Taj Mahal Chippenham wins big at the Curry Life Awards 2023

The owners and staff of Taj Mahal Restaurant, located on The Causeway in Chippenham, were recognised for their hard work by winning the Best Recommended Restaurant category at the annual awards.

Owner Arju Miah MBE and his son Ahkik, who runs the business, were presented with the prestigious award at a ceremony in London’s West End on October 15.

Speaking after the ceremony, Mr Miah said: “We’re so pleased to have won an award and to be recognised as providing quality Indian food in the area.

“The award will raise our profile so much more and help us share our food with more people."

In a video posted by the Curry Life Awards, Ahkik added: “I’ve been working here for 20 years and I really enjoy it.”

The Taj Mahal Restaurant, Chippenham (Image: Curry Life)Taj Mahal has been established in Chippenham for over three decades and has spent that time perfecting its classic curry dishes.

The most popular favourites among customers include the chef’s garlic chilli chicken, korma and masalas.

But Ahkik, who grew up around the hospitality industry, revealed that he has recently noticed a growing demand for spicier dishes, such as vindaloos and jalfrezis.

The business has also invested in charitable schemes like the Syrian earthquake appeal.

The Curry Life Awards celebrates the best of the best in the UK curry industry, with 44 winners across five categories, including Editor’s Choice, Best Restaurant, Best Takeaway, and Best Chef.

Now in its 14th year, the awards were established by brothers Syed Pasha and Syed Ahmed, who were surprised by the British appetite for curry when they came to the UK from Bangladesh in the 1970s.

Arju Miah MBE and Ahkik Miah with their award (Image: Curry Life)Syed Pasha said: "We wanted to build upon and celebrate a cuisine that has found its home from home outside the Indian subcontinent. The Indian food here is unique and continues to flourish.”

This year’s awards were attended by over 500 people, including multiple MPs, and sponsored by Just Eat.

Mark Finch, account management director at Just Eat, said: "It's been an honour to support the Curry Life Awards; the event is always a highlight of our year.

“After an undeniably difficult period for the hospitality sector, there's never been a better time to recognise the resilient and hard-working individuals across the curry industry who are making an invaluable contribution to their local community and the UK economy.

“Huge congratulations to all the winners and finalists on their incredible achievement."