We are a nation obsessed with curry. So much so that we have an annual, week-long celebration dedicated to its very existence. But whilst National Curry Week demonstrates our current fixation on all things spice, our love affair with Asian cuisine actually began over 200 years ago.
In 1809, diners at the Hindustanee Coffee House in London were first introduced to spicy meats and vegetables, simple examples of cooking techniques found on the Indian sub-continent. Today, Indian restaurants and takeaways are a familiar sight on most High Streets across the country and you don’t have to travel far to tickle your taste-buds with delicious Asian delicacies, from mouth-watering masala dosas to tasty tikkas.
Here in Leicester, we’re spoilt for choice. A city with a rich multicultural heritage, we are also a city with a growing reputation for amazing food, and our curry scene is no exception. In honour of our well-deserved status as one of the UK’s curry capitals, Pukaar Group presents the Leicestershire Curry Awards.
Alongside our sister company, Pukaar Magazine, we have a commitment to highlighting the vibrant culture of Leicester in all its diversity. We cover stories online, work with regional and national broadcasters and publish a quarterly magazine that celebrates the city’s success stories. Over the past ten years we’ve seen an explosion of curry houses around us and feel it’s now time to shine the spotlight on culinary excellence, recognising our enviable food scene and the hard work and commitment of Leicestershire’s respected restaurateurs.
With a shortlist of finalists compiled from public nominations, our expert panel of mystery judges choose the winners and runners-up across each of the seven categories. The triumphant curry houses are then announced at our spectacular awards ceremony, taking place at the Athena venue in Leicester.
Leicestershire Curry Awards process:
- Nominations opens online for the public to nominate their favourite restaurant or takeaway.
- Nominations by the public are counted and a top 10 shortlist for each category is compiled.
- The top 5 restaurants/takeaways in each category are revealed on BBC Radio Leicester.
- Mystery judges are assigned a number of the Top 5 restaurants/takeaways in each category to judge against a strict criteria.
- Winners and runners up are revealed at the awards ceremony.
In order to participate, all restaurants and takeaways nominated must have a food hygiene rating of 3 and above. Any restaurant and takeaway have recently had their food hygiene rating as 5, would get extra points. Also, you’d get extra points for cleanliness (toilets/washroom).
On behalf of Pukaar Group, happy dining!
For more information on Pukaar Group please visit our website: https://pukaar.com.
Pukaar News UK LTD
Phoenix Square
4 Midland Street
Leicester
LE1 1TG
Registered England & Wales 7459405
VAT: 117053249