Wimbledon chef becomes a minor celebrity after winning Curry Chef 2009 accolade
CURRY LOVERS are rushing to praise Merton’s victorious Curry Chef 2009 after his success last week.
Chutney’s Amzad Hussain’s triumph in the Merton Council competition has seen him become a minor celebrity.
“There have been more customers coming here who have heard about my win. People want to come and speak to me, which has been very nice,” he said.
Mr Amzad won with a King prawn shahi jinga, Saag Aloo and Lemon rice and said he thoroughly enjoyed the contest.
He received £60 prize money and the Curry Chef 2009 trophy to bring back to the Hartfield Road restaurant in Wimbledon.
“I’m really happy with the win; everyone was celebrating and the judges were really nice.”
The runners up, House of India chef Nazir Ahmed, Cocum’s Shajahan Parambath and VJ’s Shaikh Latif, received £30 each and a certificate.
All three served up chicken dishes but judges rewarded good food hygiene practices as well as culinary expertise.
Councillor for environment and leisure services, David Simpson, said the competition promoted food hygiene and high quality cooking in Merton
“The competition this year was even hotter than 2008. Contests like this highlight the need for businesses to ensure they prepare and serve food in a clean and safe environment.”
The judging panellists were Merton Mayor Nick Draper, Director of Environment and Regeneration Chris Lee, Councillor Simon Withey, Merton College chef lecturer, Mr Tchilingirian, and Environmental Health Officer Pip Barnes.
The competition is sponsored by Niru Europe and open to all Merton’s registered Indian restaurants and takeaway food businesses.
