North East Curry Restaurant Wins National Award
A curry restaurant in the North East has been awarded a national title for its "outstanding" cuisine just months after opening. The accolade highlights the region's growing culinary reputation and is expected to increase local foot traffic and tourism.
- The award-winning restaurant is Zhal Khan, located in Berwick, which won "New Restaurant of the Year" at the Nation's Curry Awards. - Zhal Khan was opened by the same owners as Sherkhan in Alnwick, a restaurant that was named 'best in the country' at the 2025 English Curry Awards. - The Nation's Curry Awards is a prestigious event that recognizes the talents and hard work of individuals and businesses within the UK's curry industry. - Zhal Khan was the only winner from the North East at this year's Nation's Curry Awards ceremony, which was held in Huddersfield. - The North East has a strong culinary reputation, with several other restaurants recently receiving national recognition, including Vadah in Stockton-on-Tees and Dhamaka in Cramlington at the 2023 National Curry Awards. - The region is also home to Michelin-starred establishments, with House of Tides and Solstice in Newcastle, and Restaurant Pine in Northumberland all retaining their stars in 2026. - The success of Zhal Khan comes shortly after its sister restaurant, Sherkhan, took home the overall "best curry restaurant in the country" title at the English Curry Awards in 2025. - Other notable North East winners at the 2023 National Curry Awards included Syed Akki Miah of Spice Lounge in Durham for "Manager of the Year" and Brian Mohan Miah of Cafe Spice Restaurant in Darlington for "Chef of the Year".
