisticated :-) Beer! Beer! Beer! Curry connoisseurs - read on! Went on consequetive Saturdays, catching up with old friends - both who love their curries even more than me, and have eaten in the best places in Birmingham, London and in Pakistan. I was a bit worried that they wouldnt be impressed - but they were! The simple things like the dips and huge naan breads are just the start. Keema naan is a meal in itself! But, get into the other starters and mains and they are simply the best. They can give you advice on the foods you may want to try for the first time. We had a range from the 'specials' and they were all excellent. The Madras is hot (for a Madras) - 'though they do warn you about that. Don't be afraid to ask for extras to be put in or taken out (though check if that is going to cost you). You won't need a desert and are more likely to need a 'doggy bag'. Only downside is the parking - a small car park, or you have to park in the street. Unexpectedly, it gets busy on Saturdays. The staff are great. I rarely tip, but I did here. A shout out to Mo and Charlie for their...

We always order takeway from here never had a bad meal however for my partners birthday we decided to sit in. Arrive 20 minutes earlier asked if we could sit out the way and had a lovely table by the qindow was seated straight away and lovely waiters came straight out with a smile .Honestly its the best meal weve had in years the differnce between takeaway and sitting in was incredible we ordered tikka starters and the meat was unreal i orderded a chilli masalla and bryirani for the wife the plates were over over full so much food the flavour was mind blowing along with naan bread which was huge and cooked perfectly poppadom starter 2 main starters and 2 mains 2 sides and a nann came to £39 in total cannot belive thats all it cost as the qaulity and qaunity was worth double no qeustion about it well done whole team made...