Shropshire chef hoping to be named country's King of Spice
A chef is hoping to be named the country's King of Spice after impressing a panel of top judges at a prestigious cook-off.
Taj Uddin, of Mahim Indian Takeaway, in Lansdowne Road, Bayston Hill, in Shropshire, is a finalist in the Master Chef Promotions competition.
It is a project celebrating the very best in the hospitality and catering sector and is aimed at inspiring the next generation of food heroes.
The results will be announced at a gala dinner to be held next month, with a total of 25 chefs going head-to-head for one of the industry's top honours.
Mr Uddin said: "Cooking in the Master Chef Promotions competition is one of the highlights of my entire career, it was an honour to share a kitchen with so many talented chefs. I am keeping my fingers crossed that I have done enough to win."
The challenge saw chefs showcase their skills in Bournville College, in Birmingham, by creating a signature dish in just 45 minutes.
A panel of expert judges, including celebrity chef Pat Chapman, rated the finalists based on factors such as taste, presentation and hygiene.
As well as the cook-off, the awards will raise the profile of the food and drink industry and inspire a new generation of young chefs to work in kitchens up and down the country.
Nine student chefs from Bournville College also took part in their own cook-off to showcase their skills to industry leaders.
TV chef Rois Ali, who founded the awards, said:
"We are encouraging the next generation to come through and open their own restaurants to ensure the sector not only survives but thrives."
The winners will be announced at a glamorous gala dinner to be held in Birmingham on February 5, to be attended by up to 1,000 guests.
The event will be broadcast around the world, with global satellite TV coverage from a host of stations.
Nawaz Ali, executive director of Coventry-based Master Chef Promotions, said: "We want to encourage chefs to use the 'Train to Gain' scheme to equip them with essential skills in the kitchen.
"We want to help unemployed people get back into the world of work and we want to celebrate the stars of our trade, making them role models for others to look up to."
