A take-away in Bristol which delivered free meals to key workers and homeless people during lockdown has won a national industry award.
Rajastan and Royal, in Downend, has been named Takeaway of the Year in the South West region in the 10th annual Asian Curry Awards.
The awards, which also recognised those who worked hard to help their community during the Covid-19 crisis, celebrates innovative vision and exceptional food.
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Naseem Talukdar, who heads the takeaway in Westbourne Road, said: “This is a proud moment for our team and our customers, who voted for us. We have worked hard over the Covid-19 period and it’s great to get such recognition.”
Organised by the Asian Catering Federation, the awards cover a range of national cuisines, including Chinese, Bangladeshi, Indian, Thai and Middle Eastern.
Hundreds of businesses across the country took part and the winners were announced during a live online ceremony, hosted by BBC TV presenter Samantha Simmonds.
Fishponds resident Naseem - a project manager for charity Plastic Pollution Awareness and Action Projects, which looks at alternatives to single-use plastic in the food industry - said the award was good for morale.
Naseem, who has also received a High Sheriff’s Award from the Lord-Lieutenant Bristol in recognition of his contribution to the city, said: “It’s a great boost to confidence to receive such an award and we couldn’t have done it without the support of people in our community.
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“We’ve received lots of positive messages, both in person and online. This event is an opportunity to see what others are doing in the industry and keep on improving our work.”
Naseem, whose parents ran Indian restaurant Rupali, in Kingswood, led the Food 4 NHS Project, set up alongside campaign group 海角视频 Curry Connect to raise awareness of skills shortages in the Asian catering.
It involved teams from takeaways and restaurants across Bristol and together they delivered thousands of hot meals to frontline staff, who were working long shifts.
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Naseem also campaigns for greater support for homeless people, as deaths rise for a fifth year in a row according to figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS).
He has organised the provision of hot meals and essentials for people on the street, and said: “Homelessness could happen to anyone and we are doing are bit to provide essentials, but more needs to be done - particularly during these difficult times.”
Chairman of the Asian Curry Awards Yawar Khan is keen to recognise great food and how recent measures are affecting the hospitality industry.
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He said: “The team at Rajastan were deserving winners as they have given back to their community over the years and have upped this support since the coronavirus outbreak. In turn, their community showed their appreciation and voted for them to win this award.”
Rajastan means “Land of the Kings” in Sanskrit and the arid state gave rise to creative dishes, with an array of vibrant spices. The team at Rajastan and Royal brings a taste of the East inspired from various regions across the Indian subcontinent.