Leamington: Shahid, the head chef of Bombay Restaurant in Leamington Spa, has been honoured with the “Best Chef of the Year” title at the Curry Life Awards 2025. The event took place on October 12 at the Marriott Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, London, and was hosted by ITV broadcaster Nina Hossain.
With over 40 years of culinary experience, Shahid’s journey in the food industry began under the guidance of his father-in-law, a respected restaurateur. Known for his consistent quality and attention to detail, Shahid has maintained a spotless record at the restaurant, with no complaints since he became head chef. His signature dishes include Nawabi Garlic and Basma Shali Nada, while his personal favourite is a minced lamb and chicken tikka dish cooked in a rich sauce.
The Curry Life Awards, which celebrate excellence in the UK’s South Asian restaurant industry, presented 39 awards across various categories. These included Best Restaurant, Best Newcomer, Best Takeaway, and Editor’s Choice. This year’s event also paid tribute to Amin Ali, the former owner of London’s renowned The Red Fort restaurant, who received the Curry Legend Award.
Shahid’s recognition highlights the dedication of British Muslim chefs who continue to shape and elevate the nation’s culinary scene. His achievement reflects the strong legacy of South Asian cuisine and its enduring influence in the UK.
