Moray wins at the 'Curry Oscars'
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Two curry houses have been named the first and second best in Scotland at the Asian Curry Awards.
Panache in Elgin, followed by Spice of India in Dufftown, were honoured at the event which dubs itself the 'Curry Oscars'.
Representatives from both Moray restaurants travelled down to London for the awards which were held at the exclusive Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane.
Panache and Spice of India fought off competition from a large number of restaurants in the Central Belt.
Mamun Sheikh is the head chef at Panache on Elgin's South Street.
Talking about what it means to win such an award, he said: "I've been interested in food and cooking ever since I was a child growing up in Bangladesh. It's a passion.
"There is nothing better than seeing people really enjoy food that you have provided.
"So I'm very pleased. We all are. It's great for a small town like Elgin."
Anne Townsley, the restaurant's manager, praised her staff for all their efforts.
She added: "I love working in hospitality and creating a link with our customers.
"Some people like to try something different on the menu every time they come here. Others have favourite dishes which they'll order every time.
"Folk come now from all over to try our food because the word has spread that it's good.
"To get this recognition is good not just for the business but for the community."
The Moray double was completed by the Spice of India in Dufftown.
Syed Muthkim has run the restaurant since 2016.
He said: "We are not in a big town, so we have to look after our customers.
"We make sure that they always get good fresh food."
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