Popular South Wales takeaway nominated in the 2023 Asian Curry Awards
Credit: Avocado Media
A popular takeaway in South Wales has been nominated for the Asian Curry Awards 2023, taking a spot in a list of over 200 venues across the UK.
Spice Plus is a household name amongst curry lovers in Pontyclun's Talbot Green, with their regular exclusive dishes being a firm favourite with regular customers.
The takeaway's executive chef, Stephen Gomes, was formerly of Moksh AA Rosette restaurant in Cardiff, and has once been described as the "Heston Blumenthal of Indian cookery".
Stephen was employed by owner Shakil Syed, with the job of training his chefs and introducing them to exciting flavours.
Shakil said:
"We're indebted to the dozens of our customers who took the time to go online to nominate us. It's a great reward for our investment and innovation in the business with the unique dishes we offer."
On St David's Day, the restaurant offered Leek & Onion Bhajis, of which became a big hit. Another popular starter is its 'Slay the Dragon', a spicy Mysore delicacy of pineapple-flavoured, honey-glazed tandoori chicken.
To mark National Curry Week (2nd to 8th October), Spice Plus will be creating a special 'Cymru Curry' dish, which consists of Welsh lamb in laver bread (seaweed)
Shakil explained:
"Laver bread is nutritious, delicious, sustainable and Welsh. We should all be eating more of it and if it proves popular, I'm looking to make it a permanent fixture on our menu."
For every 'Cymru Curry' sold, Spice Plus will donate £5 to the Follow Your Dreams charity - which helps children and young people with learning disabilities make their dreams come true.
The Asian Curry Awards - dubbed the "Curry Oscars" - represents the UK's 35,000 Asian and Oriental restaurants and takeaways - Credit: Asian Curry Awards
What is the Asian Curry Awards?
The Asian Curry Awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), is the biggest event in the sector's calendar and open to the full panoply of Asian cuisines: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.
Yawar Khan, ACF Chairman, said:
"We're seeing some remarkable innovation by pioneering restaurateurs, adapting to challenging trading conditions and more sophisticated customer preferences. Afternoon chai, weekend brunch, more use of quality local produce – especially seafood and game, are now being served."
About Spice Plus
Spice Plus opened in 2017 with three ambitions; to serve the community, to support the community and to be the best Indian takeaway in South Wales.
The restaurant strives to produce the highest quality Indian and international fusion cuisine, using only the freshest, locally sourced food products, alongside being an enthusiastic supporter of local community initiatives.
The awards will take place at Grosvenor House in London on Saturday, 18th November.
To vote, visit asiancurryawards.com/2023shortlist
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