The 5pm Dining blog would like to congratulate Ajmal Mushtaq who was crowned Chef of the Year at the inaugural Scottish leg of the Asian Food Awards, held last night in Edinburgh.
The 39 year-old has operated Mushtaqs Restaurant in Hamilton – specialising in Indian cooking – for five years.
At the Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa last night, Mushtaq said: ‘We started with seven employees and, within twelve months, we are hoping to build the team to 100.’
Ajmal was joined on the winners’ podium by other category winners, including awards for regional restaurants; best marketing campaign and healthy cuisine, from locations such as Aberdeen and Dalkeith.
Restaurants serving dishes from across Asia, including Bangladesh, China, Nepal, Thailand and Malaysia, were eligible to enter the awards.
The Asian Food Awards are run by the Asian Catering Federation, the umbrella organisation for the Federation of Bangladeshi Caterers.
The winners’ list reads, as follows:
Chef of the Year
Ajmal Mushtaq – Mushtaqs Restaurant – Hamilton
Lifetime Achievement
Dr. Wali Tasar Uddin, MBE, JP
Curry Lover of the Year
Ian Cowie
North-east
Takeaway of the Year – Nu Spice – Aberdeen
Healthy Cuisine Provider – Alma Restaurant & Bar – Aberdeen
Newcomer of the Year – India on the Green – Ballater
Best Marketing Campaign – Lochnagar Brasserie – Ballater
Restaurant of the Year – Light of Bengal – Aberdeen
Edinburgh and Lothians
Best Chinese Restaurant – Stack Dim Sum Bar – Edinburgh
Best Marketing Campaign – The Radhuni – Edinburgh
Best Restaurant Design – Ignite Restaurant – Edinburgh
Takeaway of the Year – Bombay Feast – Edinburgh
Restaurant of the Year – Ithihaas Restaurant – Dalkeith
Glasgow and West
Newcomer of the Year – Charcoals – Glasgow
Central and Fife
Takeaway of the Year – Curry Pot Indian Takeaway – Dunfermline
Newcomer of the Year – Everest Inn – Perth
Restaurant of the Year – Sanam Tandoori – Falkirk
Ayrshire and South
Best Marketing Campaign – Gulab Tandoori – Irvine