A record number of nominations have flooded in for the return of the prestigious annual Bradford Curry Awards. More than 3,000 nominations have been received over the past few weeks, to help find the ‘Best of the Best’ from the ‘Curry Capital’
The Bradford Curry Awards, first launched in 2018, to celebrate Bradford’s well established and award-winning curry industry. The awards are an opportunity to bring the industry together under one roof, giving them a day off and celebrate their contribution to the local economy, heritage and culture.
Bradford has won the national title of Curry Capital of Britain for an impressive six consecutive years, still holds the current title, and boasts more than 200 curry establishments all contributing to that virtually unrivalled reputation.
Curry lovers from across the district were invited to nominate their favourite eateries – with around 80 names put forward – and a shortlist has now been announced of the top establishments which received the most nominations in each of eight categories across the industry.
After the mammoth task of counting and verifying the close-run nominations was completed by auditors Smith & Munir, the shortlist can be revealed as follows:
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PEOPLE’s CHOICE
Aagrah Shipley | Kiplings (Greengates) | Lala’s Leeds Bradford | MyLahore | Prashad | The Kashmir
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Prashad | Sultan | Aagrah | Lala’s Leeds Bradford | Kiplings | MyLahore
TAKEAWAY
Tazza Kitchen | Kebabeesh | Krahi & Handi | Mumbai Bites | Café Bismillah | International
MOST INNOVATIVE
Kiplings | The Peacock Bar | Prashad | MyLahore | Mumbai Bites
CATERER
Aziz Catering | Pakeezah Food2Go | Sunrise catering | Iqbal Catering | Bradford Catering
CHARITABLE
Pakistan Catering | MyLahore | Aziz Catering
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Tazza Kitchen – Tazeem Sawaiz | Prashad – Minal Patel | Aagrah – Mohammed Aslam|
Sweet Centre – Waqar Ali | The Pind – Mr Hamid
BEST DISH
Tazza kitchen | Aagrah | Shimla Spice | Café Regal | Sweet Centre | International
Fatima Patel, Event Director for Bradford Curry Awards said: “We were absolutely overwhelmed with the response. We were aware that the people of Bradford love their food and know their curry, but they’ve really rallied round to support their favourite establishments. It’s been phenomenal to see how passionate everyone directly involved is about their industry and what it means to the Bradford economy. As well as showcasing the best of the industry, we hope the awards will also help to attract new talent, so ensuring it is sustained and continues to grow long into the future.”
The expert judges will now visit the shortlisted establishments to mystery dine and choose final winners in all categories, except the Best Restaurant – People’s Choice.
The restaurants shortlisted in the People’s Choice category will go back out to a public vote. Nominations for the People’s Choice will close on 20th July and the restaurant with the highest number of verified votes will win this category.
The winners will be announced at a prestigious awards ceremony on Monday 25 July, at The Bradford Hotel, Hall Ings, Bradford.
This year however, the awards is just one part of the special line up in celebrating all things curry. The organisers will also be putting together with a two-day Mela event which will lead up to the prestigious awards ceremony.
The Curry Mela will feature an exciting array of food stalls and entertainment. Masterclasses with renowned chefs from across the region will show visitors how they create their much-loved traditional dishes and burgeoning fusion blends. The Mela is a free event, but masterclasses should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment.
Fatima said: “This year we chose to add a two-day curry Mela before the lead-up to the curry awards, because people need a reason to come together, after the tumultuous two years of lockdown – and what better way than food? The Curry Mela is a great way to remind people that we are food lovers and through the language of food, we can celebrate our heritage and culture in unity.
“This year much of the excitement will be around the new Curry Mela and all the great tourism it will bring into the city. It will be a celebration of South Asian heritage, food and culture and will also preserve the history of traditional curry recipes and the journey of one of the city’s most popular cuisines.
“We’ll have renowned chefs putting on masterclasses, stalls to sample delicious food and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. The weekend celebration will then be followed by our prestigious award ceremony that recognises the absolute best who work in Bradford’s curry industry.”
Shiraz Ahmed is Director of SaveCo Cash and Carry, the official shopping partner for the Mela. He said: “It’s an honour to be part of a ground-breaking event that’s coming hot on the heels of Bradford winning the UK City of Culture 2025. It’s a really exciting time and we’re fully confident this is going to be a great event for Bradford and the north region.”
Sponsors of the event include Bradford Council, Uber Eats, The Bradford Hotel, Fever FM, Visit Bradford, Bradford BID, The Great Victoria Hotel, SaveCo Cash and Carry and The Meat Company, Bombay Stores and Bombay Events.
For more information visit: www.bradfordcurryawards.co.uk or call 01274 735 657
