Khai Khai Smoke Play on Newcastle’s Quayside was named the country’s Most Innovative Restaurant Concept at the 17th British Curry Awards in London.
The restaurant, on Queen Street, opened in late 2020 and brings together some of the subcontinent’s most respected chefs and takes the traditional methods of using fire and smoke from wood and charcoal to further enhance the complex flavours of dishes rooted in the home kitchens and markets of south Asia. The menu has been built around elemental cooking and offers a journey through the culinary hotspots of south Asia with recipes passed down through generations and perfected using local produce and simple cooking methods in revolutionary Josper or age-old tandoor ovens.
On the award, Khai Khai owner Jaf Ali – who created the restaurant alongside mentor Alfred Prasad – said: “It’s a big one and we feel it’s no less than we deserve. Khai Khai was two years in the making and opened at the height of the pandemic in December 2020. We decided to proceed with the launch despite the challenges as we were confident we were doing something unique – a smoke play concept like no other. National recognition is only possible because of our incredibly passionate and talented team.”
Hosted in association with Just Eat at Battersea Park Evolution in London, the award ceremony brought together some of the best restaurants in the UK with regional prizes covering each region of the country.
Khai Khai, 29 Queen Street, NE1 3UG, tel 0191 221 0601, khaikhai.co.uk
