Newcastle’s Khai Khai was named Best in the North East at the star-studded British Curry Awards.
The annual awards ceremony, also known as the curry oscars, brought together the best restaurants, chefs and businesses from across the UK for a night of celebrations at Evolution London in Battersea.
Following an opening message from prime minister Rishi Sunak, the award recognised pioneering restaurateurs and innovators from across the industry, as well as handing out regional honours.
Having previously been named Most Innovative Restaurant Concept within months of opening in 2020, the Khai Khai team picked up the regional prize this year. Owner Jaf Ali said: “The British Curry Awards is the most credible and established awards in our industry. It’s the only one we enter within the Indian dining sector, and we’re delighted to win.
“We opened in December 2020 in the midst of a pandemic. Fast forward to November 2022 and we’ve welcomed thousands of diners through our doors, hosted a celebrity or two, opened a Fire it Up at Home counter in the iconic Fenwick Food Hall and have been listed in the Michelin Guide 2022. And we’re only getting started!
“This recognition is only possible because of our passionate and talented team. We are doing something incredibly unique in the industry. We’ve quickly built up a reputation among the people of Newcastle and we are humbled by how they’ve taken us to their hearts.”
Now in its 18th year, the event also paid tribute to British Curry Awards pioneer Enam Ali MBE, who sadly passed away earlier this year.
