Shifnal Balti named Indian Restaurant of the Year 2026/27

Shifnal Balti restaurant is celebrating after it was named Indian Restaurant of the Year 2026/27 in the Prestige Awards.

The award marks a significant milestone for the family-run restaurant, which first opened its doors in Shifnal in 1995 and has remained part of the town’s hospitality scene for more than three decades.

The Prestige Awards recognise successful independent and smaller businesses, with winners selected following assessment by a panel of industry experts. The judging process considers information provided by businesses alongside factors including customer reviews, testimonials, websites and social media.

For Shifnal Balti, the award represents recognition of the hard work and commitment that has gone into the restaurant over more than 30 years.

Faz Ali, from Shifnal Balti, said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to be named Indian Restaurant of the Year 2026/27. It means so much to our whole team, but also to everyone who has supported us throughout our journey.”

“We opened Shifnal Balti in 1995, and more than 30 years later we are still here, still working hard and still striving to give our customers the very best experience we can.”

The restaurant has experienced many highs and lows throughout its history, making the latest recognition particularly meaningful.

Faz added: “There have been plenty of challenges along the way, so moments like this are incredibly special. We have always believed in Shifnal, our customers and what we do, and this award is something we can all be proud of.”

The restaurant has also recently been recognised through its inclusion in Harden’s Restaurant Guide 2026, another achievement the team says is a great honour.

Shifnal Balti also paid tribute to its customers and staff, many of whom have been part of the restaurant’s story for many years.

Faz said: “Our team work incredibly hard behind the scenes, and we could not have achieved this without them. We also want to thank every customer who has supported us — especially those who have been coming to Shifnal Balti since the early days, as well as those who have joined us more recently.”

The restaurant also expressed its appreciation to Mark Pritchard MP for his continued support of local businesses and the hospitality industry in Shifnal.

Faz said: “Mark’s encouragement and support for local businesses and hospitality in Shifnal has genuinely meant a lot to us, and we are very grateful.

“Most importantly, this one is for Shifnal.

“We have been part of this community since 1995, and we are incredibly proud to continue serving the people of Shifnal and the surrounding area. This award belongs to our team, our customers and everyone who has been part of our journey.”

The team at Shifnal Balti says it is now looking forward to the next chapter and continuing to build on more than 30 years of history in the town.