SCOTLAND’S best Asian restaurants and takeaways were feted at a glittering awards ceremony at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh on Monday 18th September, hosted by BBC TV news anchor, Samantha Simmonds.
Mother India in Edinburgh was revealed as the overall winner, with other awards going to the capital’s Cilantro for Best Bangladeshi, Ignite the Best Indian, Dishoom the Best Casual Dining venue and Pomelo the Best Chinese.
From Glasgow, Charcoals and Desi Chaiwala were victorious, along with Sapporo Teppanyaki (Best Japanese) and Thairiffic (Best Thai).
There were also wins for Bo’ness Spice (Falkirk), Light of Bengal (Aberdeen), Tahla (Perth), Spice Tandoori (Elgin), Dhoom (Dunfermline), Saffron (Shetland). Also in Shetland, Gurkha Kitchen was highly commended.
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Just Eat Takeaway/Delivery Awards went to Dil Se (Porthlehen), Memories of India (Gorebridge) and St John’s Curry Club (Edinburgh).
“We congratulate all the winning establishments in at this year’s Asian Restaurant Awards (Scotland), an event which showcases the top dining establishments from across the nation, which are a key feature of Scotland’s food and cultural landscape,” said ACF chairman, Yawar Khan, who added, “At a time when the hospitality sector is facing significant challenges with rising food and energy prices along with staff shortages, it’s important we acknowledge excellence and celebrate the success of the sector.”
The full list of winners can be viewed at www.asianrestaurantawards.org
Organised by the Asian Catering Federation [ACF] with Just Eat as its headline sponsor, the awards have become a pinnacle for inspiring the Asian restaurant industry with recognition for innovation, vision and exceptional food. These are Scotland’s only accolades open to the full spectrum of Asia’s rich and diverse cuisines.
Further supporters of this year’s awards include Cobra Beer; Tyl by NatWest – Online Payment Solutions; and business immigration and HR systems specialists, Work Permit Cloud.
Speaking on behalf of the panel of judges, its chairman George Shaw welcomed the fact that increasing numbers of Scotland’s Asian restaurateurs are now recognising that the country is, “Home to some of the world’s finest produce – especially it’s seafood, beef and game” and he paid tribute to the Asian twist being given to the traditional “haggis, neeps and tatties.” He also applauded those establishments in tackling multiple challenges for the restaurant industry, by seeking news revenue streams from initiatives including serving breakfast, lunch and afternoon chai.
Scotland’s spice lovers have another chance to support their favourite Asian eateries, by voting online for shortlisted candidates in the ACF’s Asian Curry Awards via www.asiancurryawards.co.uk, the UK’s largest event of its kind. Winners will be announced at a gala dinner being held at The Grosvenor House on London’s Park Lane on Sunday 19th November.
