A FAMILY business passionate about Asian food is celebrating after being named the best takeaway in the UK.
Wilmslow curry house Chutney Massala has won the coveted Takeaway of the Year award at the National Curry Awards 2024, the curry equivalent of The Oscars.
The Chapel Lane business saw off tough competition from all over the country to be crowned victors at a ceremony in the House of Lords on Monday.
The award-winning takeaway has a rich family history.
Owner Syed Ahmed, whose father Syed Ali was a pioneer of the curry industry in the 60s, said: “I am so proud to be the winner of the Best Take Away and represent Cheshire.
“I am passionate about what I do and want to deliver the best food possible.
“Credit must also go to my head chef Kamran and all my other staff, who are so loyal and committed to the business, along with a big thank you to loyal customers in Wilmslow and surrounding areas.
“I had a great time celebrating after the awards ceremony too.
“It was a fantastic occasion in a very prestigious venue.”
The National Curry Awards is an annual event to celebrate and highlight the success of the UK’s curry industry.
It promotes the Asian catering industry which is worth around £5 billion, as well as highlighting creative and talented chefs.
It is not the first awards Chutney Massala has won – something Mr Ahmed attributes to his passion for the business and its food, tastes and aromas.
Mr Ahmed added: “Passion has driven me all my life and I come from a pedigree of restauranteurs.
“My father started in the 1960s in Tameside and I have been in the industry for 30 years ever since I left school.
“I love what I do and most of my family are involved in the business too.”
Tatton MP Esther McVey attended the ceremony and presented the top award.
She said: “I am delighted that Chutney Massala won.
“I know the food is delicious and now the whole country knows it too.
“I am sure they are going to be even busier than they usually are with people wanting to try out what they have to offer.
“Syed is so passionate about the business and it was obvious from chatting with him, that his love for curries, flavours and aromas, helped secure this award.
“I am sure there will be many more awards to come in the future for Chutney Massala.”
Mr Ahmed thanked the organisers for putting on such a lovely event and Ms McVey for coming.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here