][1]Congratulations are due to Shabu Natarajan, chef de partie at the Mezbaan South Indian Restaurant in Edinburgh. The restaurant is a 5pm member.
He has just been named the South Asian Chef of the Year 2010 in the South Asian Chef Challenge (SACC). Natarajan, whose previous work experience included time with the Radisson & Intercontinental Hotels in Dubai, received his trophy and a cheque for £1000.
In the cook off, eight finalists from across the regions had to produce a starter, a seafood dish, two main courses using chicken, lamb or vegetables – one as a healthy option and the other as an innovative dish, plus a rice dish.
You can check out Mezbaan’s 5pm offers here. Typical dishes on the menu include the Goan fish curry and Medu Vada which are a doughnut-shaped south Indian delicacy made with spicy urad lentil batter.