Photo of
September 2, 2014
ajmal-mushtaq
And the winner is…

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