The highly anticipated 4th Annual Bradford Curry Awards are set to take place at The Bradford Hotel on Monday, 10th July. With overwhelming participation from the public, this year’s event has received thousands of nominations across eight prestigious categories, showcasing the city’s vibrant curry scene.
Nominations closed on 15th June and following rigorous verification process by auditors Adam & Co, the finalists have now been revealed.
They are:
PEOPLE’s CHOICE
Bala Hissar | International | Lala’s Leeds Bradford | MyLahore | Prashad | Akbar’s
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Bala Hissar | International | Lala’s Leeds Bradford | MyLahore | Prashad | Akbar’s
BEST EATERY
Sultan | Shimla Spice | Takdir | Lahori Dhaba | Jinnah Saltaire
TAKEAWAY
Tazza Kitchen | Ambala | Krahi & Handi | Shalamar | Shimlas |
CATERER/EVENTS
Aziz Catering | MyLahore | Barakah Bros | Shalamar | Aagrah (Thornbury)
CHARITABLE
Pakistan Catering | MyLahore | Aziz Catering | Prashad | Sultan
CHEF OF THE YEAR
Tazza Kitchen – Tazeem Sawaiz | International – Aijaz | Sultan – Habib Ur Rehman – Sultan | Altaf Hussain – Bala Hissar | Imran Yousuf – My Lahore | Naheed Akhtar Dil Pasand |
BEST DISH
Karahi Shinwari – Bala Hissar | Chicken Biryani – Chaskah| Omars Balti House – Chicken Shaslik | Chicken Spinach Karahi – International | Chicken Masala – Sultan |
BEST MARKETING
International | Shimlas | MyLahore | Akbars | Prashad
All finalists, except the People’s Choice category, will now be passed to a panel of judges, who will visit the finalists and put them through their paces to help determine the winners for 2023, who will be announced during the awards ceremony on 10th July. The People’s Choice category will go live on the Bradford Curry Awards website from 27th June for the public to vote their ultimate winner. Votes close on 6th July midnight.
Embodying the spirit of giving back, the theme for this year’s awards is “Pay It Forward.” The organisers have pledged to provide a tiffin full of hot food to the vulnerable and less fortunate, which will be distributed by the Bradford Community Kitchen (a registered Bradford charity, feeding the homeless every week) for every ticket purchased for the awards night. As food poverty continues to rise in the UK, the Bradford Curry Awards aims to address this issue by promoting paying it forward to help those going through the difficulty of the cost of living.
In support of this cause, the chosen charity for the awards night is the Bradford Hospitals Charity (BHC), the official charity for Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. BHC works tirelessly to enhance the quality of care provided to patients, going above and beyond routine NHS provisions.
The event will be hosted by Abdullah Afzal, renowned for his appearance on Celebrity MasterChef and his memorable role as Amjad Malik in Citizen Khan. With his charisma and culinary expertise, Abdullah will guide attendees through an unforgettable evening of celebration.
Despite the challenges faced by the hospitality industry, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cost-of-living crisis, the Bradford Curry Awards will be a resounding success, thanks to the generous title sponsorship of Uber Eats and other valued partners. Their support will elevate the event to new heights, showcasing the outstanding achievements of the curry industry and encouraging people to explore the remarkable curry establishments that Bradford has to offer.
Fatima Patel, Founder and Director of the Bradford Curry Awards, expressed her thoughts on the industry’s resilience and the significance of such events. “The hospitality industry is facing unprecedented challenges. Having already overcome the hurdles of COVID-19, they are now navigating the cost-of-living crisis. Events like the Bradford Curry Awards not only highlight the curry industry’s exceptional offerings but also uplift trade and celebrate an industry that contributes significantly to employment and tourism, enriching Bradford’s economy.”
A spokesperson for Uber Eats shared their excitement for being the title sponsor for the second consecutive year. “We are thrilled to support the Bradford Curry Awards and celebrate the curry industry’s achievements. Our partnership extends beyond the event, as we remain committed to providing support wherever it is needed.”
The glamorous awards night will be an unforgettable fusion of entertainment, delectable cuisine, and joyous celebration. And, of course, the momentous announcement of the winners of 2023 will be the highlight of the evening.
But that’s not all!
Leading up to the prestigious awards is the eagerly anticipated 2-day Bradford Curry Mela, a FREE entry heaven for all curry enthusiasts and connoisseurs. Mark your calendars because this unique event is a true celebration of everything curry. From aromatic spices to engaging workshops and masterclasses conducted by trailblazing chefs, from tantalizing food stalls to a rich display of heritage and culture, the Bradford Curry Mela is a sensory delight. Prepare to immerse yourself in a captivating blend of sights, smells, sounds, and flavours that will leave you craving for more. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary weekend of culinary indulgence and entertainment. The 2023 Bradford Curry Mela is an experience that will ignite your senses and leave you with memories to savour.
Fatima said: “We are bringing the curry mela back, after it made its debut last year. This year is much bigger; hence it has moved to Lister Park. We are delighted with the line-up of chefs hosting our masterclasses, with Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi and Kashmiri cuisine all on display. We’ve even managed to rope in local figures Bradford West MP Naz Shah and Dr Amir Khan with Mama Khan to have fun in the kitchen and demonstrate their culinary expertise. People need a reason to come together, after the tumultuous two years of lockdown, followed by the cost-of living crisis – 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. The best thing is entry is FREE and that includes the master classes.”
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 especially as Bradford is 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, The Great Victoria Hotel, SaveCo Cash and Carry and The Meat Company, Bradford Mortgage Company, Print Buddy, The Army and Virpio Security.
For more information visit: www.bradfordcurryawards.co.uk or call 01274 735 657
