Winners of the Asian Food and Restaurant Awards 2019

The Asian Food and Restaurant Awards (AFRA) paid homage to Asian hospitality, services and supplier sectors yesterday evening in London.

Some of the industries leading figures and noted dignitaries came together at Hilton Hotel to recognise the achievements made by “South Asians across the UK”.

In its third year, the initiative awarded a number of Halal businesses including African and Caribbean restaurant chain Manjaros who, with 10 branches across the country, won the Restaurant Chain of the Year Award.

Posting on their Facebook page, the business said: “Many thanks to our customers for voting for us. Well done Manjaro’s family. Your hard work and amazing service won this award for us.”

This year also saw the addition of categories that would not only seek to honour the achievements of businesses abroad, but would also consider the following: Newcomer of the Year; Chef of the Year; Cash and Carry of the Year; Food Products and Supplier of the Year; Organic Food Products and Distributor of the Year; Brand of the Year; Caterer of the Year; Drink Brand of the Year; and the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award.

Grand Trunk Road in South Woodford – one of only three restaurants to be rated a perfect 5/5 by FtLion – continued its winning ways too with head chef Dayashankar Sharma being declared Chef of The Year for Greater London.

Well established Pakistani restaurant brand Gifto’s gained further praise with its Dubai venue being awarded Best Restaurant of the Year in the UAE.

Samara Events, who are the organisers behind this black tie gala dinner, elaborated on their vision of AFRA stating: “The Awards aim to celebrate these special stories as well as honour the dedication and commitment of those who have spread their love for Asian flavours through their commitment to take the tastes and culinary culture mainstream.”

Please note that this editorial will be updated in due course once a complete list of winners has been received.