More than 10 of Ayrshire's best-known Pan-Asian eateries have been shortlisted as finalists in this year's Spice Awards, competing for honours including Best Chinese Takeaway, Best Indian Takeaway, and Best Restaurant in Ayrshire.
Ayrshire finalists across categories
The Ayrshire contenders span multiple categories. New Fun Heng (Kilmarnock) is up for Best Chinese Takeaway, Ayr India (Ayr) for Best Indian Takeaway, Motherland Spice (Saltcoats) for Best Nepalese Restaurant, and Tempura (Ayr) for Best Japanese Restaurant.
For Best Restaurant in Ayrshire, the finalists are Ayr India, Kohinoor (Kilmarnock), La Dragon (Kilmarnock), New Five Star Restaurant (Kilmarnock), Priya Authentic Indian Kitchen (Ayr), Tempura, The Coconut Bunch (Ayr), and The Rupee Room (Ayr).
Chef and team awards
Zain's Curry House (Dalry) is nominated for Best Chef in Scotland and Best Takeaway & Delivery Service alongside The Rupee Room. For Best Team, Ayr India and Kohinoor are in the running. Tempura and The Coconut Bunch compete for Best Social Media & Marketing.
Awards Director Warren Paul said: "The competition heats up more every time and the voting numbers have been crazy. It's great to see some new names popping up along with the old favourites people go back to year after year."
Public voting and ceremony
Finalists were whittled down through public voting over the last couple of months. Warren added: "The finalist list shows the result of voting by people who love what those businesses do, so it's the voice of the public, not us."
Other awards up for grabs include Best Buffet, Piri-Piri Chicken, Kebab, Curry, and Pakora, plus categories for Best Team, Family-Owned, Community Champion, Social Media and Marketing, Chef, Manager, Dining Experience, and Spice Personality.
Warren said: "Pan-Asian cuisine in Scotland is hugely popular, I think more so than ever and we are here to reflect that. With rising costs, small businesses are struggling so it has never been more important to support local."
The Spice Awards will be presented at a ceremony on Monday, September 7 at DoubleTree by Hilton Glasgow.
