Prime Minister David Cameron & Enam Ali MBE at The British Curry Awards

RN Desk: British Prime Minister David Cameron told the British Curry Awards ceremony at Battersea in London that the nation’s dishes have already eclipsed those in south Asia, where they originated. He also said that curry had become part of the British identity and the Government would help tackle the industry’s unique problems, like recruiting from places like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. After tucking into a plate of spicy food at the annual British Curry Awards last night, the Prime Minister took the opportunity to pledge his government’s support for the multi-million pound industry.

Ninth British Curry Awards aka `Curry Oscars’ was held amid the fitting grandiose of Battersea Evolution, London today (Monday, 25th November), undisputedly the most lauded event of the UK hospitality sector. Top notch restaurants all over the country were awarded in 12 different categories while Mr Mohammad Aslam was awarded with the special `Spice Business Magazine Award’ for his special contribution to the curry industry this year.

Industry at large, foodies, celebrities, MP’s and dignitaries collectively paid homage to the UK curry industry that justly boasts 10,000 restaurants and 80,000 employees, as well as a contribution of a staggering £3.6 billion annually to the economy.

Welcoming the guests in her speech Event Director and Producer, Justine R Ali says, “This year’s British Curry Awards had been more spectacular than ever before. Where the event has become a major fixture on the UK’s social calendar, it will surpass itself in the wow-factor stakes this year as celebrities, VIP’s and key members of the hospitality and catering fraternity came together to celebrate the achievements of the unsung heroes behind the UK’s most popular cuisine.”

Founder and organiser of the British Curry Awards Enam Ali MBE in his speech says, “The British Curry has established itself as an international cuisine in its own right and a standalone culinary genre which has produced dishes such as the onion bhaji, the dhansak, the chicken tikka masala, the rogan josh, the chicken phall and the balti. As always Enam Ali MBE left an enduring impression on the audience with his speech that clearly reflected his love for the curry industry and his concern for the on-going problems in Bangladesh.

In addition to being a lucrative mainstay of the economy, the industry has embedded itself in the social, cultural and culinary fabric of the UK, with approximately 25 million curries being consumed each week. As a result, British Curry Awards has become a key fixture on the UK social calendar, celebrating the achievements of the nation’s most popular culinary genre.

This year’s ceremony had a who’s who guest list of celebrities, politicians, dignitaries, business leaders, influencers and, of course, leading names from the UK culinary industry. The gala dinner and award ceremony interspersed with top billing entertainment, hosted within a breath taking setting, making it an event to remember.

The nomination process invited members of the public to put forward their favourite Indian eatery for a deserving accolade and the awards continue to draw record number of nominations, proving the industry’s mettle despite a challenging economic climate. This year, a phenomenal 263,000 public nominations have been received via app, email and post, with one restaurant generating 13,000 nominations alone.

Each year British Curry Awards also presents the Special Recognition Award to an influential culinary personality, with past winners including Atul Kochar. Madhur Jaffrey, Cyrus Todiwala OBE, Anjum Anand, Heston Blumenthal OBE and Shelim Hussain MBE.

The British Curry Awards was established by British entrepreneur and restaurateur Enam Ali MBE who founded the event in 2005. He has been tirelessly promoting the British curry industry globally for the past 30 years.