Two North East restaurants - known for serving up “stunning” food - have scooped top gongs at the National Curry Awards 2024.
The annual event returned for its fifth outing on Monday (October 2) at the House of Lords, celebrating “contributions to culinary excellence and cultural heritage” at a packed ceremony.
And the North East had two major winners this year - with Barnard Castle restaurant Babul's, which is highly rated for its “10 out of 10” food, voted as ‘restaurant of the year’.
Stockton venue Vadah, praised for its “beautifully presented and absolutely delicious” food by customers, then went on to win the ‘Indian Restaurant of the Year’ award.
Babul’s win comes amid a massive year for the chain, which also has a site in Darlington.
This year alone, Babul’s has been nominated for seven awards, including the Stronger Communities Award with Darlington Council, the Asian Restaurant Awards, and the Bangladesh Caterers Association UK Awards.
Just weeks ago, Babul’s, originally named Spice Island before being rebranded in 2019, was crowned restaurant of the year at the third North East Bangladeshi Awards (NEBA).
On the same weekend, the restaurant, which has been a staple in the region for 25 years, was then crowned the best restaurant in the North East at the Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTAs).
Meanwhile, Vadah is equally continuing an award winning streak, having recently been named Restaurant Of The Year - North East at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2024.
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This came just one year after it was named the Best Asian Restaurant at the Asian Restaurant Awards 2023.
The NCAs was created to promote businesses in the Asian catering industry, which is valued at approximately £4 to £5 billion, with entries coming in from across the UK.
Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Westminster City Councillor Robert Rigby said: “It is wonderful to see the NCA recognise the hard work of all those who bring such us exquisite food, and to see the NCA’s own hard work inspiring new generations to help keep the UK’s curry and Asian catering industries thriving for many centuries more.”
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