Curry in favour
National prize for city restaurant:
STREET FOOD RESTAURANT SCOOPS UK DINING GONG ONCE AGAIN
A NEWCASTLE restaurant which serves contemporary Indian food has won a national prize for its innovative casual dining at the British Curry Awards.
Dabbawal, in Jesmond, beat renowned London restaurant Dishoom and Brighton’s Chilli Pickle to be named “Best Casual Dining” in the UK at the awards, which are also known as the Curry Oscars. Dabbawal won the same prize in 2015, 2017 and 2018. It is the only North East restaurant to ever win a national accolade at the ceremony.
Radio and TV presenter Jeremy Vine presented the awards in London on Monday night. Speaking about Dabbawal, Vine said: “I would eat there seven days a week – no problem.”
Dabbawal’s award was presented to its team by Strictly Come Dancing judge Shirley Ballas, who is appearing in panto in the North East this year.
Dabbawal restaurant manager Rasel Rana said: “The trend for street food has taken a major hold since we first began our mission to revolutionise the way the UK enjoys Indian food a decade ago. We created a unique concept in street food, with tapas-sized grill options, street classics and big plates served up in a colourful, buzzing atmosphere perfect for feasting and grazing.
“While we are very much aware that we have changed the landscape of the dining scene, we work relentlessly to continuously develop and remain original. We know that our innovation has led to a wave of restaurants trying to imitate our style, so we continue to develop and remain many steps ahead.
“People love Dabbawal because it is their friendly neighbourhood kitchen, a place where they feel at home surrounded by the sights and sounds of the sub-continent. We are incredibly happy to be recognised again on a national level by the most prestigious awards in the country.”
Dabbawal’s creative Indian food was highlighted by judges, including the restaurant’s street food concept inspired by the famous dabbawalas (lunchbox deliverers) of Mumbai, and its focus on recreating authentic recipes found on the streets and homestyle recipes going back generations.
Judges also liked Dabbawal’s fluid approach to menus, which offer customers the choice of small plates, main courses and sharing platters.
Rasel added: “We spend enormous amounts of time in all aspects of the business to ensure we are pushing boundaries and bringing original, exciting innovations to our customers, from the flavours and style of food through to the graphics and interiors.
“We are delighted to be recognised for being ahead on a national level, and we are proud to bring this award back to the North East.”