Essex-based Kushi restaurants have been shortlisted for two more prestigious national awards.

The family-owned, six-strong chain of Kushi restaurants and takeaways, has been nominated for 'Best Restaurant Group' and its owner, Sharif Uddin, is a contender in the 'Local Community Hero' category in the Asian Restaurant Awards.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner and presentation ceremony organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) on Tuesday 31st August.

In June, two of Kushi's chefs, Humayun Rashid (Grays) and Kamrul Hoque (Romford), were victors at the Asian & Oriental Chef Awards, following a live cook–off competition in London.

The pair will receive their accolades at a special dinner being held at the House of Lords on Monday 5th September, hosted by Lord Sheikh.

The Asian Restaurant Awards shortlist was determined by votes from spice-loving members of the public. Eventual winners will be determined by a visiting team of the ACF's judges.

Kushi restaurateur Sharif Uddin said: “It's a great honour to be considered for a Local Community Hero award – I am greatly indebted to our loyal customers who voted for me in such numbers.”

During lockdown Kushi restaurants gave away more than 15,000 free curries to NHS frontline workers, care workers, the elderly and vulnerable.

The Asian Restaurant Awards cover the complete range of Asian and Oriental cuisines: Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese.

Known for their exceptional dining experience, distinctive décor and mouth-watering food, the Kushi group has venues in Grays, Romford, Canvey Island, Brentwood, Ockendon, Linford and Tilbury.

Commenting on this year's awards, which is being held at the Mercure Piccadilly in Manchester, ACF chairman Yawar Khan said: “The pandemic has been many devastating for many hospitality businesses and its workers.

“These awards will acknowledge the sector's resilience, innovation and generosity in the face of such adversity.”

In order to survive, some Michelin-starred fine dining Indian restaurants began offering a takeaway for first time. Others sold finish-at-home meal kits, containing premeasured ingredients and recipe instructions. Another operated pop-up delivery kitchens, based in locked-down pubs.

Kushi Restaurants

Grays |Romford | Canvey Island | Brentwood |

Ockendon | Linford & Tilbury W: www.kushirestaurant.co.uk E: info@kushirestaurant.co.uk

Editors' Notes:

Kushi does not serve alcohol, although customers are welcome to bring their own drinks, with no charge for corkage.

Kushi offers free home delivery within a 4-mile radius. Takeaways not ready for collection within 20 minutes from Sunday to Thursday, are free, excluding tandooris. No artificial food colourings are used.

The many vegan dishes offered, reflect the plant-based origin of most Indian cooking. There are also healthy grilled, protein-rich meat dishes available.

Media Contact: Photos, menus, competition prizes and recipes available.

To review please contact George Shaw Avocado Media T: 01892 750851 M: 07860 69555 E: geo@avocadomedia.co.uk