Curry chefs from across the country battled it out in the kitchens of Northampton College for the title of the UK's King of Spice.


chefs outside northampton college booth laneA total of 30 top chefs from 10 regions lined up for the finals of the 2016 Curry Chef Awards, organised by the Bangladesh Caterers Association.
The challenge saw the chefs showcase their skills by creating a signature dish accompanied by rice and a side dish in just 45 minutes.

Tipu Rahman, Head of the BCA Chef Awards Committee, said: The standard of cooking in the Asian restaurant sector across the UK right now is phenomenal. Our industry is being taken to a whole new level.

These awards are the perfect platform for curry chefs to prove they are capable of cooking of the highest order and we saw some truly stunning dishes.

Judges including Northamptonshire Chamber chief executive Paul Griffiths rated the chefs on factors such as taste, presentation and hygiene.

The winners will be announced at a glamorous gala dinner to be held in London in November at the Park Plaza Hotel in Westminster.

James Whybrow, assistant principal of Northampton College, said: This year is the second year we have hosted the cook-off. It was a huge honour for the college to stage this event and welcome the cream of Bangladeshi cooking to the college.

It was a great opportunity for our catering students who were involved throughout the day, giving them a fascinating insight into the world of top class, competitive cooking.

The event was broadcast around the world, with global satellite TV coverage from a host of stations.

Mr Rahman added: We were delighted to hold the event at Northampton College once again. The facilities are absolutely first-class and it's a great opportunity to involve young people and give them a glimpse of how to create authentic Asian cuisine.

The Bangladesh Caterers Association was set up in 1960 and represents 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK.

For more details on the competition visit www.bca1960.com.