Three Welsh Indian restaurants have been named the best in Wales at the Nation's Curry Awards. The event, only in its second year, celebrates and recognises the excellent standard, hard work and talent of businesses, chefs and restaurants in the UK's curry industry.
The awards were held on Monday, February 12 in Manchester and categories included Chef of the Year, Vegetarian Restaurant of the Year and Best Customer Service. There were also regional awards, with three from Wales being named among the best in the UK.
The Grand Sultan in Port Talbot was named Curry Restaurant of the Year, Caernarfon Tandoori Restaurant was named Indian Restaurant of the Year and Royal Balti in Barry was named Takeaway of the Year. Gandhi Indian Restaurant in Stoke on Trent won Curry Restaurant of the Year overall, while Mumbai Flavours in Alnwick won overall Indian Restaurant and Dilshad Stakeford Tandoori in Choppington won overall takeaway of the year.
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It's the latest in a long line of awards for The Grand Sultan in Port Talbot, whose previous accolades include Restaurant of the Year Wales in the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) and Welsh restaurant in the British Curry Awards in and the Asian Curry Awards. You can read our review here.
Royal Balti in Barry is also no stranger to awards having prviously notched up recognition in the Welsh Asian Food Awards, winning in the best Indian Takeaway category as well as at the Curry Life Awards, where it won Best Curry Takeaway. Muhammad Ahmed sent a message to customers following the latest win saying: "Many thanks to all my lovely loyal customers. Without your support and nominations we will never reach our goal. As a business owner I feel more and more motivated towards becoming successfull because I know behind me my customers are always there to support me. "
A spokesperson for the awards said: “It was 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. We want to congratulate all the winners and highly commended recipients on their accomplishment.”