Viraaj Restaurant: Sheffield restaurant in the running for top award recognising the best in the country

Finalists in the 11th English Curry Awards, established to celebrate Asian talent across the UK’s curry industry, have been announced with Viraaj Restaurant in Woodseats among those up for a top award.

The awards are a celebration of the top Asian curry professionals and businesses with the finalist shortlist being determined by public vote.

MORE: The best Indian restaurants in Sheffield according to Tripadvisor reviews

The renowned black-tie awards ceremony will take place on August 22 in Birmingham.

MORE: Instagram-worthy food at Sheffield's Amaro Lounge tastes just as good as it looks - review

The awards highlight the growth of the Asian curry sector and recognise the achievements of those who work their hardest to perfect every meal.

Those rewarded, will include chefs, restaurants, managers, takeaways, teams and curry schools.

Viraaj Restaurant has been shortlisted in the Restaurant of the Year category.

A spokesman said “All the team and all customers at Viraaj Restaurant are very happy and excited by the news we are finalists which is a great achievement. A very big thank you to all our customers and everyone for nominating us.”

An English Curry Awards spokesman said: “The curry campaign has been hugely successful across the UK with Scottish, English and London editions to the awards.

“The English Curry Awards were one of our first and remain one of our best awards. It’s always a brilliant night of fun,food and celebration.

“Despite the many challenges facing the curry industry, these awards prove year after year how much talent there is fuelling the industry, satisfying all of our curry cravings. We have an abundance of talent and fierce competition this year and we wish best of luck to all finalists.”