Edinburgh takes top title at Scottish Curry Awards
Edinburgh was named Curry Capital Of Scotland at this year’s Scottish Curry Awards, with several local businesses also picking up awards.
Some 2000 people gathered at the awards ceremony at the Double Tree Hilton hotel in Glasgow, with six winners from Edinburgh and the Lothians taking home awards on top of the Curry Capital accolade for the city.
Nepalese Restaurant of the Year went to Gurkha Bar & Restaurant in Edinburgh. The Brougham Place venue’s manager Tej Kandel said: “It was amazing to be named the best in Edinburgh and Scotland.
“We are very grateful to the organisers of the awards and our customers, as well as the staff here, who have worked so hard. It’s great to be recognised for our efforts.”
Chef of the Year was won by Harka Karki from Gurkha Bar & Restaurant in Musselburgh. Mr Kandel said: “We are delighted he has won this award, he really deserves it.”
Curry King of the Year was Shahid Ghani from Shezan in Edinburgh. He told the Evening News: “Leith Walk has had a tough time in recent years with trams and roadworks, so to get the Curry King title is fantastic. It’s great to be recognised after a lot of hard work and determination from everyone here at Shezan.
“The whole hospitality sector has gone through difficult times, so getting awards for your business is a fantastic achievement.”
He added: “It was fantastic that Edinburgh picked up that title [Curry Capital] last night. It’s amazing.”
Dalkeith High Street restaurant Bombay Lounge was named Curry Restaurant of the Year for the South East region. Owner Michael Singh, a previous Curry King winner, said he was “delighted” to win the title.
And he added: “I have to say a big thank you to our customers. We couldn’t do it without their support. “This award is for them.” Meanwhile, Ferry Road restaurant Sabzi won the Best of Edinburgh award. And Chennai’s Marina Takeaway at Dalry Road was named Takeaway of the Year regional winner for the South East.