Madras Cafe has achieved its greatest accolade to date after Head Chef Shabu was crowned National Curry Chef of the Year at the prestigious Craft Guild of Chefs UK Awards.

The competition, held at Central Bedfordshire College, saw the Glasgow restaurant triumph over 29 chefs from across the UK, including Michelin-starred chefs and a former MasterChef finalist , to secure the coveted title.

The award comes with a trophy, medals and a certificate, recognising excellence in culinary skill and innovation.

The restaurant, which recently relocated to 120 Stockwell Street on Glasgow’s Clydeside, impressed judges with a menu that showcased both technical ability and authentic flavours. Competitors were required to cook live under the supervision of judges, with just one hour to prepare a starter, main course and side dish.

This year’s challenge required lamb to be the centrepiece of the main course. Chef Shabu’s winning dish featured a rack of Lamb made with Scottish lamb and basmati rice, served with a rich curry sauce and roasted cashew nuts.

For the starter, he prepared fish pollichattu, a traditional spiced fish dish wrapped in banana leaf and then steamed.

Speaking about the achievement, Madras Cafe co-owner Altaf Hossain described the award as the biggest success in the restaurant’s history.

He said: “This is our one of our biggest award yet and sits alongside our British Curry Award from 2021. We are proud to have represented Glasgow on a national stage and brought this title back to the city. It reflects the passion, hard work and continuous improvement that goes into our cooking every day.”

“It was an incredibly prestigious event, featuring some of the finest chefs in the country.”

Altaf added that the victory had given the team a glimpse of what competing at the highest level of gastronomy could feel like.

He enthused: “It has given us a taste of what it might be like to achieve a Michelin recommendation one day.”

Chef Shabu dedicated the award to Glasgow and praised the city’s growing food scene.

He said: “I would like to dedicate this win to Glasgow. We are delighted to have represented the city on a bigger stage and to show that the standard of food in Glasgow continues to improve year after year.”

He noted that the restaurant’s popular Lamb Shank Biryani reflects the same style and flavour profile that helped secure the national title.

The judging panel consisted of senior members of the Craft Guild of Chefs, including Michelin-starred chefs, making it one of the most respected culinary competitions in the UK. Contestants travelled from across the country, including London and Bradford, with chefs from renowned restaurants such as Gymkhana and Benares among those taking part.

For Madras Cafe, which has been operating for seven years, the award marks another significant milestone following its move to a larger Clydeside venue five months ago.

Altaf said: “When we first moved earlier this year, there was naturally some pressure as customers adjusted to our new location. Now that period has passed and we’re seeing fantastic feedback from guests.”

The restaurant has embraced its new surroundings by creating dishes inspired by the area, including its signature Clydeside Curry, a heritage-style lamb curry flavoured with fresh herbs, green spices, ginger and green chillies.

With seating for 86 guests, the new premises offer a brighter and more spacious dining experience.

“Our customers have responded very positively,” Altaf added. “The restaurant is larger, more airy and beautifully decorated, creating a welcoming atmosphere for everyone who visits.”

Despite its growing reputation and national success, Madras Cafe remains committed to offering affordable dining in Merchant City, with evening set meals starting from £17.95 and lunch set meals available from £12.95.

Madras Cafe, 120 Stockwell St, Glasgow G1 4LW