A Kent curry house, The Rajdani in West Kingsdown near Sevenoaks, has been named as the Best Indian Restaurant in the South East at the Asian Curry Awards 2017. 

Over 1,000 VIP guests attended a glittering gala dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Sunday 12th November, to honour the winners of the 7th Asian Curry Awards, organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF).

The awards were co presented by BBC Master Chef's Greg Wallace and former Sky TV news anchor Samantha Simmons.

The family-run restaurant has celebrated its twentieth anniversary next year, and owner Rob Khan promises to lay on a night to remember to commemorate the landmark.

“We are indebted to our loyal customers who nominated us for this prestigious award, making sure we made the shortlist to showcase the talents of our head chef Jimmy Shah and his hard-working team,” said Rob, adding “Kent is home to some excellence Asian restaurants, so to be judged best of the bunch is high praise indeed.”

The Rajdani was in excellent company during the awards programme, with internationally famous London venues scooping other top accolades, including Michelin-starred and Quilon.  A full list of national and regional winners can be viewed at www.asiancurryawards.com.

The Asian Curry Awards recognise the best in the industry, encouraging ever higher standards and to inspire the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs to join the dynamic sector. 

In his keynote speech ACF chairman Yawar Khan acknowledged the problems facing Asian restaurant owners, but highlighted the success of those willing to embrace change, raise standards, update menus, invest in marketing and stop competing on price.

“We are in a growing market. More people are eating out and ordering takeaways than ever before. Yes, curry restaurants are closing every week. But the best will survive and thrive.  There will be those that complain and do nothing. Then there will also be those that continue in innovate and raise standards,” said Khan.

The Asian Curry Awards are design to recognise the best in the industry, encouraging ever higher standards and to inspire the next generation of chefs and restaurateurs to join the dynamic sector.

The restaurant, which was opened by Rob's father, Abdul, and cousin Suna Miah, two decades ago takes its name from the Bengali term for 'Capital City.' In days gone by, the finest spices and other culinary ingredients could only be sourced together in the capital's food markets.  So this was where the best chefs and restaurants chefs were found. Today, 'Rajdani' is more commonly used as the colloquial Bengali term for 'town'.

Located just a few hundred yards from Brands Hatch motor sports circuit, The Rajdani, a roomy 100-seater venue with al fresco tables and a large private car park, attracts customers from around the country on event days.

It offers contemporary Indian dishes, with short, changing menu to appeal to all tastes.  The chefs are currently developing a gourmet menu which will be released in the New Year, with a greater choice of fish, gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes.

A strong line list includes Chablis, Pouilly Fumé, Chateau Neuf du Pape, plus Bollinger and Moet et Chandon champagnes.  Beers includes the authentic Indian import – Goa Premium Beer – which is gluten-free.

The Rajdani is open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week and kick start the weekend with live music every Friday night.

ENDS

Editors' Notes:

The skills and dedication of Head Chef Jimmi Shah and his talented brigade was recognised at the Asian Curry Awards 2017, when Rajdani was named Best Asian Restaurant in the South East.

The restaurant holders of a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award for 2017.

Media Contact: Photo, menus and competitions available. 

To review call George Shaw at Avocado Media T: 01892 750851        E: geo@avocadomedia.co.uk

The Rajdani, 17-20 London Road, West Kingsdown, Sevenoaks, Kent

TN15 6ES  T: 01474 853 501 W: www.rajdani.co.uk  Tw: @therajdani