The best curry houses across the UK have been crowned at the 2023 Nation's Curry Awards. The awards were handed out at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel last night, with a host of restaurants in Greater Manchester picking up gongs.
The awards, which 'recognised and celebrated the talents and hard work of individuals and businesses within the UK's curry industry', covered categories such as Best Chef of the Year, Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year, and Best Customer Service. The finalist shortlist was determined by public vote.
Asha's Restaurant, on Peter's Street in the city centre, won the Best of Manchester Award, beating the likes of Indian Tiffin Room, Delhi House Cafe, Kabana, Arnero, Wah Ji Wah, Dhoom Dhaam, Indique, and Chit 'N' Chaat. "We won! 'Best of Manchester'", said the restaurant owners in an Instagram post shared after the ceremony.
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"Thank you to all our customers for your continued support at Asha's. We thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the #nationalcurryawards." Fans of the contemporary Indian restaurant congratulated the team in the comments, with one person writing: "Huge Congratulations. Totally deserving. For my favourite restaurant."
Asha's reopened its doors last August and is named after Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle, who founded the chain in 2002 and set-up branches around the world. She was also the inspiration for the hit song by Cornershop, Brimful of Asha.
Other winners in the region included Ayaan's in Bolton, which was crowned Pakistani Restaurant of the Year, and Burton Road favourite, The Great Kathmandu, which picked up the gong for Best Nepalese Restaurant of the Year. Meanwhile, the overall winner of Indian Restaurant of the Year went to Alessi Indian Restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent.
A Spokesperson for the inaugural Nation’s Curry Awards 2023 said: "It has been an unforgettable night, filled with incredible food, vibrant energy, and passionate conversations.
"We have celebrated the finest in the UK’s curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation, and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine.
"The UK’s curry industry is a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees, and thank you to everyone who participated and supported this event."
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