Curry king brings top award to Hamilton
Winacar inaidof county hospice
A Hamilton chef has been awarded one of the industry’s highest accolades at the Scottish Curry Awards.
Ajmal Mushtaq, from Mushtaqs Restaurant in Almada Street, was crowned Scotland’s Chef of the Year.
And as he picked up the gong, the top chef thanked all of his loyal customers.
Ajmal said: “It was overwhelming when it was announced that I had won Chef of the Year.
“My wonderful team and all our customers deserve this great award. There is an incredible amount of hard work, skill and quality control that goes into making every meal the very best it can be.
“For Mushtaqs to be recognised at the highest level was a great achievement. I am just so delighted for the team and for the army of loyal customers who have helped make Mushtaqs what it is today.
“The competition was very tough indeed and I was up against exceptional chefs, so it made winning all the sweeter.”
Nominations came in from all over Scotland in the race to be crowned Chef of the Year. The Scottish Curry Awards welcomed over 400 guests to Glasgow’s Crowne Plaza last week.
Hans Raj Ram, chief executive of sponsors Goldstar Chefs, and one of the judges, said: “Ajmal’s winning dish, the lamb haandi, was the most flavoursome dish with deep, yet well-balanced flavours.
“It was the tastiest dish and all the judges agreed unanimously that it should be the clear winner. Ajmal deserves this very prestigious accolade.”
Mushtaqs – the biggest takeaway operation in Britain – employs 55 people and recently featured on BBC 2’s Best of British Takeaways as the Best Takeaway in Scotland. The family-run business, which launched in 1972, prides itself on traditional cooking techniques and natural, fresh ingredients. St Andrew’s Hospice has now launched its 2017 Grand Car Raffle to raise much-needed funds.
Compensation claims specialists Bonnar Accident Law Solicitors have donated a black, Kia Picanto three-door car for the top prize.
Tickets are available from any St Andrew’s Hospice charity shop. Raffle tickets can also be posted out on request by calling the hospice’s fundraising team on 01236 772041.
One lucky winner will be driving off in a brand new car after the raffle is drawn on Thursday, May 25.
John Brady, head of fundraising at the hospice, said: “We’d like to thank Bonnar Accident Law Solicitors for generously making a car available as top prize.
“Last year, over £50,000 was raised for Lanarkshire’s hospice and this year we hope to top that. It is thanks to the many kind-hearted people who buy raffle tickets, purchase goods in our shops, leave gifts in their wills and take part in our events that St Andrew’s Hospice is able to continue providing quality, specialist palliative care.”