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The heat is on to crown the curry kings of Wales
The wait is almost over to discover the best curry house – and the best curry chef – in Wales.
A shortlist of 30 restaurants voted for by the public and representing every corner of Wales has been whittled down to the top four - each serving their own special recipe containing Welsh Lamb.
The four finalists in the Welsh Curry House of the Year Awards, supported by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), are:
- Yasmins in Newcastle Emlyn;
- Abul’s Spice in Corwen;
- Maahis in Wrexham, and;
- Bokhara Brasserie in Bridgend.
The judges, who include TV presenters and weather forecasters Sian Lloyd and Behnaz Akhgar as well as rugby legend Rupert Moon, will now visit the four finalists to deliver their verdict.
The winning restaurant will be announced during the awards evening at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on June 9th.
And for the first time there is a separate award for the best individual curry chef in Wales. The six finalists are:
- Chef Pramod Nair of Chaiholics, Cardiff;
- Chef Sarvesh Kumar Jadon of Bokhara Brasserie, Bridgend;
- Chef Shaish of Yasmins, Newcastle Emlyn;
- Chef Charlie Hoque of Elaichi, St.Clears;
- Chef Emran of Maahis, Wrexham, and;
- Chef Rajinder Balmiki of Jai Ho, Deganwy.
The awards will be televised as part of a documentary being shot by BBC Wales.
HCC Chief Executive Gwyn Howells said: “We are proud to be associated with these awards. Curry is one of the UK’s favourite meals, and marrying it to premium quality Welsh Lamb is a match made in heaven and perfect for a great night out.”
Niaz Taj, organiser of the event, said: “These are exciting times for the curry industry in Wales. We received over 15,000 votes to get to the shortlisting stage this year - a record number.
“It's now down to the national judges to make their final decision as to who will be crowned the top curry chef and best curry house in Wales.”