A FAMILY-RUN Indian restaurant is celebrating after reaching the final of a prestigious nationwide competition.
Shamoli in Knutsford is overwhelmed to be named a north west finalist in the restaurant of the year category at the 11th English Curry Awards after a public vote.
The popular restaurant is also a finalist in our Best Curry 2022 awards - you have until midnight on Monday, September 5 to vote.
Customers praised the King Street curry house for ‘amazing food cooked to perfection’, ‘tastiest curry in Cheshire’ and ‘homely atmosphere’.
Owner Saleh Choudhury said: “This is fantastic. We didn’t realise we had been nominated, it was a great surprise.
“We are the oldest established Indian restaurant in Knutsford.”
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Saleh was honoured to receive the award at a ceremony at the NEC in Birmingham attended by 350 guests.
The awards recognise the hard work, determination, impeccable service and efforts of the country’s Asian restaurants and takeaways.
It was a dream come true for Saleh to open his own restaurant in 2003.
“My father was a chef in a restaurant for 21 years,” said Saleh, who also offers takeaways.
“He worked very hard and I learnt all my skills from him.
“We have served generations of families and still have customers who came in on day one.
“Our regulars make up 90 per cent of our customers.
Saleh works alongside brother Afzal, who manages the restaurant, and a team of chefs and waiters.
“We specialise in Bangladesh dishes,” he said.
“Some of our favourites are butter chicken, mild masala, garlic chilli chicken and a hot spicy dish of chicken tikka.
“I taste the food every night to make sure it is good and fresh.
“I spend most of my time in the kitchen.
“I am very proud of my team.
“We will have a special celebration.”
Yasmin Mahmood, director of Oceanic Consulting, who organise the awards, said: “We are honoured and delighted to have such great finalists and winners.
“Each one of them being a true reflection of the boundless talent in this industry.
“Congratulations to all finalists and winners.”
To book visit shamoli-restaurant.com
To see the shortlist for Best Curry 2022 and to vote for your favourite restaurant visit knutsfordguardian.co.uk/news/20846760.guardian-best-2022-ten-best-curries
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