A curry chef from West Wickham has been crowned the “nation’s best” at the Curry Life Awards.
The crowned winner - Chef Babul Miah - is in charge of the kitchen at Indian Diner on High Street, West Wickham, and has more than 20 years of experience.
The Indian Diner restaurant takes a “healthy approach” to cooking, minimising the use of additives in its dishes.
Customers can choose dishes from King Prawn Mirchi, Tandoori Garlic Chilli Chicken, Methi Gosht Special and many more.
Chef Miah says to be “focused on always delivering the best in terms of the quality of food” and showcases his fresh ingredients whilst delivering modern dishes that appeal to many customers.
His signature dishes include Chicken Morisa – grilled chicken cooked with green peppers, green chillies, and a combination of crushed whole spices, coated in a hot sauce.
The chef also recommends Chicken Dhakeshwari – which includes pieces of chicken marinated in herbs and spice, garnished with mango pulp and ground almonds, producing a mild and creamy dish.
Restaurant owner Makdad Khan has several other businesses in the surrounding area and says to be “keen to expand more” if the right opportunity arises.
He added: "We are very excited to be nominated for an award this year.
"We are also very pleased that our food and service is being recognised by our diners in this way, it is a real confidence boost".
Syed Belal Ahmed editor of Curry Life said: "It's been an adamant couple of years for restaurants, but we're here to celebrate the best of the best.
"It's a matter of personal pride that curry is a national dish as fish and chips, reflected in the industry's size.
“Our restauranteurs have great passion for their food and that is matched by the UK's appetite."
Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE DL, Chairman and Founder of Cobra Beer and sponsor of the awards, said: "Post-pandemic, we have been faced with a new problem in the form of the cost-of-living crisis.
“Inflation has soared to historic levels, and this summer we have seen an energy crisis, a fuel crisis, supply chain issues and labour shortages.
“However, through this adversity, the curry industry has been today so resistant through all the tremendous hard work and efforts - it has been truly laudable"
The Curry Life Awards are sponsored by Just Eat whose Account Management Director, Mr Mark Finch, added: "Just Eat is honoured to be sponsoring Curry Life Awards and celebrating the achievements of the British Curry Industry.
“I would like to congratulate Pasha & Belal of Curry Life for hosting another Curry Life Awards and congratulates all the winners."
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