A North East fine dining restaurant has won big at this year's 'Curry Oscars' after coming up against some of the biggest curry houses in the UK.  

Raval Restaurant and Bar in Gateshead joined other names in the Asian food world across the UK, and picked up one of the regional awards in the Asian Curry Awards 2023. 

The Northern Echo: Raval in Gateshead Raval in Gateshead (Image: GOOGLE MAPS)

Alongside UK names, there was also curry houses in Sweden, Spain and other European destinations - meaning that Raval didn't just win in the Fine Dining Category in the UK, it also competed against European venues.

Held at the Grosvenor House in London’s Mayfair on Sunday, November 19, the 2023 awards evening was hosted by the BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds, with guest of honour London Mayor Sadiq Khan leading the plaudits. 

The Northern Echo: Raval won big in the Asian Curry Awards 2023Raval won big in the Asian Curry Awards 2023 (Image: PA MEDIA)

Yawar Khan, chairman of the Asian Catering Federation which organises the event, acknowledged the economic, technological and social challenges faced by the sector, but was pleased to see some recovery across the hospitality industry. 

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However, Yawar Khan warned of a market increasingly dominated by fast, ready-made and mass-produced offerings.

“We are competing against quick food, which is often produced in factories and warehouses – without the personal attention, authentic skill and attention of our top chefs, then shipped out to customers eager to take advantage of the convenience of the click-to-order online buying phenomenon.

“Our winners tonight are the guardians of fresh food cooking – the vanguard protecting and promoting quality in Asian cuisine and in many ways, keeping the high streets alive,” he said.