Taj Mahal win 3 prestigious awards at the UK Curry Awards

Team Choudhury scooped three prestigious prizes at the UK’s  high profile Asian Curry Awards Ceremony held at Grosvenor House in MayfairThe hugely extravagant Asian Curry Awards  recognises the huge successes of restaurant owners and individuals across the whole of the Asian Food Industry and ensures that the key players are recognised for their achievements.  The Awards focus not only on the achievements of today, but on a lifetime of work in the restaurant industry, honouring the dedication and commitment of people who have helped spread the love of curry throughout the UK, ensuring that the sector continues to be the vibrant and growing industry that it is today.  The ceremony was hosted by BBC News Presenter Babita SharmaSarah Ali-Choudhury received the Special Recognition Award ‘Personality of the Year’ the category was introduced Mr Yawar Khan, Chairman and Founder of Asian Curry Awards and Federation.  “The award was created to recognise Sarah’s unique background and story as a female chef and mother in a predominately male industry.  It was designed to recognise concepts of entrepreneurship, innovation, motivation and for a celebration of skills, vision and foresight.  Awards such as these are vitally important in recognising and encouraging an individuals confidence and the motivation to set sights higher” said Mr Khan.

Sarah’s dad Rafique Choudhury, joint owner of Taj Mahal Bridport received an esteemed honoured Award from artistic director Mohammed Ali, Curator of “Knights of the Raj”  an ongoing project that explores the passion of giving voice to the Bangladeshi migrant communities – in particular the Indian restaurant sector who for decades tirelessly established themselves in the industry that would eventually become part of the fabric of British society.

Rafique arrived in the country in the 1964 and to honour his contribution to the foundation of Britain’s Historic Curry trade he was presented with the “Knights of the Raj” Legend Award.

It is extremely difficult to find the words to describe how it feels to receive this particular award.  Mohammed Ali is a legend in himself and is creating huge change for the curry industry through his artistic field. I was called on stage by him and there was a video he created which bought to life the reality of the history of our industry, so to receive this award from him felt absolutely phenomenal”, said Rafique Choudhury.

Rafique has now won three awards over the past 12 months.  The Legend Award by Tommy Miah’s International Indian Chef of the Year, The Honorary Lifetime Achievement by Dorset Ethnic Minority Awards and now the highly esteemed Knights of the Raj Legend.

The Taj Mahal Restaurant received Highly Commendable in the South West Best Indian Restaurant category.    Managing Director,  Sanjay Choudhury said :  “I am so honoured and privileged that the Taj Mahal has been recognised as one of the best Indian restaurants in the South West.  It is due to all the hard work and dedication of the team and in particular my mum Harmattie (Helen).   I will be placing the award in a prominent position in the restaurant to share our pride with all our customers! ”