Indian Rose: Sweet smell of success
Indian Rose opened two years ago and has rapidly made its mark in Plymouth and beyond.
Mohamed Abu Ubayda, the owner of Indian Rose in Plymouth, Cornwall has been a chef for more than 30 years, having honed his craft with cooking lessons at school, on the job and by taking inspiration from different cooking techniques and ingredients.
His dishes have often blended Indian recipes with English and Chinese ones.
Having originally studied law in the UK, he quickly went back to his first love of cooking, and enjoys creating dishes that push the boundaries and which use a range of ingredients.
“In this industry, many of the older generation chefs haven’t adapted well to modern, new ways of cooking and preparing food,” he says.
“I’ve always been keen to learn and take things forward. I have trained chefs and they have sometimes struggled to replicate my dishes as so many things go in them that it’s hard to remember. So I’ve written them down as they combine a lot of spices and other ingredients – for example in some spicier dishes I’ve used raw cane sugar.”
Indian Rose in demand
Indian Rose, which seats around 100 people and which opened in June 2022 is Ubayda’s eighth restaurant to date (along with Indian Rose, he still owns another, located around 20 miles away).
Two years on, the restaurant has quickly grown in popularity, which the team puts down to its unique creations with flavour combinations not often seen at other restaurants, an aspect Ubayda feels makes his restaurant stand out.
“When I started Indian Rose, it was the first time in 19 years that I had opened a restaurant – and the reason behind it is simple. Mutley, where the restaurant is located, has been crying out for an Indian restaurant – the last one was here maybe 15-20 years ago,” he says. “And while 2022 was a very challenging time to open any business, friends and family had confidence in me because of the different vision I brought to the restaurant.”
Opening the restaurant proved to be a popular move, with customers telling Ubayda that it’s the best thing he could have done for the area. And it’s not just the food that has caught customers’ attention. Much time and thought has also been invested in the restaurant’s interior design, which is distinctly pink, It’s a homage to roses, all done under the watchful eye of Ubayda’s wife, Fatima.
“I designed the kitchen, the rest of the decor was all planned by my wife, who has never previously worked in this industry, but her love of roses inspired the name,” says Ubayda. “When people walk in, they see a wall full of roses, which we ordered from Germany. It took three and a half months in total to set it all up but it really gives the restaurant a wow factor.”
Changing times
Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes include its crispy corolla starter – a tiger prawn with a sweet red and spicy sauce, its aromatic Suhana with mango and Adari tikka delight, featuring tomato sauce and a wide variety of spices.
Other dishes with a twist include Chicken Tikka Malawi, featuring a sweet and sour sauce, and shashlik Nerala, with chicken or lamb cooked with red and green peppers/onions in a Tandoori oven and Adari Tikka Delight. Ubayda is also always keen to try new dishes with both his staff and customers .
“Indian food has changed a lot over the last five years – people are bored of chicken curry, of the madras and the korma dishes,” says Ubayda. “The younger generation aren’t so keen on this old-style curry – since I’ve opened Indian Rose I’ve realised people want change.”
Presentation is all-important too, another area Indian Rose prides itself on. Ubayda recalls advice from many years ago: “If it looks good, it’s edible. And if you can eat it, serve it to your customers. And if you can’t, throw it in the bin.”
Creative output
Indian cuisine needs an injection of creativity – as Ubayda notes, other cuisines have moved onwards and upwards whereas Indian food has remained largely the same, with many older generation chefs seemingly stuck in time.
“I’d love younger people to come into the industry and improve the food and be creative – that is the biggest problem we have – a lack of youngsters in the industry,” he says.
“We need to bring in youngsters who can create and visualise a lot of different dishes.But it’s the long hours that put them off – they don’t want to work till midnight – they want a 9-to-5 job or one with more sociable hours.”
Ubayda believes that the best way forward is to attract people from abroad, and one solution could be a government-backed training scheme, with a commitment to provide training for those coming from Bangladesh, India and Pakistan.
Like others in hospitality, Indian Rose is not immune from macro trends, with price hikes across food and energy and the rising cost of wages continuing to impact on margins. The business is doing well for itself, but Ubayda says it is hard because when everybody else is quiet or busy, so too is Indian Rose.
“With regards to our prices, we’ve kept them reasonable and as low as possible – I want to help people out because I understand how hard things are,” he says. “I wish I could put my prices up, but I would end up losing too many customers.”
Ever creative, Ubayda has some grand plans for the future. The vision for the coming years is to open a franchise based on the concept of Indian Rose but only if things improve with regards to the economy. Hopefully he won’t have to wait too long to spread his creativity and flair.
Visit the Indian Rose website.
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The Raj Culcheth: In a league of its own
The Raj Culcheth has been trading for more than two decades and continues to impress.
The Raj Culcheth in Warrington has been going strong for 25 years now, and has built an enviable reputation among the locals, winning several awards along its journey.
Owner Anhar Miah who came to the UK from Bangladesh when he was just two years old, is looking forward to many more years of the same.
With his father having worked in the restaurant industry, Miah says the world of hospitality was in his blood from an early age, “I’ve been working in restaurants since the age of 15, starting as a kitchen porter for a year in a city centre restaurant, then as a chef in a takeaway in Manchester and then onto Preston where I worked in front of house,” explains Miah.
The Raj Culcheth opens in 1990
His roles rapidly went from waiter to restaurant manager to owner, with The Raj Culcheth opening in 1990. At that time, it was the only Indian restaurant in the area and, while others have opened since, The Raj Culcheth has maintained its popularity as a hub for the local community.
Front of house and welcoming customers is Miah’s forte, and he now sees his job more as socialising rather than working, making personal recommendations for customers and ensuring that every diner has not just a meal but an experience too.
Local hero
“We’re based in a small village, and a lot of our customers have been regulars for many years so we’re seeing the third generation now – the grandparents used to dine here and now it’s their children,” explains Miah. “We’ve got a very strong, loyal customer base and we’re also really involved with the local community.”
The Raj Culcheth sponsors many of the village’s local sporting teams, from football, to cycling to rugby and cricket and during the Covid pandemic, the restaurant provided meals free of charge for children.
It’s also heavily involved in raising money for charities, such as The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, hosting a major fundraising event every year on the restaurant’s anniversary. And for the last ten years, it has worked with Epiphany Trust, raising funds through curry nights (when customers choose from a set menu with proceeds going to charity) to create wells in rural communities in Bangladesh.
Tradition and difference
“The Indian curry industry is completely different now to when I first started – people used to come after the pubs closed to have a curry so they could enjoy another pint,” recalls Miah. “Now they are a lot more educated in terms of what they want from the food. You’ve got to move with the times.”
The restaurant currently has four chefs – two tandoori chefs and two curry chefs, alongside other staff who help with the food preparation. Its reputation for its food is based not only on the fact that it offers traditional curries but also that it has more unusual dishes. The idea is that everyone can find something they like and perhaps discover something new, or get the chance to experiment with different flavours.
“You can’t really take all the traditional dishes off the menu but we have specials and if they sell well, we see what works and what doesn’t,” says Miah. “I went travelling last year to India for around four months, and picked up some ideas for potential new dishes such as a jackfruit curry with spices and potatoes – it’s an alternative to meat and a lot of people say it tastes like pork.”
Some of the restaurant’s popular dishes include Piri Piri Massalla, featuring pieces of spicy chicken tikka marinated in piri piri and smothered with mild masalla sauce (a blend of Indian and Portugueses spices), and Chicken Tikka Rajma, featuring diced chunky onions, sliced red capsicum pepper, garlic, plum tomatoes, fenugreek and ground spices, which is served on a sizzling plate with fried onions. Miah acknowledges that people are trying to eat more healthily and says there are plenty of alternatives to curries that can provide a good solution.
“Food grilled in the tandoor does not use any oil and is served with salad, and you can also substitute rice with chapatis,” he says.
Hard times
With the economic outlook still uncertain, Miah says that restaurants have to work a lot harder for a lot less.
“Times are challenging but we’re in a good position because we have been here so long, so we can sometimes take a hit more than most,” he says. “For someone starting out now, it will be really tough. During Covid, things were tough, but our takeaways went through the roof and we got support from the government.”
Miah’s stance is to do things well and to continue in the same vein. If it’s not broken, why try to fix it? “There’s many things we have continued to do in the same way over the years, with just a few tweaks with the food and presentation,” he says.
One new area where the restaurant has invested in is social media, which MIah says can be both very important but dangerous too.
“We promote our business on social media like Facebook, Tik Tok, Snapchat and other channels and it’s a great thing to do when it works well,” he says.
“But when you’ve got a lot of people who can give you negative or false feedback, and then if you fall into that trap, it can be quite damaging to your business.
“You have to monitor it all the time. I’ve been in the village for some time now so people know the business well but if people don’t know your restaurant and read a bad review, it can be detrimental.”
Visit the restaurant’s website.
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Kingfisher Drinks announces field sales team leaders promotions
Kingfisher Drinks, the drinks concierge behind several world-class beverages including Kingfisher Beer, Peacock Cider, Bombay Bicycle IPA, and 5 Walla Chai Cream Liqueur, has announced the promotion of Sandeep Dewan and Lavkush Pandey to the positions of field sales team leaders.
With this strategic move, Kingfisher Drinks says it is reinforcing its commitment to customer service within the vibrant Asian dining market in the UK, encompassing much-valued Indian restaurants.
Sandeep Dewan, who has been instrumental in driving a number of sales initiatives, will take on the role of field sales team leader for the southern region of the UK.
Meanwhile, Lavkush Pandey, who has nurtured a strong network across the sector, will assume the position of field sales team leader for the northern region of the UK.
Kingfisher Drinks: Pair to play pivotal roles
Both Sandeep and Lavkush will play pivotal roles in spearheading sales efforts and fostering relationships within the Asian dining sector.
Reflecting on their promotions, Sandeep Dewan said: “I am honoured to step into this new role and continue serving Kingfisher Drinks with dedication and enthusiasm.
“I look forward to leading our team in the south and furthering our mission of delivering exceptional beverage experiences to our valued customers.”
Lavkush Pandey added: “I am thrilled for the opportunity to lead our sales efforts in the north and contribute to the continued success of Kingfisher Drinks.
“I am committed to upholding our standards of excellence and forging strong partnerships within the Asian dining community.”
Rajan Lail, channel controller at Kingfisher Drinks, said: “Sandeep and Lavkush have consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership and a deep understanding of our market dynamics. Their promotions are well-deserved, and I have no doubt that they will excel in their new roles, driving growth and innovation within our sales team.”
With Sandeep Dewan and Lavkush Pandey at the helm of the Field Sales team, Kingfisher Drinks looks forward to further strengthening its position as a provider of first-rate premium beverages in the UK market, especially within the dynamic Asian dining landscape.
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K2H Creative asks for payment upfront
Indian restaurant K2H Creative in Cheshire is asking diners to pay for their meals before they sit down, following a spate of people eating and leaving without paying.
A report on Cheshire Live detailed how K2H Creative Indian Kitchen in Sandbach said it has no choice but to refuse service in future to those identified as responsible and to introduce a new payment system due to what it has labelled as ‘repeated exploitation’.
A statement on the restaurant’s Facebook page said: “Regrettably, any individuals identified from previous occasions will be respectfully refused service. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause, but the repeated exploitation of our hospitality cannot be tolerated.
“In an effort to prevent further misuse of our services, we will soon be implementing a new payment system. Customers will have the option to open a tab using a card swipe or to pre-pay for their meals in cash before being served.
“We understand that this measure is a departure from the typical dining experience, but the recent events have deemed it necessary.”
The majority of people who commented on the Facebook statement said they were all in favour of the new payment system.
Indian restaurants among World’s 50 Best
Two Indian restaurants have been listed among the world’s 50 best, with one making the top ten and the other featured among the top twenty.
The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024 list was announced in June in Las Vegas, with Gaggan in Bangkok named at number nine and Trèsind Studio in Dubai ranked at number 13.
Indian restaurants a hit
Gaggan is the brainchild of Kolkata-born Gaggan Anand, who pursued music professionally before starting his culinary career. He went from a trainee position at the luxury hotel chain Taj Group and worked his way up, cooking at the revered El Bulli in Spain alongside Ferran Adrià.
This, says the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, was an experience that sealed his love for molecular gastronomy. He founded his first restaurant in Bangkok, Gaggan, in 2010, which went on to be named The Best Restaurant in Asia four times.
The listing continues: “Gaggan closed in August 2019 and a few months later, the former drummer opened its new incarnation: Gaggan Anand.
The chef is on a mission to push the boundaries of the fine dining experience, seeking to create, “a culinary adventure of the senses and a roller coaster ride of emotions”. The same irreverent philosophy shines through the restaurant’s digital channels, the chef’s hilarious sense of humour and the out-of-the-box presentation of the dishes. In 2024, the restaurant reverted to its previous name, Gaggan.”
Creativity as a main feature
According to the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Gaggan uses creativity as a main feature. “Music, colours and creativity combine on the menu, which is anchored in progressive Indian cuisine with a fine dining twist, with French, Thai and Japanese influences.
From using emojis to represent each of the courses to pushing diners to eat with their hands or even lick the plate, Anand wants to disrupt and reinvent the fine dining experience.
Indian restaurant Trèsind Studio, Dubai, in at No.13
Trèsind Studio in Dubai was described as ‘an ode to India’s rich and diverse culinary heritage’. The World’s 50 Best Restaurants’ listing says: “From humble beginnings in a backroom of its sister restaurant, Trèsind, Himanshu Saini has steered Trèsind Studio to its current position as one of the world’s most renowned Indian restaurants in less than a decade.
Rather than the often-employed blanket approach to India’s cuisine, Saini and his team guide diners through a nuanced yet approachable exploration of 17 dishes that tell the story of the country’s rich and diverse cultural, agricultural and religious heritage.
“Resembling an intimate theatre, the 20-seater restaurant’s focal point is the open lab-like kitchen where guests can watch each intricately plated dish come to life. Saini is known for incorporating natural elements in his presentation, be it fresh flowers, leaves, shells, butterflies or locally sourced ceramics in organic form. This, combined with clinically precise plating leads to dishes that leave a visual impact long after the final course is served.”
Dishes on the menu are split into four regions: Thar desert, Deccan plateau, Coastal plains and Northern plains & Himalayan mountains. They include Shiso papadum, yogurt crémeux, garden herbs; Missi roti, nopales curry, cultured butter; Ghee roast crab, burnt cinnamon, curry leaf crisp; Pani puri, sparkling sweet lime water, jicama and Lamb kebab, green plum korma, mountain greens.
Masque in Mumbai ranked at number 78
The list of restaurants numbered 51-100 was also revealed with Masque in Mumbai ranked at number 78. Set in a former industrial mill, the restaurant offers a 10-course chef’s tasting menu. Indian Accent in Delhi also made the list, featuring at number 89. The restaurant showcases inventive Indian cuisine by complementing the flavours and traditions of India with global ingredients and techniques. Its Chef’s Tasting Menu features dishes such as ‘chaats from the streets of Delhi’, ‘Kashmiri morel musallam, roast walnuts’ and ‘beetroot chop, pickle eggplant, mustard coconut curry.’
Covid fraud: Jailed restaurant owner given significant financial penalty
The former owner of a Derbyshire curry house who was sent to prison for Covid fraud has been ordered to repay more than £36,000.
Syed Hussain was jailed for 18 months and banned as a company director for three years in August 2023 after admitting charges of fraud by false representation and an offence under the Companies Act.
Hussain fraudulently secured a £50,000 Bounce Back Loan in May 2020 while serving a suspended sentence for breaching fire safety regulations at the former Moja Indian restaurant in Matlock. The 24-year-old then dissolved his Magic of Spice Ltd company on the same day the funds appeared in his bank account.
Hussain, of Provident Street, Derby, was ordered to pay £36,200 during a confiscation hearing at Derby Crown Court in May.
Covid loan: Hussain “exploited” taxpayer backed scheme
Mark Stephens, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service, said: “Syed Hussain’s cynical actions in exploiting a taxpayer-backed scheme introduced at a time of national emergency were completely unacceptable. His behaviour in failing to notify the bank when he was applying to have his company struck off the register was equally calculated and pre-planned.
The Insolvency Service will not tolerate deliberate abuse of the public purse which is why Hussain now faces a financial penalty to go with the time he has spent behind bars.
Hussain applied for the maximum permitted £50,000 loan in May 2020, claiming on the application form that the turnover of Magic of Spice was £200,000. He later said putting this figure down was a mistake.
Hussain said that he had decided to close down the company based on Dale Road in Matlock when he made the application as it had been struggling for the previous year.
The loan application was made by Hussain when he was only months into a suspended sentence for breaching fire safety regulations at his restaurant.
Hussain transferred £30,000 of the loan to two family members who used the money for their own personal spending. A further £10,000 was used for personal expenses such as hotels and car hire. No evidence was provided to the Insolvency Service of the money being used for business purposes.
Hussain also made no repayments to the loan despite this being a condition of the scheme.
Derby Crown Court gave Hussain three months to pay the money or face an additional 18 months in prison. Hussain would still owe the full amount ordered in the event he fails to comply and is returned to prison.
Spices, the essence to Indian food
It is difficult to imagine Indian food without the fragrance and flavours of spices. The tantalizing aromas, vibrant colours, and of course the spicy, sweet and tangy flavours make all dishes stand out.
Often home cooks, who love experimenting with different cuisines and recipes, strike off Indian dishes from their list because of the number of spices used as ingredients. Though it can be a daunting to keep track of all the goes in, the end result can be most satisfying.
The key to successful Indian dishes is using the right spices in accurate amounts. Spices sometimes come in the form of seeds, coarse or fine powder, which is either roasted and ground.
While some curries require strong spices, for others minimal and mild condiments accentuate the dish. There are few spices like jeera (cumin seeds) or dhania (coriander seeds) which have an earthy texture that balance well with the use of onions and tomatoes or sometimes yogurt.
To stock up the right spices, it is essential to know what they are regionally popular as. Here, we put together a list of most used spices and condiments that are used in Indian meals.
• Tulsi – Basil
• Tej Patta – Bay leaf
• Kali Mirch – Black pepper
• Hing – Asafoetida
• Kala Namak – Black salt
• Elaichi – Cardamom
• Ajwain – Caram seeds or Celery seeds
• Dalchini – Cinnamon
• Laung – Cloves
• Dhania – Coriander
• Kadi Patta – Curry leaves
• Jeera – Cumin seeds
• Amchoor – Dry mango powder
• Saunf – Fennel
• Adrak Powder – Ginger powder
• Amla Powder – Gooseberry grass
• Lahsun Powder – Garlic powder
• Javitri – Mace
• Rai or Sarson – Mustard seeds
• Pudhina – Mint
• Haldi – Turmeric
• Imli – Tamarind
• Chakri Fool – Star Anise
• Til – Sesame seeds
• Gulkand – Rose petal conserve
• Sendha Namak – Rock salt
• Anar dana – Pomegranate seeds
• Kesar – Saffron
• Sukhi lal mirch – Dried red chilli
• Chinni – Sugar
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Curry Life Awards 2024: Winners announced!
Curry Life Awards 2024 celebrates 15th anniversary with biggest-ever number of awards
Winners of the Curry Life Awards 2024 were announced at a glittering ceremony hosted at the London Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square in Mayfair on 13th October.
The sold-out event, produced by Curry Life Media, the publisher of Curry Life magazine, is the most prestigious celebration of curry houses and Indian restaurants in the UK. The Awards were established by brothers Syed Nahas Pasha and Syed Belal Ahmed in 2009, and are widely recognised as the most distinguished and respected in the industry.
Curry Life Awards 2024: Record number of awards
This year marked the 15th edition of the Curry Life Awards and a record number of awards – 51 in total, were announced on the night across six categories. There were winners in the Editor’s Choice and Best Restaurant categories, while five takeaways were singled out in the Best Takeaway category, and a total of seven outstanding chefs were honoured in the Best Chef category. Awards were also announced in the Best Recommended Restaurant and Curry Legend categories.
Special guests and speakers on the night included Wes Streeting MP, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer and former President of the CBI, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Rushanara Ali MP, Charlotte Nichols MP and Jade Botterill MP.
Over the years, the awards have attracted other distinguished personalities; previous attendees have included Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Angela Rayner MP, Priti Patel MP and London Mayor Sadiq Khan. This year’s awards were hosted by GB news presenter Camilla Tominey, with previous hosts featuring celebrated broadcasters such as Jon Snow, Adam Boulton and Angela Rippon.
Highlighting best practice
Speaking after the 15th annual Curry Life Awards ceremony, Curry Life Media Group Editor, Syed Belal Ahmed, said: “A major aim of the awards has always been to highlight best practice going on across the country – so that everyone has the opportunity to learn from the best – something that has always been a driving principle behind Curry Life itself.
“Over the many years we have been staging the awards, we have seen major improvements in standards and quality being offered to customers, to the point where several restaurants are now in a position to challenge for accolades such as Michelin stars.”
Keynote speakers
Keynote speakers at the awards included Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting MP.
He commented: “Congratulations to everyone for their success at these awards.
“The hospitality industry has an enormous contribution to make to our country. But there’s something more fundamental about what the hospitality industry does, and what curry houses across the country do, which is about bringing people together, making connections and creating communities.
“It’s about making sure our high streets are thriving, and where people want to spend time and money and enjoy family and friendship. In the budget and beyond we will be doing everything that we can not just to support our large businesses, but to support our SMEs too.”
Another key speaker was Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, Founder and Chairman of Cobra Beer and former President of the CBI – who added: “The curry industry continues to play a crucial role in British society, contributing over £4 billion in annual sales and employing thousands of hardworking individuals, a vital contribution to the British economy and hospitality sector.
“While we’ve faced significant challenges in recent years—from rising costs to labour shortages—the industry’s strength and determination remain unwavering.
!At Cobra Beer, we are immensely proud to stand alongside curry restaurants across the UK, grateful for their loyalty and resilience.
“Together, we look ahead with optimism, knowing that our shared commitment will help us thrive in the face of any challenge.”
Rushanara Ali said: “The British curry industry has been absolutely vital – it has not only created opportunities for the British Asian community but also built a multi-billion pound industry.
“So it’s wonderful to see the industry going from strength to strength. Huge congratulations to all the nominees and winners.”
Syed Nahas Pasha, editor-in-chief of Curry Life magazine added: “These are the most sought-after awards in the industry, delivered by the UK’s only curry magazine.
“Our rigorous awards process ensures that the winners really are the best of the best and we are delighted to honour them this year and celebrate our 15th anniversary. Here’s to many more awards!”
The awards were sponsored by Cobra Beer, WorkPermitCloud, Unisoft and Hillside Travels.
CURRY LIFE AWARDS 2024 WINNERS
Editor’s Choice Awards
The Bombay Orpington
74-76 High Street
Green Street Green
Orpington, Kent BR6 6BJ
The Vedas
Rochdale Road
Todmorden OL14 7LD
The Broadway Bar and Grill
263-265 Abbey Lane
Leicester LE4 5QH
International Restaurant
254 Sticker Lane
Bradford BD4 8RN
Evesham Balti
10 Waterside
Evesham WR11 1BS
Bombay Balti Lancaster
16 China Street
Lancaster LA1 1EX
Jomidar Lounge
6 Welford Road
Creaton
Northampton NN6 8NH
Three Rooms
4 Kimbolton Road
Bedford
MK40 2NR
Bombay Restaurant
38-40 Regent Street
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV32 5EG
Rimjhim Spice
6-8 Villa Road
Colchester, Essex CO3 0RH
BEST RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Kahani Restaurant
1 Wilbraham Place
London SW1X 9AE
Jahangir Tandoori (Scotland)
1 Session Street
Dundee, Angus DD1 5DN
Celebrities Indian Restaurant
109-111 Caerphilly Road
Cardiff CF14 4QA Wales
Raj Garden
217-219 Park Avenue
Bushey
Herts WD23 2DQ
The Chequers Indian Lounge
19 Stowmarket Road
Great Blakenham
Ipswich IP6 0LP
Cinnamon Lounge
97 Bridge Road, Horbury,
Wakefield WF4 5NN
The Pavilion
538-542 Blackburn Road
Astley Bridge
Bolton BL1 8NW
Lea Cross Tandoori
Lea Cross, Shrewsbury
Shropshire SY5 8HR
The Raj Indian Cuisine
2A Common Lane
Culcheth, Cheshire
WA3 4EG
Temple Indian Fusion
Old parcel office
Jubilee Parade
Snake Lane East
Woodford, Essex IG8 7QF
Monsoon Majestic Indian Dining
19-21 George Street
Newcastle Under Lyme
Newcastle ST5 1JX
Spices and Spirits
3 Kings Furlong Centre
Basingstoke RG21 8YT
Eurasia Tandoori
21 West Castle Street
Bridgnorth
Shropshire WV16 4AB
Indian Rose Restaurant
39 Mutley Plain
Mutley, Plymouth PL4 6JQ
Cinnamon Central
117 Belvoir Road,
Coalville LE67 3PH
Musafir Restaurant
4-6 Victoria Road
Earby
Barnoldswick BB18 6US
Paprika Restaurant
27 Nightingale Road
Hitchin
Herts SG5 1QU
Chennai Indian Cuisine
High Street
Leek ST13 5DZ
Staffordshire
TASTE OF NAWAB
97 Colney Hatch Lane
Muswell Hill
London N10 1LR
Kelvedon Spice
98 High Street
Kelvedon
Colchester CO5 9AA
Reema Bengali Cuisine
130-132 Sea Road
East Preston, Littlehampton
BN16 1NN
Shimla Restaurant
10A Church Street
Armthorpe
Doncaster DN3 3AE
Taste of Paradise
2-4 High Street
Newport TF10 7AN
Chennai Indian Fusion
7 Buller Street
Looe PL13 1AR
Cornwall
Chowringhee Indian Cuisine
2 Wilmington Parade,
Patcham
Brighton BN1 8JJ
Coco Buffet
30-34 St James Street,
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1ST
The 29029 Restaurant Parkstone
99 Commercial Road
Ashley Cross, Poole
Dorset BH14 0JD
SPECIAL CURRY LEGEND AWARD
Babul’s
9 Market Place
Barnard Castle
County Durham
DL12 8N
BEST CHEF OF THE YEAR 2024 AWARDS
Taj Cuisine
1 Walderslade Centre,
Walderslade Road,
Walderslade,
Chatham ME5 9UD
Ali’s Kitchen
40a The Strand
Longton, Stoke-on-Trent
ST3 2JN
The Fat Buddha
3 Bridge Street
Maidenhead SL6 8LR
Berkshire
Sultan Tandoori
16 London Road
St. Ives PE27 5ES
Cambridgeshire
Mowgli’s @ The Bell
The Bell Inn
Main Street
Beachampton
Milton Keynes MK19 6DX
Da Mount Gurkha
71 Crosby Road North
Waterloo
Liverpool L22 4QD
Raj Mahal Restaurant
Lion House
High Street
Moreton-in-Marsh
Gloucester GL56 0LH
BEST TAKEAWAY AWARDS
Ashiana Takeaway
7 Wells Road
Ilkley LS29 9JB
Village Spice Takeaway
32 Woodside Road
Telford TF1 5EZ
Shika’s Indian Takeaway
10 Birmingham Road
Great Barr
Birmingham B43 6NR
CLAY OVEN TAKEAWAY
36 Whalebone Lane South
Dagenham RM8 1BB
Spice Cube Prestwick
32 Main Street
Prestwick KA9 1NX
RECOMENDED RESTAURANT AWARDS
Taj Mahal Restaurant
51 The Causeway
Chippenham SN15 3DD
Peanuts most likely to cause an allergic reaction
An FSA (Food Standards Agency) study has found that foods such as peanuts and tree nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds, are most likely to cause an allergic reaction.
The Patterns and Prevalence of Adult Food Allergy (PAFA) report, a large study into the prevalence of food allergies in the adult population in the UK, found that more than 30% of adults reported some types of adverse reactions when eating food – meaning they had an illness or trouble when eating a particular food.
When this was investigated further through a clinical assessment, it was found that around 6% of the UK adult population are estimated to have a clinically confirmed food allergy. This equates to around 2.4 million adults in the UK.
The research findings include:
foods such as peanuts and tree nuts like hazelnuts, walnuts and almonds, are most likely to cause an allergic reaction
many individuals also had allergies to fresh fruits such as apple, peach and kiwi fruit. These were associated with allergies to birch pollen, also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome or oral allergy syndrome
allergies to foods like milk, fish, shrimp and mussels were uncommon
childhood food allergies persist into early adulthood, and then further increase with around half of food allergies developing in later adulthood
The Food Standards Agency said it remains committed to ensuring that consumers have clear and accurate allergen labelling to support people in the UK living with a food allergy. It said the report will help guide its future work on allergens to ensure everyone can enjoy food that is safe.
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Fat-free Indian Cooking
For Life Style
Fat-free Indian Cooking
-By Mridula Baljekar
Could you ever imagine cooking Indian food without a drop of oil? Well, now there is a way! My revolutionary cooking method will give you the chance to enjoy delicious Indian meals, packed with taste, flavour, health and vitality, but without any added fat!
I am not suggesting that you exclude fat altogether from your diet. Indeed, some fat is essential to the body. Fat enhances the flavour of any food, not just Indian. Fat is also an important nutrient and a high source of energy. It is also a carrier of fat-soluble vitamins. Fats and oils help enhance the characteristic aroma, taste and texture of most food.
It is knowing which type of fat to include and which to avoid, or consume in small quantities that is the first and most important step in following a healthy diet.
There are three crucial types of fats that affect our diet. These are:
Saturates (present in animal fats and cooking oils such as palm);
Mono-unsaturates (found in cooking oils such as sunflower, rapeseed and olive) and
Poly-unsaturates (found in oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon and herrings).
According to guidelines set out by the Health Education Authority, saturated fat is not really needed in our diet. High intake of this fat can create high blood cholesterol which can lead to coronary and heart diseases. Reducing saturates in our diet is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
By reducing or avoiding saturates, we automatically reduce the energy supply to our body. This gap can be closed by using more of the two beneficial types of fats: Mono-unsaturates and poly-unsaturates (omega-3 fatty acids), which are believed to be beneficial to the heart. Although you will certainly benefit from an oil-free diet, I do not claim that the recipes in my book ‘Fat-free Indian cooking’ are the answer to a slimmer’s dream. By ensuring that no added fat is used in the recipes, you have taken the first and foremost step to following a healthy diet. Neither is my book a manual for healthy eating, but you can safely use it as a guide.
My aim is to give you the chance to enjoy Indian food without added fat. Sensible control on calories is essential to keep well. Fat contains more calories per gram than any other groups of food. Cutting down on fat, therefore, must top the list of priorities in formulating a healthy eating routine. If fat, which is naturally present in food is enough to enhance the flavours of spices, why add more?
Remember, risk follows fat. My book offers you no fat, no risk and great taste!
www.mridula.co.uk
Westbourne Tandoori: Recipe for success
Anwar Hussain, owner of Westbourne Tandoori in Bournemouth tells Currylife why the business is going from strength to strength.
Westbourne Tandoori needs little introduction.
Opened in the 1990s and located in the upmarket coastal village of Westbourne in Bournemouth, it has a glowing reputation among diners and the local community.
The restaurant recently helped a local care home – Poole-based Lilliput House Residential Care Home, celebrate its Indian International Day.
Westbourne Tandoori owner Anwar Hussain offered a traditional complementary two-course meal for all the residents and carers to enjoy as part of the day’s proceedings.
The restaurant’s chefs prepared more than 50 meals for residents, featuring starters such as samosas and onion bhajis and main courses of chicken korma, chicken butter and chicken tikka, alongside rice and vegetables.
Westbourne Tandoori reaches out to the community
For Hussain, having a business mind and a compassionate outlook go hand-in-hand.
Throughout the Covid pandemic, he applied this mindset to help overcome the restrictions his customers and the front-line services faced.
Westbourne Tandoori offered free meals, free contactless delivery, discounts to Blue Light [those who work in the NHS, emergency services, social care sector and armed forces] card holders, alongside many offers on social media.
While the restaurant has been operating for more than two decades, Hussain started working there as a waiter in 2015. Born in Bangladesh, Hussain moved to Bournemouth from Manchester in 2011.
“I owned a takeaway business in Westbourne but decided to work at Westbourne Tandoori because I knew how popular it was and that it was one of the most famous [curry houses] in the south, with much goodwill behind the brand,” he says.
Over the following months his business acumen and entrepreneurship shone through, leading to more and more responsibility within all areas of the organisation. Just a year later, in 2016 he bought into the business and is now a proud partner.
Making his mark
In the years since, Hussain has wasted little time in putting his own stamp on the restaurant, and the business has gone through a dramatic transformation.
Hussain introduced a number of new menus, for both in-house dining and takeaway, alongside a party menu, an elaborate wine list and a dedicated cocktail menu.
He has also invested heavily in the restaurant’s interior design, installing booths, a marble illuminated bar and party table, a selfie wall and renovated the toilets, as well as building a new outside area for the summer with sliding windows.
Customer experience improved
The bar has helped make the restaurant more of a destination, meaning that customers are keen to stay for longer and enjoy not just dining but an experience too.
Cocktails, Champagne, beers by the bottle and on draft and an extensive wine list are on offer and customers are regularly invited to visit for cocktails and drinks.
There is also a ‘light bites menu’ and the restaurant offers poppadoms and chutneys to those just joining after work for drinks or before they head out for the evening.
On the menu, some of its most popular dishes include spiced honey-fried paneer, with the cheese coated with honey then dry cooked with fenugreek garam masala and Kashmiri chilli flakes and Malai dar deshi murgh – marinated supreme chicken coated with mozzarella cheese and garlic, grilled in the tandoor.
Laal patenga – chicken, lamb or prawn cooked with fresh crushed garlic and mango sauce, balanced with crushed chillies, gives diners a taste of a mouthwatering dish from Goa.
Added attraction
While all of these measures have helped to make the business resilient, like many others within the hospitality sector, Westbourne Tandoori’s key challenges are mostly out of its control – namely the increased cost of living.
“The critical challenges facing us are the growing costs of ingredients and utilities, as well as the knock-on effect on the spending power of our loyal customers,” says Hussain.
“We have never had any problems with staff, my team is constant, loyal and reliable and the head chef is my partner – so in this respect the team is no problem at all – we are one big family and the service we offer as a team is second to none.”
Economic challenges
Hussain’s response to the current tough times is to look at the wider picture and assess what he can do to help both the business and its customers.
As a result, Westbourne Tandoori is offering free kids’ meals in-house as well as providing live entertainment monthly, at no extra cost to its customers.
“We have a live DJ once a week, again at no charge to our customers and we offer free delivery within a four-mile/seven kilometre radius of the restaurant,” says Hussain.
“We have weekly deals and offers, for example every Wednesday we have a £19 three-course meal in house – saving our customers a huge amount per person. We also offer 2-4-1 cocktails all weekend. There literally is no better place to save money without compromising on the quality of the offer.”
While Hussain acknowledges that the current economic situation is tough, he believes that lockdown was far more challenging, as it was unknown territory for everyone .
“This current cost of living crisis is a cycle and the restaurant has survived far worse,” he says. “A VAT cut is always on the table for hospitality – the government could extend initiatives to assist our business.
Brexit
Brexit of course has impacted the costs of goods imported, but we just need to buy keener, local and keep our team happy in their jobs.
We also have adjusted stock and don’t sit on as much as we do in better times. Also, customers are happy with our offers, and they know that we will always make sure that they can afford to enjoy a Westbourne Tandoori meal.”
Keep on moving
Standing still is not in Hussain’s nature – he spends considerable time thinking about different ways to innovate the business, such as the investment in décor, new assets, refreshed menus – which also cater to dedicated dietary requirements, attractive offers and party facilities.
“We also partner with relevant charities and community organisations,” adds Hussain. “This year we will continue to improve our value for money, maintain service and quality.
And in the next 24-months – we may have another [business] interest in the Bournemouth area – watch this space!”
Talking tech
Technology plays an important part too, with ordering processes all computerised from device to kitchen and an app for table bookings and takeaway orders.
“We also really favour social media as a tool for marketing – we have a strong and loyal following on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok,” says Hussain.
“As my restaurant is so up to speed in terms of food presentation and décor we are also very ‘Instagrammable’ and ‘shareable’.”
Sustainability is another area the restaurant is increasingly focusing on. As Hussain acknowledges, by its nature, the curry house industry is packaging heavy, and Westbourne Tandoori endeavours to use recyclable materials when possible. It is also monitoring its waste from the kitchen and from customers.
“We have got our serving proportions down to a fine art – we try to waste as little as possible,” he says. “Everything that can be recycled from the restaurant is dealt with in the most responsible way.”
Taking stock
Looking over his achievements thus far, Hussain says he is immensely proud to have been a winner two years in a row at the Curry Life Awards, saying to be recognised by the industry and local customers is priceless.
Being able to support his local community during lockdown. and charity work that stretches to local fundraisers, the elderly and various children’s charities, is also a big source of pride.
“Westbourne Tandoori is very fortunate in terms of its business model; it’s one that can react quickly to market influences – such as this current crisis, and we also use the seasons, the sporting calendar and local charities to maintain a healthy support system in the community,” says Hussain.
“We continue to give generous discounts to Blue Light card holders but above all we prepare, cook and serve beautiful Indian cuisine and that’s what keeps our wonderful customers coming back.”
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Above and Beyond
Curry Legend Bashir Islam has been an inspiration to the curry industry for many years, with an approach based on mutual respect
Restaurateur Bashir Islam’s motto is simple: ‘promise less and give more’. His philosophy in life is to give people more than they envisage, to over-deliver and to exceed expectations across all areas of the business, from the kitchen, to the service to the front of house.
We’re meeting at one of Islam’s three restaurants (although over the years, Islam has been involved in plenty more). The Spice Merchant is located in the historic area of Beaconsfield Old Town in Buckinghamshire, with the other two (also with the same name) in Henley-on-Thames and Cookham, and describes itself as serving ‘contemporary Indian cuisine’. On the menu, it says, you’ll find ‘traditional Indian pot dishes, such as Bhuna and Jalfrezi as well as a selection of more modern and creative dishes’. The decor reflects this approach too, with wooden floors, large mirrors and opulent lighting.
Bashir Islam came to the UK in 1976, working in a succession of Indian restaurants in various locations, starting in Palmers Green, moving on to Crystal Palace, then Leyton and also Portsmouth. He then completed stints at restaurants in Uxbridge and Gants Hill, before settling in Beaconsfield. His first restaurant – Tropical Curry, was opened in 1980 in the modern part of the town and, he recalls, was the first such Indian restaurant in the area. In 1983, he opened his flagship restaurant, The Cookham Tandoori, in partnership with his brother (now called The Spice Merchant Cookham) and then in 1994 the one where we are sitting today. The Henley restaurant opened in 2005.
Many chefs cut their teeth at the Cookham restaurant, before embarking on their own hospitality ventures and founding successful businesses of their own. Bashir has also helped to fund many of these, providing start-up capital (rather than going into partnership) and being an inspiration for many in the curry industry,
He shies away from being called an inspiration to the industry and a business mentor, however and doesn’t believe he has done anything too differently from anyone else. He says his approach is down to a simple premise: if you treat people well, they will respect you and stay with you. And similarly, he says, do not work for someone who doesn’t respect you and always ensure you take pride in your work.
“I never forgot who I am, and where I came from and that is why a lot of people lose their way,” he says. “You must not forget who you are or your identity – once you lose this you have nothing.”
A family approach
Bashir likes to put the emphasis on creating a family environment at his restaurants, where everyone is welcome, whatever their role.
“When you work here with me it’s like a family because I worked for others before and have been treated very badly,” he says. “I thought this was not right – people who work for me, this is like their home, they should feel comfortable. If people need help, I want to be there for them. Indian restaurants do not do things by the book – everyone is our friend, we are like one big family. Everyone is capable of achieving anything and we try to give people what they want.”
Testament to this is the fact that many of his former staff speak very highly of Bashir, and remember him for the level of training he offered – not just with regards to the food business but around customer service too. As one employee explained while we were there, his success is down to what Bashir has taught him. Bashir too says he has not come across a single person yet who has previously worked for him and doesn’t want to talk to him again.
“Most of my staff started with little or no experience, I trained them from zero and occasionally brought some in from other restaurants,” he says. “Anyone who works with me knows what is expected of them; it’s an amazing cultural experience working in a restaurant. As an owner I can provide nice lighting and supply the food, but cooking and serving dishes is all down to the team. So if you book for dinner and the person serving you is not properly dressed or does not have a clean appearance, you are not going to eat there.”
A people business
Bashir Islam is also astute, being able to spot the right people to work with and bringing out the best in them. He acknowledges that one of the biggest challenges throughout his time in the industry has been finding the right staff. While he might have many ideas that have proved successful, he says you can make so much more of these, and the prospects are much more exciting, if you have the right staff by your side.
He’s also spotted gaps in the marketplace, and as he puts it, ‘been able to seize an opportunity.” The Spice Merchant for example has its own online delivery system, called Feast Online.
“I see things a good many years before others,” he says. “If you look at the likes of Just Eat, I created Feast Online. I could see that many Indian restaurants were proving to be very popular but we needed to get quality food delivered to people’s doors. I invested money in establishing this online food delivery system for my restaurants.”
Enjoy what you do
While not a trained chef, Bashir also enjoys creating dishes, and has put his own stamp on the menu at The Spice Merchant, including a take on Chicken Tikka Masala, with lots of spices to give the dish a bit of a kick.
“I am not a chef and have never been one but I have a very good understanding of food,” he says. “I use top-quality products – I like going to markets and seeing fresh produce, I can’t compromise on quality. And you also need to understand spices and why you are putting a particular one into this curry over that one. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s quite simple – don’t do it.”
At the age of 65, Bashir acknowledges that he is close to retirement (neither of his three children are interested in taking on the family business) but that hasn’t stopped him thinking about new ventures – he plans to open a fish and chips shop in Henley.
“I don’t know how it will work, I am too old to do this job,” he reflects. “The only thing I say to people who are thinking of opening a business is to make sure you give everything you have within yourself. Never undermine your competitors, respect them. And if you don’t know something, study what is already out there, but always think about how you can do it better. Learning never finishes. Don’t do something for the sake of it. If you are not happy with something don’t sell it, if you can only serve 10 people tonight then don’t serve 12. You might lose two customers today but the other ten will come back again.”
Spice Merchant Cookham, High St, Cookham, Maidenhead SL6 9SL, Phone: 01628 52258
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