Councillor Robert Aldridge, the Lord Provost of Edinburgh was present at a special ceremony in Edinburgh’s City Chambers this week where he accepted an award naming Edinburgh as Scotland’s Curry Capital.

Edinburgh was awarded this honour last month at the 16th edition of the Scottish Curry Awards organised by Oceanic Consulting. 

This ceremony saw members of the Oceanic Consulting team officially present the award to the Lord Provost in front of group of invited guests from some of the city’s top curry restaurants. 

The Lord Provost welcomed everyone in attendance before saying a few words on Scotland’s rich curry culture and what it means for Edinburgh to be named the curry capital.

He said: “I was very pleased to hear that Edinburgh was named as Curry Capital of Scotland at the 16th Scottish Curry Awards. This Award is a fantastic recognition of the talent, dedication, and imagination of our curry chefs, and a reflection of our diverse cultures and traditions. 

Currently, we have around 200 curry restaurants across Edinburgh, offering an amazing diversity and selection for our citizens, workers and visitors to sample.”

For the last 16 years the Scottish Curry Awards have shined a spotlight on Scotland’s Curry industry and encouraged its continued growth. They also highlight the exceptionally talented individuals and businesses that make the curry scene so special.

A spokesperson from Oceanic Consulting said a few words: “Every year the pool of talent operating in Scotland has gone from strength to strength 

The people gathered in this room represent some of the best curry restaurants in Edinburgh whose innovation and continued dedication to their craft is why Edinburgh has been named the Curry Capital of Scotland. 

Your efforts have helped Scotland be recognised worldwide as a top culinary destination.”

Some of the restaurant owners were invited up to speak including Shahid Ghani (Shezan), Michael Singh (Bombay Lounge) and Stevie Singh (Sabzi). 

Following the speeches the official award presentation took place as the Lord Provost made time to take pictures with all of the guests in front of a specially made Curry Awards banner.