The hotly anticipated spectacle took place last night (Monday, September 25), at the city’s Athena Events Venue.

This year, hundreds of restaurants and takeaways entered the event, which was formally known as the Leicester Curry Awards. However, this year the event was rebranded to include delicious eateries from across the county. 

Just 42 made it to the final across eight different categories;

  • The first worthy winner, in the ‘Best Catering’ category was Chef’s Flavour, which sits in Memory Lane Leicester.
Picture: Chef’s Flavour (Pukaar News)
  • In the category of ‘Best Street Food’ it was Indian Rooster, of Queen’s Road Leicester who triumphed. 
  • Meanwhile Momma’s Kitchen was Highly Commended. BBC Radio Leicester were the sponsors of this category.
Picture: Indian Rooster – Queens Road (Pukaar News)
  • This year’s ‘Best Takeaway’ was judged to be Hannan’s Spicy Cuisine
  • Highly Commended in this category, sponsored by Anand & Daewood International, were Bombay Bites.
Picture: Hannan’s Spicy Cuisine (Pukaar News)
  • The ‘Best Pub Restaurant’ of 2023, was named as Broadway Bar & Grill.
  • Highly commended in this category, which was sponsored by Cobra Beer, were Owl & Pussycat.
Picture: Broadway Bar & Grill (Pukaar News)
  • The ‘Best Vegetarian Restaurant’ of 2023, was named as Herb.
  • Highly Commended was Udupi Shivalli
Picture: Herb (Pukaar News)
  • The ‘Best New Restaurant’ in the city, was judged to be ‘What a Shot,’ whilst Avatar Dining (Lutterworth) were given the honour in the county.
  • Highly commended in this category, sponsored by Pukaar Magazine, were Momma’s Kitchen.
Picture: What A Shot (Pukaar News)
Picture: Avatar Dining – Lutterworth (Pukaar News)
  • ‘Best Fine Dining’ in Leicester was announced as Chutney Ivy, whilst Avatar Dining (Market Harborough) were named as the winners in the county.
  • Highly commended in this category, supported by Ian and Clare Mattioli Trust, were Spice Bazzar
Picture: Chutney Ivy (Pukaar News)
Picture: Avatar Dining – Market Harborough (Pukaar News)
  • Restaurant of the Year’ in the city was named as Kayal. Meanwhile, in the county, this honour went to Silchar Indian Dining.  
  • Highly commended in the category, sponsored by Pukaar Group, was Spice of India.
Picture: Kayal (Pukaar News)
Picture: Silchar Indian Dining (Pukaar News)

Entertainment was provided by musician Joanna Preston, who played some ambient flute whilst guests enjoyed a delicious three course Indian meal.

Nupur Arts treated guests to an energetic dance performance during the interval, and the RATAE Pipe Band made a grand entrance early on, rousing the crowd with the sounds of Great Highland bagpipes and drumming.

The event was managed expertly by Priti Raichura Events and her award winning team.

Cheques were presented to this year’s two chosen charities; Leicestershire Police HQ – Memorial Garden Project and CRP -Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed.

Each charity received £2,000 courtesy of Pukaar Group, the event’s host.

The Master of Ceremonies for the evening were BBC Radio Leicester’s Ady Dayman and Summaya Mugal, who whipped up great vibes and a frenzy of excitement.

Picture: Pukaar News

Sponsors and supporters of the Leicestershire Curry Awards include Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust, John Lewis an Partners, Kings Real Estate, Anand International Ltd, Daewoo International (Europe) Ltd, University of Leicester, Cobra Beer and Visit Leicester.

Media partners are Pukaar News, Pukaar Magazine, Leicester Times, Lyca Radio, PTC Punjabi and BBC Radio Leicester.