Top honours for Bradford restaurants at Curry Oscars

More than 1,200 VIP guests attended the Asian hospitality sector’s most prestigious event of the year, the Asian Curry Awards, otherwise known in the trade as the ‘Curry Oscars’.

Held at the Grosvenor House in London’s Mayfair, the ceremony saw one restaurant take home the coveted title of Curry King.

Junior Rashid of Lala's Leeds Bradford won the coveted Curry King title at the Asian Curry Awards. (Image: UGC)

It makes Junior Rashid, who works at Lala's Leeds Bradford, one of the nation’s culinary role models.

There were also plaudits for two others well-known curry restaurants in Bradford.

Two branches of The International, the newly opened one on Sticker Lane and Morley Street in Bradford, won the Asian Restaurant of the Year for West Yorkshire.

The International won the Asian Restaurant of the Year award for West Yorkshire. (Image: UGC)

And although MyLahore has its flagship restaurant based in Bradford, it was MyLahore’s newly opened Blackburn restaurant which won the Fusion Restaurant of the Year prize.

It is a long way from the Bradford-based restaurant chain’s humble beginnings on Great Horton Road 21 years ago.

MyLahore's new Blackburn restaurant won the Fusion Restaurant of the Year award. (Image: UGC)

Mr Rashid, who has continued the Lala’s Leeds Bradford legacy established by his grandfather two decades ago, spoke of his pride at winning the Curry King award.

Mr Rashid said: “The Curry King crown at the national Asian Curry Awards is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the entire Lala's team's commitment to serving unparalleled culinary experiences.

“It’s a full circle to be coming into this industry looking up to role models, who have now become rivals, as I take the top spot of Curry King.

“It gives me immense pride and Lala’s will continue setting further benchmarks.”

The Asian Curry Awards, sponsored by Just Eat, was hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds.

The guest of honour was London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

In a speech the London Mayor spoke of the important contribution the Asian catering industry has made to the economy and the cultural significance Asian cuisine has made to people’s lives.

He said: “Asian cuisine has a very special place in British society. I was delighted to be back to support The Asian Curry Awards and meet so many inspiring business owners and chefs who have shown incredible resilience and ingenuity in the face of many challenges, from the pandemic to the cost-of-living crisis.

“I want to commend all the restaurants, chefs and service staff that took part and congratulate the winners.

“These businesses don’t just feed us amazing food, they have become an integral part of our everyday lives.”