It's all eyes on 12 favourite North East restaurants as the annual Asian Curry Awards approach and local supporters are egging them on to success.
The region has a proud reputation for Indian food and this week already has seen 38 restaurants, spanning from Northumberland to County Durham, announced as finalists in the English Curry Awards which is to announce the winners in August. And now this good news has been followed up with the revelation that 12 local venues - including regular award winners - have made the shortlist for another event which will be adding to the hot competition in the industry this summer.
In with a chance of success at the Asian Restaurant Awards are Khai Khai, My Delhi and Raval Indian Brasserie & Bar, both in Newcastle; Delhi 6 in South Shields; Dhamaka in Cramlington, Northumberland; Shampan Indian Restaurant in Whitley Bay; Motiraj in Sunderland as well as My Delhi Sunderland; Spice Lounge and Shaheens Indian, both in Durham; Babul’s at Barnard Castle and Vadah Stockton-on-Tees. And customers have shared the delight at the news.
Read more: The 38 North East finalists revealed for the English Curry Awards
Among them were several on Dhamaka's Facebook page who were quick to congratulate the restaurant team, with comments including "Well deserved! Fingers crossed for the final"; "Huge congratulations"; "Good luck" and "Congratulations, very well deserved." In reaction to the announcement on Delhi 6's Facebook page, one follower wrote: "No reason why you can't go all the way in my humble opinion."
The Asian Restaurant Awards, which cover all Asian and Oriental cuisines, will take place in Manchester at the end of July, with winners to be announced from among the finalists who were determined by 100,000 votes cast online by "members of the spice-loving public", say organisers. Judges from the Asian Catering Federation, which organises the event and represents the nation’s 30,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants, are now busy with visits to the finalists before they make their award decisions.
In sharing its "fantastic" finalist news on Facebook, Dhamaka said: "We can’t thank our customers enough for nominating us for this award!" The winners will be revealed at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony on July 31, to be hosted at the Hilton Manchester by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds.
ACF chairman Yawar Khan said: “Vital for thriving high streets and the health of local economies, independent restaurants deserve praise for their fortitude and resilience." He added: “In the face of rampant food inflation, rising utility bills, raised bank interest rates, staff shortages and customers hit by the cost-of-living crisis, restaurant owners need to compete on quality. not price."
For the full list of this year's finalists see here. Nominations are also currently open for the Asian Curry Awards which will be held in London in November. For information about those see here.
