Irish Curry Awards to be hosted by Kilkenny duo

The hugely popular Irish Curry Awards are expected to attract nominations from more than 400 Asian restaurants from across the island of Ireland, according to organisers.

Now in their third year, the awards, conceived by Belfast-based restaurateur and community activist Ali Askir, will be announced at a gala dinner on October 23 in the Pillo Hotel in Ashbourne, County Meath.

The awards will be hosted by Kilkenny duo,. Edward Hayden, the morning chef on TV3 and Siobhan Donohoe from the Irish TV Network.

The Irish Curry Awards have been welcomed by the Asian community which includes Bengali, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Indian, Nepalese and Sri Lankan restaurateurs as one of the most meaningful celebrations of diversity to emerge on the island of Ireland. This year sees the awards extended to South Asian restaurants including Thai, Indonesian, Vietnamese and others from the region.

Both Fine Gael and Fianna Fail have also warmly welcomed the return of the awards and their first appearance in Ireland following two years in the north.

Noel Rock, North West Dublin Fine Gael TD says the awards have a significant role to play in the Irish economy. “The Irish Curry Awards are a marvellous showcase for the great food that is being produced in every corner of our country,” says Mr Rock. “Never have standards been so high o the contributions so diverse. It’s highlighting the best of Irish food in a booming sector and helping our economy too.”

Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Equality, Immigration and Integration Fiona O’Loughlin TD says: “These awards are a fantastic opportunity to celebrate diversity and recognise the great contribution that immigrants have made to communities right across Ireland. These awards have proven to be hugely popular and I encourage people to get out and support their local Asian restaurant.

Seven award categories include best chef, best restaurant and best take-away and the public is being urged to nominate their favourite Asian food operation or person on the www.irishcurryawards.com website.

Founder Ali Askir says the awards are intended to acknowledge the social and economic contributions of the Asian community to towns and cities across Ireland.