AN Indian restaurant in Newquay has put Cornwall on the culinary map after competing in a prestigious international competition.

Chefs Eshan Mo Miah and Jay Miah represented Zaman’s in Henver Road at the Tommy Miah’s International Chef of the Year competition held on Sunday, September 29.

They were among 10 finalists from around the country and Europe competing in a cook off at the famous Varanasi restaurant in Birmingham, which was followed by an awards ceremony at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel.

Mo and Jay were up against chef teams from a number of famous Indian restaurants including Coco at The Shard after being whittled down from more than 2,000 applications.

L-R Mo and Jay competing in the cook off ( )

Mo and Jay cooked an Indian street food starter called Chicken 65, a sea bass roulade stuffed with spinach for the main and a Halwa dessert, which was judged by a panel of that included a host industry leader and influencers.

Off to present the dishes to the judging panel ( )
The dishes they prepared for the judges ( )

Mo and Jay were awarded runner up in the chef category and Zaman’s was named the best Indian restaurant in Cornwall.

The best restaurant in Cornwall award ( )
L-R Jay, Tommy Miah MBE and Mo ( )

Mo said: “We’re very happy being a finalist in the cook off. It’s a big achievement as its difficult to get into the competition. There were more than 2,000 applications and we were up against Michelin starred fine dining restaurants who have very professional chef teams.

“It was buzzing during the cook off with everyone helping each other. It was a great experience.

“What was really nice was receiving a text message from Noah Law MP in the morning before the competition started. He wished us the best and thanked us for all the work we do in the community in and around Newquay.

“The competition was a great way to celebrate the first anniversary of my kidney transplant. We are delighted to help put Newquay on the culinary map.”

More than 300 people attended the gala awards ceremony, which was presented by Anila Dhami and Nitin Ganatra from Eastenders.

A spokesperson for the competition said: “Congratulations to Eshan, Jay and Zaman’s.

“They beat worldwide competition to earn the right to perform before a global audience.”