The fourth annual Bradford Curry Awards took place on Monday, 10 July, at the Bradford Hotel, where professionals in the culinary industry, esteemed guests, and finalists gathered to honour the outstanding achievements, milestones, and memorable moments in the vibrant curry industry.
Under the distinguished patronage of the Lord Mayor of Bradford, the event showcased the best of Bradford’s well-established and award-winning curry houses. Awards were presented in nine categories, recognising excellence in various aspects of the culinary craft, alongside the highly anticipated lifetime achievement award and the prestigious game changer award. The evening marked a significant milestone for the Bradford Curry Awards, which made history in 2018 by bringing together the city’s curry industry for the first time, uniting the half-a-billion-pound industry.
As the undisputed King of curry, Bradford has claimed the coveted title of Britain’s Curry Capital for six consecutive years since 2011 and continues to hold the prestigious honour. With over 200 curry establishments contributing to its unrivalled reputation, the city takes great pride in its culinary heritage and Asian culture.
The Bradford Curry Awards not only celebrated the achievements of the exceptional professionals but also highlighted the city’s vibrant Asian culture and the craftsmanship that has made Bradford the curry capital of Britain and a cherished curry destination in the UK.
This year, the awards were preceded by the Curry Mela, a two-day weekend curry extravaganza held in Lister Park. Despite the rain, hundreds of visitors flocked to the park, indulging in live curry cooking demonstrations, mouthwatering tastings, food stalls, and cultural heritage activities. Musical entertainment, including performances by the Rajasthani Brass Band and music sensation Tasha Tah, added to the lively ambiance of the event.
Image: Asian Standard
During the awards ceremony, The International restaurant was crowned Best Restaurant People’s Choice, while Prashad secured the Best Restaurant Judges’ Choice for the second time. The Lifetime Service award was presented to Omar’s Balti House, and Lala’s Leeds Bradford was honoured with the Platinum Game Changer Award.
In an interview with Asian Standard, Mr. Safeer, Director of the International restaurant, expressed his elation, stating, “This win is very important to us. It’s what we wanted to achieve. We have been working towards this, and it is the people who have chosen us, keeping us in business for so long. Our ancestors passed it on to us, and I’m sure they are happy. This award means a lot to us, and we are grateful. Inshallah, we will continue to thrive, and The International will be here again next year.”
Faisal Rashid, fondly known as “Junior” from Lala’s, expressed his excitement upon receiving the Game Changer award, saying, “I feel awesome. It’s a great achievement to be acknowledged among many renowned restaurants. I feel good.”
Fatima Patel, Event Director for Bradford Curry Awards, extended her congratulations to all the winners and expressed gratitude to Uber Eats, the event’s key partner. She stated, “Without Uber Eats, this event would not have been the resounding success it was. Uber Eats has invested significantly in the industry by supporting the awards night and connecting with the community through the Curry Mela. Thanks to their invaluable contribution, we were able to celebrate these remarkable milestones and accolades last night, and we look forward to another phenomenal event next year.”
This year’s judging panel consisted of an all-female trio of esteemed judges, including Kirklees Council Cabinet Member for Culture and Greener Kirklees Cllr Naheed Mather, TV chef and former Ofsted Inspector Parveen Ashraf, and cookbook writer and TV culinary competition winner Sarah Woods.
The Bradford Curry Awards continues to be a testament to the culinary brilliance, cultural richness, and community spirit that thrives in the heart of Bradford. With each passing year, the event becomes a platform to honour excellence, nurture talent, and celebrate the remarkable achievements within the city’s beloved curry industry.
The winners in the following categories were announced as follows:
* * * * * *
BEST TAKEAWAY
Tazza Kitchen
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Altaf Hussain – Bala Hissar
MOST CHARITABLE
Aziz Catering
CATERER
MyLahore
BEST MARKETING
Prashad
BEST DISH
Sultan – Chicken Masala
LIFETIME SERVICE
Omar’s Balti House
SPECIAL AWARD: PLATINUM GAME CHANGER
Lala’s Leeds Bradford
BEST EATERY
Shimla Spice
BEST RESTAURANT JUDGE’S CHOICE
Prashad
BEST RESTAURANT PEOPLE’S CHOICE
International
