Curry chef Abdul Kuddus from Bishop’s Stortford restaurant Mint Leaf crowned East of England King of Spice at ceremony held by Bangladesh Caterers Association
A curry chef from a Bangladeshi restaurant in Bishop’s Stortford has won a Chef of the Year 2024 title at a prestigious awards ceremony.
Abdul Kuddus, of the Mint Leaf in Southmill Road, was crowned the East of England King of Spice at a ceremony held by the Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) at the InterContinental London at The O2 on Monday (October 28).
Abdul said: “I am extremely humbled to win this award, competing against the very best of the region’s curry chefs. I feel privileged just to have taken part, but for my food to have been recognised as amongst the best in the country is a highlight of my career.”
Abdul was one of 75 curry chefs who showcased their culinary skills in the BCA Curry Chef of the Year cook-off competition which took place at London’ Hammersmith & Fulham College on September 17, with chefs given just an hour to prepare and cook for a panel of judges using a box of mystery ingredients.
The glittering awards ceremony was attended by prominent MPs and ministers including Hamish Falconer, Stephen Morgan and Stephen Timms. It was presented by former CBBC presenter Angellica Bell and Talk TV’s Ian Collins. A message of good wishes was received from King Charles III, and Angellica Bell also read out a letter from Sir Keir Starmer.
Atik Rahman, BCA awards convenor, said: “This year’s awards has been a resounding success, celebrating the most outstanding talent in our industry. It has been incredibly exciting to see the level of culinary expertise across the country, which is extremely encouraging for the future of Bangladeshi cuisine in the UK.”
Naz Islam, BCA press and publications secretary, said: “Bangladeshi curry is part and parcel of modern British life and these awards are a celebration of the incredible talent that continues to shine across our industry. Chefs and restaurants are always looking to innovate to make sure diners can enjoy the very best experience.”
The Bangladesh Caterers Association was set up in 1960 and represents 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK.
