The Sheesh Mahal in Llanelli has been named the best curry house in Wales at a glittering awards ceremony at Cineworld in Cardiff.
The restaurant beat off hot competition from the three other finalists to be crowned the Welsh Curry House of the Year 2011. The award was presented by two of the National Judges: Sirajul Islam and Bonny Young. They said, “2011 proved a difficult year for us as National Judges with two previous winners and two well established restaurants competing for the award. However, we were unanimous in presenting the 2011 award to the Sheesh Mahal.”
“We are expecting big things from the talented team at this Llanelli destination restaurant. Winning in 2008 and now again in 2011 is a huge accolade for them – but it also comes with the added pressure of increasing people’s expectations. We are confident they will rise to the challenge and we hope that even more people will flock to this delightful restaurant,” said Bonny Young.
“The Welsh Lamb curry offered to us at the Sheesh Mahal was delicious. The strong flavour of the lamb together with the buttery texture successfully complemented the aromatic spices in a way which was accomplished. The rice - so often overlooked - we were served was perfectly cooked and worked well with the taste of the curry,” said Sirajul Islam.
The Independent National Judges responsible for deciding the winner of the Welsh Curry House of the Year 2011 competition were:
Sirajul Islam who arrived in Wales in 1963. His first job was working in the famous Cardiff restaurant, the Rose of India. In 1966 he opened his first Indian Restaurant in Swansea called the Taj Mahal. He retired in the early 1990 having spent 40 successful years in the restaurant sector. Mr Islam has adopted Wales as his own and is a very proud Welsh speaker.
Bonny Young has enjoyed curries in many parts of the UK and regularly travels to India, most recently to attend workshops with the sculptor, Andrew Logan, who has a museum at Berriew. Bonny is currently studying mosaic making with Oliver Budd who has created many public art works in South Wales.
Incorporating Welsh ingredients in their cooking was an important part of the final round of the 2011 competition. The four finalists were judged specifically on the quality of two dishes – a signature dish of their choosing and a new Welsh Curry, using Welsh Lamb and Really Welsh Leeks.
The four finalists were:
North Wales
• Rozi's Tandoori Indian Restaurant
16 / 18 Meliden Road, Prestatyn. Tel: 01745 856310
• Kareem's The Restaurant
72 Queen Street, Rhyl. Tel: 01745 336222
Mid &West Wales
• Sheesh Mahal
53 Stepney Street, Llanelli. Tel: 01554 773773
South Wales
• Ashoka Tandoori
68 Nolton Street, Bridgend. Tel: 01656 650678
