A chef from a popular Newport Indian restaurant is celebrating after being crowned regional Chef of the Year at one of the UK’s biggest curry industry awards ceremonies, bringing a prestigious national honour back to the Isle of Wight.
Jila Miah, a chef at Tamarind on St James Street, scooped the award at the 19th annual Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) Awards, held in London on Sunday (1st November).
The victory comes just days after Island Echo reported that Tamarind had been shortlisted for the regional Restaurant of the Year title at the prestigious awards.
Jila was among those recognised during a sold-out gala dinner at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge hotel, attended by around 1,000 guests from across the British Bangladeshi catering and hospitality industry.
Celebrating his success, Jila Miah has said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to have won this award. It means a great deal to be recognised alongside so many talented chefs, and I’m grateful to my team, colleagues and everyone who has supported me.
“I’m proud to represent Newport and bring this award home.”
The ceremony, hosted by broadcaster Ian Collins and award-winning journalist Anila Dhami, celebrated the chefs, restaurants and hospitality businesses helping to shape Britain’s curry industry.
Messages of support from King Charles III and Prime Minister Andy Burnham were also featured in the official event magazine, recognising the contribution of Bangladeshi hospitality businesses to communities and the wider UK economy.
The evening also saw special BCA Honours Awards presented to Kevin Bonavia MP, Brick Lane entrepreneur Abdul Jabbar and human rights activist Dr Nazia Khanum OBE for their contributions to public service, business and the community.
Oli Khan MBE, President of the Bangladesh Caterers Association, has said:
“It was wonderful to see so many people from across the British Bangladeshi catering and hospitality industry come together.
“The Awards are about recognising excellence, but also about celebrating the people, businesses and shared heritage that make our industry so special.
“Congratulations to all our winners, whose achievements demonstrate the talent, commitment and resilience that continue to drive the sector forward.”
The Bangladesh Caterers Association, established in 1960, represents around 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK and has spent more than 6 decades championing the British Bangladeshi hospitality industry.
For Tamarind, the award marks a significant achievement and puts the Newport restaurant firmly in the national spotlight.
Further information about the awards can be found at www.bca1960.com.
