Indian eatery in UK bags 'Tiffin Cup'

Taj Mahal has won the nationwide competition that showcases the best of South Asian cuisine.

Taj Mahal, an Indian restaurant set up in Pembrokeshire nearly three decades ago, has won the inaugural Tiffin Cup, a nationwide competition in the UK that showcases the best of South Asian cuisine.

HT Image

Over 40 restaurants throughout Britain had been nominated for the contest by their local MPs before being whittled down to a shortlist of 14 for the final showdown at the House of Commons on Tuesday night.

The Tiffin Cup was launched by British MPs Keith Vaz, Michael Fabricant and John Barrett in recognition of the contribution of South Asian restaurants to British cuisine and to raise money for charity.

Jack Straw, leader of the House of Commons, graced the event as Chief Guest.

Birmingham's 'Royal Al Faisal', specialising in Kashmiri cuisine, took second place in the epicurean contest while 'B Raj Tandoori' at Fraserburgh in Scotland finished third.

'Bombay Dreams' in the Brent South constituency and 'The Tandoori Parlour' in Castle Point also featured as highly commended restaurants.

"The UK's love affair with curry has come a long way," Vaz said adding that the over 9,500 South Asian restaurants had brought about a sea change in British eating habits and contributed a great deal to the country's economy.

The entries were judged by celebrity chefs and presenters Lloyd Grossman and Ainsley Harriott, event management expert Teji Singh, Bollywood actor Saeed Jaffrey and Nina Wadia from the British television show Goodness Gracious Me.