Asian Curry Awards 2017 Winners

Over a thousand VIP guests attended a glittering gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday 12th November to honour the winners of the 7th Asian Curry Awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation. The awards were co presented by BBC Master Chef’s Greg Wallace and BBC and former Sky TV news anchor Samantha Simmons.

Asian Fine Dining Award Winner: Michelin-starred Quilon serves south west Indian coastal cuisine 

London venues cleaned up. Michelin-starred Benares’ Atul Kochhar was named Chef of the Year. Another Michelin-starred establishment, Quilon scooped the Asian Fine Dining award.  And Kricket (food pictured in header image) was feted as Best Newcomer. There was a Special Recognition Award for Asma Khan, whose new all-female brigade at Darjeeling Express has received widespread critical acclaim. Outside London, The Chilli Pickle in Brighton was named Best Causal Dining Restaurant, Lemon Grass Best Chain and Greenleaf the Best Outsider Caterer.

Girl power: The all-female kitchen crew at Darjeeling Express

In his keynote speech ACF chairman Yawar Khan acknowledged the problems facing Asian restaurant owners, but highlighted the success of those willing to embrace change, raise standards, update menus, invest in marketing and stop competing on price. “We are in a growing market. More people are eating out and ordering takeaways than ever before. Yes, curry restaurants are closing every week. But the best will survive and thrive,” said Khan. The Asian Curry Awards shortlist was determined by over 100,000 votes from spice-loving members of the public. A team of judges, led by Pat Chapman, editor of the Cobra Good Curry Guide, toured the country to determine the winners. Chapman was pleased to witness ever higher standards in the UK’s Asian restaurants, with a trend towards healthy, authentic regional dishes with modern gastro influences.

Chef of the Year: Atul Kochhar from Michelin-starred Benares