A RESTAURANT in Flintshire has been named the best of its kind in Wales.
Bengal Dynasty on Chester Road East, Shotton, was awarded the title at the British Curry Awards held in London over the weekend.
A host of celebrities, including TV and radio presenter Chris Tarrant and chef Garry Rhodes, attended the ceremony, which was compered by comedian Justin Lee Collins.
“We feel great about winning the title,” said restaurant owner Mohammed Monchad Ali, who opened the Dynasty 20 years ago.
“It was an excellent night, a big occasion,” said Mr Ali. “It’s only a small place in Deeside but we’ve come top out of the whole of Wales.”
Mr Ali moved to the UK from Bangladesh in 1982 and says fresh ingredients and home style cooking are the key to a good curry.
“We specialise in East Indian cuisine and were given the award for our service, cuisine and menu,” said Mr Ali, 57.
“We try to give our customers the best tasting food, we use the freshest spices and the freshest ingredients.”
This is the second time the Bengal Dynasty has bagged the award, having previously claimed the title in 2007.
Mr Ali’s son, Mohammed Forhad Ali, said he was very excited the restaurant had won.
“We lost out last year to a restaurant in Cardiff. To regain it is fantastic.”
Mr Ali hopes the restaurant will win more awards in years to come now he is teaching the business to his son.
“I hope eventually he will take over and we will keep the business in the family,” he said.
Mohammed Forhad, 27, added: “I used to work at the front of house, but I’ve been doing more in the kitchen recently.
“I’m interested in preparing food and improving my skills.”
The Bengal Dynasty also have restaurants in Llandudno and Northwich, Cheshire.
Last month they donated £100 each to Scouts Georgia Williams, 13, from Northop Hall, and Chloe Lloyd, 14, from Mancot, who were preparing for a trip to the 22nd World Scout Jamboree in Sweden.