Three curry chefs from acclaimed Bangladeshi restaurants in Kent have been named Chef of the Year 2025 at a prestigious national awards ceremony.
Saif Islam of Sundar Ranchana in Rainham, Abul Kashem of The Spice Club in Hawley and Mohammed Ashikur Reja of Indian Diner in West Wickham were crowned the Kent region’s Kings of Spice at a star-studded ceremony held at the Park Plaza hotel in Westminster Bridge, London on Sunday, 9 November.
The ceremony marked the 65th anniversary of the Bangladesh Caterers Association, with industry professionals celebrating the impact of the organisation since it was formed in 1960 while shaping the future for decades to come.
Saif said: “Winning this award is an incredible honour and it was a real privilege to compete against the very best of the region’s curry chefs. For my food to have been recognised as amongst the best in the country is a highlight of my career so far.”
The trio were among dozens of curry chefs who showcased their culinary skills in the Bangladesh Caterers Association Curry Chef of the Year cook-off competition which took place in September at Hammersmith & Fulham College, with chefs given just an hour to prepare and cook for a panel of judges using a box of mystery ingredients supplied by the BCA.
The glittering awards ceremony was attended by a host of prominent MPs and ministers including Sir Stephen Timms, Seema Malhotra, Mike Reader and Kevin Bonavia. The ceremony was presented by stand-up comedian Maisie Adam and Talk TV’s Ian Collins. A message of good wishes was received from King Charles III and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.
Atik Rahman, BCA Awards Convenor, said: “This year’s awards has been a resounding success, showcasing the most outstanding talent in our industry and charting the progress of British curry culture over the past 65 years.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to see the appreciation for Bangladeshi cuisine continue to grow in the UK. Our forefathers have created a legacy that we can all celebrate while shaping an exciting future for our sector.”
Oli Khan, BCA President, added: “Bangladeshi curry is part and parcel of modern British life and these awards are a celebration of the incredible talent that continues to shine across our industry. Chefs and restaurants are always looking to innovate to make sure diners can enjoy the very best experience and we are working hard to make the next 65 years even more successful for Bangladeshi cuisine.”
The Bangladesh Caterers Association was set up in 1960 and represents 12,000 restaurateurs across the UK. For more details on the competition and the association visit www.bca1960.com.
