In a glittering ceremony at London’s Montcalm Luxury Hotel on 4 December 2023, the eighth Asian Food & Restaurant Awards International (AFRA), fondly dubbed the “Curry Stars,” disclosed this year’s distinguished winners.
A showcase for the robust and rapidly growing UK Food and Drink Industry, the event serves as a unique networking platform, spotlighting over 3000 food brands and restaurants nationwide.
AFRA’s mission extends beyond recognition; it’s a celebration of South Asian contributions to the international food industry, honouring those who have propelled Asian flavours into mainstream culture.
The meticulous selection process involves AFRA management and a panel of judges narrowing down the extensive list to the top hundred finalists, viewable at www.samarap.org. Judges from AFRA personally visited candidates, determining the overall category victors.
Spanning a myriad of Asian and Oriental cuisines, including Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Japanese, and more, AFRA underscores the cultural richness and culinary diversity shaping the contemporary culinary landscape.
AFRA Vice Chairman Maria Saroya was delighted with the success of the annual culinary celebration. In a statement, she said: “We are seeing some remarkable innovation by pioneering food brands and restaurateurs adapting to challenging trading conditions and more sophisticated customer preferences.”
8th AFRA 2023 was sponsored by Work Permit Cloud, Sandea Wholesale, Namji Milton Keynes and Cobra Beer.
Among the winners was Shabir Hussain owner of the national chain of restaurants Akbars in the Star of Asia Award category. Suleman Raza MBE won Pride of Britain Award category and Elephant Atta clinched the title for best Food brand of the year.
The full list of winners for 2023 were:
Lifetime Achievement & Curry King of The Year Award 2023.
Mahboob Hussain
Curry Queen of The Year Award 2023.
Naseem Khan
Role Model of The Year Award 2023.
Dr. Mohammed Waqaas
Restaurant Group of The Year Award 2023 in United Kingdom.
Madhu’s
Caterer of The Year Award 2023 in United Kingdom.
Satkeer Catering
Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2023.
Sanjeet Manek
Community Hero of The Year Award 2023.
Lutfur Rehman
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in United Kingdom.
Spice and Spirit
Pride of Britain Award in Food Industry 2023.
Suleman Raza MBE
Business Person of The Year Award 2023.
Asif Ali
Best Catering & Event Management Services Award in London.
Royal Mahal Catering
Star of Asia Award 2023 in Food Industry.
Shabir Hussain
Best Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in Buckinghamshire.
Namji Restaurant
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in North UK.
Scene Indian Kitchen
Food Brand of The Year Award 2023.
Elephant Atta
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in Midland.
Red Leaf Restaurant
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in East England.
Tapas Restaurant
Best Drink & Bar Service of The Year Award 2023.
Hyjack Cocktails
Newcomer Restaurant of The Year 2023 in South West London.
Royal Mahal Norbury
Young Entrepreneur of The Year Award 2023.
Adi Khan
Regional Caterers of The Year Award 2023.
Anu Caterers
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 In Leicester.
Paddy’s Marten Inn
Newcomer Buffet Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in United Kingdom.
Royal Nawaab Ilford
Kitchen of The Year Award 2023.
Mum’s Kitchen
Regional Chef of The Year Award 2023.
MD Jak Raza
Spice Brand of The Year Award 2023.
TRS
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in South West London.
Dawat Restaurant
Takeaway of The Year Award 2023 in Central England.
Cheadle Spice Indian
Regional Restaurant of The Year Award 2023.
Kayal Restaurant
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in Wales.
Junction Tandoori
Best Tea Café of The Year Award 2023.
Café Chaiwala By Arshad Khan
Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in South UK.
Dining Room
Newcomer Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in Wales.
Llandudno Tandoori
Regional Caterer of The year Award 2023.
Mangla Catering
Newcomer Café of The Year Award 2023.
Nashtaa Café
Regional Restaurant of The Year Award 2023.
Vadah Restaurant
Takeaway of The Year Award 2023 in Midland.
Spice Takeaway
Best Restaurant of The Year Award 2023 in Europe.
What’s Up India – Netherland
Regional Caterer of The Year Award 2023.
Atcha
Rice Brand of The Year Award 2023.
Tilda Rice
Best Service Provider of The Year Award 2023 to Takeaways & Restaurants.
Paytap
Outdoor Catering Chef of The Year Award 2023.
Muhammad Shoaib
Regional Restaurant of The Year Award 2023.
Spice of Pwllheli
Chef of The Year Award 2023.
Muhammad Jehangir
