When people think of Wolverhampton, fine dining rarely springs to mind. Yet tucked away on Cheapside, an extraordinary Indian restaurant has been quietly building an international reputation that challenges all preconceptions about this West Midlands city.
A Family Institution With Global Recognition
The Bilash has operated as a family business for an impressive 45 years, currently under the stewardship of owner Mohammed Khan. This longevity alone marks a significant achievement in the challenging restaurant industry, but The Bilash has accomplished far more than mere survival.
The restaurant has accumulated prestigious awards from virtually every major food guide, including Michelin, AA Food Guide, Hardens, Which Good Food Guide, The Sunday Times Food Guide and the Financial Times. Such consistent recognition across multiple respected platforms demonstrates exceptional quality that transcends fleeting culinary trends.
During a recent Tuesday evening visit, the establishment was completely packed - a telling indicator of its popularity despite being midweek. What stood out particularly was the warm, personal service where staff appeared familiar with many regular patrons while making newcomers feel equally welcome.
An Unforgettable Culinary Experience
The menu at The Bilash makes no apologies for requesting patience, proudly stating that every dish is cooked from scratch without premade sauces. This commitment to freshness defines the entire dining experience.
Starters included perfectly executed paneer tikka, featuring cheese coated in yoghurt, lime, Kashmiri chilli, garam masala, ginger and garlic before being cooked in a charcoal tandoor. The tandoori lamb chops received equal praise, marinated in yoghurt, red chilli, lime, ginger, turmeric and cumin before meeting the same fiery fate.
For main courses, the Mughli Tiklaash offered a traditional Bengali preparation with roasted chicken and homemade tamarind sauce, while the Bengal Chilli Murgh combined fresh chilli, coriander and fenugreek to create complex, balanced heat. Both dishes showcased remarkable depth of flavour - spicy yet balanced, rich yet never heavy - with meat quality described as spot on.
Accompaniments included saffron rice and an unexpected highlight: honey naan, which many diners might never have encountered but proved unforgettable. A side of fresh okra stir-fried with chilli, ginger, cumin and onion provided another delightful discovery for those willing to venture beyond familiar choices.
Attention to Detail That Sets The Bilash Apart
The restaurant's commitment to quality extends to every aspect of the operation. Even the condiments served with papadoms are made fresh in-house, and they prepare their own yoghurt for the mint raitha. This meticulous approach explains why approximately 70% of customers travel from Birmingham specifically to dine here, according to owner Mohammed Khan.
Dessert provided a spectacular finale in the form of Kaju di Khoya Gajrella, a Bengali-inspired carrot cake served with homemade ice cream made from clotted cream and saffron. This innovative sweet creation left a lasting impression that perfectly capped the dining experience.
Practical considerations haven't been overlooked either. Free parking is available outside after 6:30pm, with several nearby car parks offering additional options for those driving to the restaurant.
The Bilash stands as undeniable proof that exceptional dining destinations can flourish in unexpected locations. This Wolverhampton establishment has not just served excellent meals for decades; it has become a point of civic pride and a legitimate reason for food enthusiasts to visit the city. As one diner noted after their visit, it's the kind of restaurant that makes you proud to call Wolverhampton home.
