‘Curry Oscars’ to take place in Battersea
Elizabeth Edmonds
Friday, November 23, 2012
4.30 PM
The classic curry has long been one of Britain’s favourite dishes.
London nominees for the British Curry Awards
Bombay Brasserie – Kensington
Combay Palace – Paddington
Chakra – Notting Hill
Cinnamon Soho – Regent Street
Durbar Tandoori Restaurant – Notting Hill
Gaylord – Oxford Street
Laksha Bay – Wapping
Mehek Restaurant & Bar – Moorgate
Moti Mahal – Covent Garden
Namaaste Kitchen – Camden
Salaam Namaste – Russell Square
Tamarind Restaurant – Mayfair
Indian Moment - Battersea
Indian Room - Balham
Wimbledon Tandoori - Wimbledon
So it is no surprise that the nation’s favourite cuisine is to be celebrated next week at the eighth British Curry Awards in Battersea.
Celebrities, politicians and top names from the culinary industry will attend what Prime Minister David Cameron has called ‘The Curry Oscars’ to celebrate the winners of such accolades as ‘Best Takeaway’ and the ‘Special Recognition Award,’ which has been awarded to TV chef Heston Blumenthal in the past.
The nominees were picked by the general public and the winners will be chosen by an expert panel.
Guests at the event, which takes place on Monday at Battersea Evolution, will be treated to a gala dinner featuring a gourmet Indian banquet.
"It’s fantastic! I am really pleased to be nominated. We’ve all worked really hard"
David Cameron, who is a big fan of Indian cuisine, added: “The British Curry Awards is an uplifting and inspiring evening.”
One nominee Andy Varma, chef and co-owner of Chakra in Notting Hill, said he was thrilled to be recognised by the British Curry Awards.
He said: “It’s fantastic! I am really pleased to be nominated. We’ve all worked really hard.”
Mr Varma added that his restaurant, which has been nominated for ‘Best Newcomer,’ featured several styles of Indian cooking which had evolved over many years.
He said: “I have studied many schools of Indian cooking. I would recommend our signature dishes the black cod and for vegetarians, the black daal.”
Another nominee and 2006 winner Salim Rashid who owns Mehek in Wapping said: “I’m really excited. It’s always a good evening and nice to see everyone there and see who wins! Obviously the food is good too.”
“We are known for our lamb shank and also our spinach special,” Mr Rashid added.
The awards were set up by British entrepreneur Enam Ali MBE in 2005.
He said: “The British Curry Awards recognise and honour the integral contribution made by the UK’s Asian restaurants and takeaway outlets to the social and cultural fabric of the United Kingdom.”