THE LAUNCH of the 7th Asian Restaurant Awards – Scotland, hosted by Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe, and International Development, Foysol Choudhury, at the Scottish Parliament, was met with a call for real government support for the beleaguered hospitality sector – in addition to the “nice words” from Scottish politicians.
Attended by 100 VIP guests, including more than 20 Scottish MEPs, speakers at the networking dinner heard Scotland’s restaurateurs praised for their contribution to the nation’s economy and their local communities. 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 were commended for their resilience and fortitude.
Responding on behalf of the Awards’ judges, George Shaw thanked the MEPs for their support in attending the event and their “kind words” before adding, “but now let’s see some action.”
Spice lovers can now vote for their favourite chefs, restaurants and takeaways, by region, for Central Scotland, Glasgow, Highland & Islands, Lothian, Mid Scotland & Fife, North East, South, and West, via: www.asianrestaurantawards.org/scotland-nomination-form.
The event was organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), which represents the UK’s 35,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants and takeaways. The Awards are open to Asian cuisines: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.
“We’re seeing some remarkable innovation by pioneering restaurateurs, adapting to challenging trading conditions and more sophisticated customer’s preferences,” said ACF Chairman Yawar Khan, who added: “Afternoon chai, weekend brunch, use of Scotland’s world-leading produce – especially its seafood and game.”
The Awards will be presented at a glittering gala dinner at The Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh on 18th September 2023.
