The spices were sizzling and the spotlight shining as the 9th Annual Leicestershire Curry Awards took over the Athena Events Venue in spectacular style.
It was a night where tradition met glamour, and the region’s most beloved South Asian eateries were celebrated in all their fragrant, fiery glory.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
A true feast for the senses, the evening (Monday, September 15) brought together a vibrant mix of food lovers, community leaders, and culinary stars from across the city and county. From bold street food vendors to elegant fine dining spots, the awards honoured the chefs and restaurateurs who are putting Leicestershire on the map as a true curry capital.
Against a backdrop of warm spices and warm applause, guests were treated to a show-stopping three-course Indian banquet, topped off with live entertainment that kept the energy buzzing. DJ Vallisa Chauhan lit up the room with a Bollywood-Bhangra fusion soundtrack, turning the awards into a full-blown celebration after the results had been announced.
The prestigious guest list included the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Rob Nixon among other high-profile attendees — all there to champion the diversity, creativity, and resilience of the region’s food scene.
Picture credit: Pukaar News
The winners were as follows:
- Best Street Food: My Delhi
- Best Takeaway: Currylicious
- Best Pub Restaurant: Royal Leicesters
- Best Vegetarian Restaurant: Chatwala
Speaking of his win, Rocky Zain, owner of Royal Leicesters, said: “It’s great. We feel very blessed to have won an award for the second year running.
“Since Covid we have had many challenges but we try our best and we appreciate all our customers and everyone who supports us. The Curry Awards are a real highlight for all restaurant owners and it’s a great thing to be a part of.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
Turning up the heat even further, new and standout establishments were also in the spotlight:
- Best New Restaurant – Leicester: Amrut
- Best New Restaurant – Leicestershire: Avatar Dining (Lutterworth)
- Best Fine Dining – Leicester: Chutney Ivy
- Best Fine Dining – Leicestershire: Soi Indian Restaurant (Melton Mowbray)
“Achieving this in a foreign land makes us so proud,” said Shweta Joon, co-owner of Amrut, which opened last year. “Hard work, love and faith in the universe made it possible.”
“I am totally blown away,” said Shaf Islam, owner of Chutney Ivy, which claimed two awards last night.
“The curry awards do an amazing job in promoting my industry that I chose when I was a 17-year-old. It’s the only thing I’ve done in my adult life and l am literally lost for words. Thank you so much.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
And finally — the moment everyone had been waiting for:
- Restaurant of the Year – Leicester: Chutney Ivy
- Restaurant of the Year – Leicestershire: Avatar Dining (Market Harborough)
Suresh KC Chhetri, owner of Avatar Dining gave an emotive acceptance speech.
“It has never been easy in my life. It’s still not but I’m fighting for it,” he said. “With my team and through my strength we grow together. With our team, our customers, our clients, our families, society and everybody else.
“Tonight I want to sincerely thank my beautiful wife and my team, who support me always. I couldn’t do this without you.”
Picture credit: Pukaar News
While the food took centre stage, the evening was also about community and giving back. A live charity auction raised over £3,000 for the Police Memorial Garden Project, showing the heart behind the hospitality.
Now in its ninth year, the Leicestershire Curry Awards continue to be a vital platform for recognising culinary talent, spotlighting unsung heroes of the kitchen, and celebrating the cultural richness woven into every dish served across the region.
Summing up the evening, Steve Wright, one of the guests in attendance, said: “It’s always a pleasure to come along to these awards. They epitomise everything that’s great about Leicester and the atmosphere is second to none.”
“It’s amazing – such amazing winners – amazing crowd, amazing food, amazing energy and amazing music,” added Gemma Steel. “It’s my first time here and I’d love to come again.”
