AN Edinburgh cafe has been crowned the best Asian restaurant in Scotland.
Mother India bagged the coveted title at the glittering Asian Restaurant Awards ceremony in the capital on Monday.
The bash, hosted by BBC news anchor Samantha Simmonds, saw restaurants and takeaways battle it out for gongs at the Sheraton Grand Hotel.
Elsewhere in Edinburgh, Cilantro was awarded Best Indian and Bangladeshi, Dishoom was named Best Casual Dining venue and the Best Chinese award went to Pomelo.
From Glasgow, Charcoals and Desi Chaiwala were victorious, along with Sapporo Teppanyaki for Best Japanese and Thairiffic named as Best Thai.
There were also wins for Bo’ness Spice (Falkirk), Light of Bengal (Aberdeen), Tahla (Perth), Spice Tandoori (Elgin), Dhoom (Dunfermline), Saffron (Shetland).
Just Eat Takeaway/Delivery Awards went to Dil Se (Porthlehen), Memories of India (Gorebridge) and St John’s Curry Club (Edinburgh).
The Asian Restaurant Awards (Scotland) are organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) to recognise the Asian restaurant industry for innovation, vision and exceptional food.
ACF chairman Yawar Khan said: “We congratulate all the winning establishments in making this year’s Asian Restaurant Awards (Scotland), an event which showcases the top dining establishments from across the nation [and] are a key feature of Scotland’s food and cultural landscape.”
He added, “At a time when the hospitality sector is facing significant challenges with rising food and energy prices along with staff shortages, it’s important we acknowledge excellence and celebrate the success of the sector.”
The awards are open to the full spectrum of Asia’s rich and diverse cuisines.
Speaking on behalf of the panel of judges, its chairman George Shaw said Scotland is “home to some of the world’s finest produce – especially it’s seafood, beef and game”.
And he paid tribute to the Asian twist being given to the traditional “haggis, neeps and tatties”.
