The English curry industry’s finest have once again been recognised, as the shortlist for the 14th Annual English Curry Awards 2025 is officially announced.
Among the top contenders is Akbar’s Birmingham, which has secured a place in the highly competitive Curry King of the Year category a title the group has proudly taken home in previous years under the leadership of its founder.
This year’s nomination carries added significance for Iram Hussain, shareholder of Akbar’s Birmingham and daughter of the late Shabir Hussain, the pioneering restaurateur behind the award-winning brand.
“My father won this award for consecutive years, and it meant the world to him,” Iram said. “He dedicated his life to raising the standards of South Asian cuisine in this country and building something that truly represented our culture, community, and food.”
Now, with Akbar’s Birmingham once again in the running, Iram is calling on loyal customers and the wider public to vote and help them regain the title.
“We are delighted to be shortlisted. This recognition is a tribute to the legacy he left behind, and I hope the community can support us in winning this title again, not just for us, but in honour of him.”
The winners will be revealed at a glittering ceremony hosted at The Eastside Rooms in Birmingham on Monday 11 August.
A spokesperson for the 14th English Curry Awards 2025, organised by Oceanic Awards, said: “These awards are a celebration of culinary excellence, paying tribute to the dedication and creativity of chefs and restaurateurs who have elevated the British curry experience. We congratulate all of this year’s finalists and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”
The awards continue to shine a spotlight on the nation’s love for curry and the people behind its enduring popularity, with Akbar’s Birmingham once again proving that tradition, taste and legacy still capture the hearts of diners across England.
