The owner of an Ipswich Indian takeaway said he was delighted to discover his business had been shortlisted for a national award.
Siddhesh Vaze learned that his restaurant, Eastern Spice, was recognised in Britain's Top Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards 2023 from an article published in this newspaper earlier this week.
Eastern Spice, along with Lime Takeaway in Bury St Edmunds and Kala Sheep in Newmarket, was on the shortlist for the eastern region for the awards.
He said: "It was completely news to me until I heard from the paper.
"That was the first time I learned about being shortlisted for this award.
"I’m very happy; my team is also excited. It’s an excellent feeling to be recognised for something you love doing.
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"That’s the best feeling I’ve had in my life."
Mr Vaze took over the takeaway just over a year ago after working in the best restaurants in London.
The owner added: "I have deep roots in Indian cuisine.
"When I moved to Ipswich in 2019, I wanted to open a place that filled the gap that I found in the town.
"I've got good knowledge about authentic Indian cuisine, and I wanted to bring that to Ipswich."
The owner of Eastern Spice, located in Woodbridge Road, said the takeaway received very good feedback from the customers, and Mr Vaze himself treats every opinion as a valuable lesson.
The takeaway employs three professional chefs and serves the most famous Indian dishes at affordable prices.
The Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards promote the art of cooking while recognising other areas in the hospitality industry, such as exceptional service or restaurant management.
The award recognises excellence, craft, creativity, and great taste by bringing the UK's most prestigious Asian restaurants, takeaways and chefs together under one roof.
The winners are set to be announced at the London Hilton Park Lane on Sunday, October 8.
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