Bradford has claimed an unprecedented hat-trick by becoming the first city to win the Curry Capital of Britain title three times in a row.

The city has again proved it is best bar na’an after beating off hot competition from second-placed Glasgow and third- placed Wolverhampton to retain its title in the annual showdown.

The result, announced yesterday, means Bradford has matched Glasgow’s record of winning the honour four times in total, adding extra spice to a fierce rivalry between the cities.

Patricia Tillotson, Bradford Council's visitor economy manager, hailed the city’s innovative bid – which included the world's first ever Poppadomathon and working with Seabrook and Akbar’s to create a Chicken Karahi- flavoured crisp.

She said: “We knew we had to do something really special, and working with Seabrook and our restaurant team, Akbar’s, Omar Khan’s, Kipling's and Shimla Spice, we managed to put together a really strong bid.

“It was really unique and it is wonderful we have a very famous crisp manufacturer in our city to support us.”

Coun Susan Hinchliffe, the Council's executive member for employment, skills and culture, said winning the title for the third year in a row “tells the world what we already know”.

“Bradford is the Curry Capital of Britain. We are renowned for our curries, our restaurants and our friendliest of welcomes. This will encourage more people to come into Bradford, have a curry and enjoy everything else Bradford has to offer.”

Kevin Butterworth, marketing director for Seabrook, joined the Bradford team to celebrate its success at City Hall yesterday.

“I think this is a great reward for all the effort that’s gone into the Bradford bid and we were more than happy to help,” he said. “The crisps are on sale in Morrisons and Asda and we have had some really positive feedback.”

Peter Grove, event organiser, said this year’s competition was tougher than ever. “The Curry Capital of Britain awards encourage recognition of the importance of the curry sector in Britain and Bradford’s restaurants are a fantastic advocate,” he said.

The competition included a Top Takeaway Award, which was won by Sizzlers Pizza and Balti Hut on Tong Street.

Shane Lake, co-founder of hungryhouse.co.uk, which sponsored the contest, said: “With so many great curry restaurants in Bradford it is difficult to select the best, but our customers and the British public have chosen well!”