Bradford has been named Curry Capital of Britain 2014
The Northern English city which used curry as a “bonding agent” to bring a diversely cultured community together, was given the prestigious honour for the fourth year in a row.
Beating competitors such as Birmingham and Brighton, 13 judges awarded Bradford the title after six months of voting and investigation.
Organiser and founder of Curry Capital awards Peter Grove said Bradford’s score had improved by 9 per cent since last year.
“It is as if they have found the magic formula. Of all the competing cities, they have understood the underlying message of the event to promote cohesion where there was division, and have used curry as a bonding agent to bring different aspects of Bradford society together,” Gove was quoted as saying by the BBC.
“As well as curry lovers and restaurateurs, they managed to bring together local businesses.”
“They managed to portray the local pride they have in all things Bradford so much so that we will be using their approach as a blueprint for next year.”
Restaurants, businesses, the council and Visit Bradford organised a Poppadom challenge, an Asian afternoon tea and a National Health Service recipe book of healthy curries.
Four restaurants representing the city were Aakash, Kipling’s, Shimla Spice and Zaara’s. Butchers Lishman’s of Ilkley made a curry sausage and a chicken balti pie, and Keelham Farm Shop created a takeaway meal.
The Curry Capital of the Year title was first awarded in 2001 and Bradford has won in the following years: 2004, 2011, 2012 and 2013.
Ratings from the Food Standards Authority and comments from Trip Advisor were also used in the judging.
