Fourteen restaurants and takeaways across Greater Manchester have been named finalists for the Asian Curry Awards, an annual ceremony widely regarded as the 'curry Oscars'. The awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) since 2011, recognise the best Asian restaurants and dishes across the country.
A total of 213 businesses have made it onto the shortlist following a public vote. The eventual winners will be decided by a panel of judges, including some of the world's leading chefs and restaurateurs, with the overall winners announced at a gala dinner and presentation at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London on November 15.
Stockport's Royal Nawaab Pyramid among the shortlisted venues
Among the 14 venues representing Greater Manchester this year – eight of which are in the city centre – is Stockport's Royal Nawaab Pyramid. The restaurant opened last year in the iconic blue pyramid building overlooking the M60. Following a £15m renovation of the former Co-operative Bank headquarters, the venue features a 350-seat buffet restaurant, private rooms, and a large banquet hall for up to 700 guests. It serves up to 10,000 diners a week.
The Royal Nawaab has already featured in a Channel 4 documentary called The World's Best Curry Restaurant, and it was recently announced that it would also take centre stage for its own YouTube show soon.
City centre and borough venues on the list
Japanese restaurant Sushi Mama, on Portland Street in the city centre, has also been shortlisted. Its all-you-can-eat buffet includes Japanese wok curries, teppanyaki meats, fried rice, as well as nigiri, sashimi, and salads. Other city centre spots on the shortlist include Akbar on Liverpool Road, Indian restaurant Wah Ji Wah on King Street West, Tompopo on Albert Square, and Chinese restaurant Pinwei on Princess Street.
Bolton has two shortlisted venues: Spice Island on Tonge Moor Road and Ayaan's on Old Road in Astley Bridge. Ayaan's is known for its authentic Pakistani-Indian cuisine and counts boxer Amir Khan as a fan.
Long-standing favourites and newcomers recognised
Long-standing West Didsbury favourite The Great Kathmandu is also on the list. Founded in 1986 and still run by the Dangol family, it is known for its Nepalese and Indian dishes such as Bhuna Gosht lamb and its award-winning Makhan Chara, featuring chicken seasoned in butter with tomatoes and fresh cream. Durbar Square on Barlow Moor Road in Didsbury has also been recognised, as have Stockport's Dosa Village on Buxton Road in Heaviley, and Al Maidah in Cheetham Hill.
Jadugar, on Ashley Road in Altrincham, has also been named a finalist. The venue is known for its modern Indian fusion menu, spanning kebabs, spiced platters, and its speciality biriyanis cooked inside bamboo.
“The Asian Curry Awards set the standard for excellence across all aspects of our industry,” Yawar Khan, Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation, said of this year's nominees. “We celebrate with the 'best of the best' and are delighted to see the public voting increase year-on-year. Alongside the excellent cuisine we champion with these awards, we also take time to celebrate the achievements of individuals and recognise the generous contributions they make to their communities through their charitable giving and their time.”
Venues will be recognised across a number of categories, including Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Newcomer of the Year, Thai Restaurant of the Year, and Best International Restaurant.
