A MUSSELBURGH chef has cooked his way to a major title at the 16th Scottish Curry Awards.

Harka Karki, owner of the award-winning Gurkha Bar and Restaurant on North High Street, a popular Nepalese eatery in Musselburgh, was crowned Chef of the Year at the accolades – a celebration of the best curry houses and chefs across the country.

The presentation took place recently at the DoubleTree By Hilton, Glasgow.

Harka, who is also head chef at his restaurant, told the Courier: “My reviews and voting are all from my customers, so I thank them very much. People all like my dishes that I make in the restaurant.”

The restaurant commented, via social media: “This remarkable achievement is a testament to chef Harka’s unparalleled culinary skills, tireless dedication, and unwavering passion for delivering exceptional dining experiences to each and every one of our cherished patrons.

“We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible customers whose continuous support and enthusiasm have propelled us to this momentous victory.

“Your loyalty and appreciation inspire us to continuously raise the bar and exceed expectations in our culinary offerings.

“A heartfelt thank you also goes out to our dedicated team members, suppliers and partners who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that every dish served at Gurkha Bar and Restaurant reflects the essence of excellence and authenticity.”

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A spokesperson for the Scottish Curry Awards 2024 said: “We’re proud to once again be able to celebrate the finest in the Scottish curry scene, recognising the creativity, innovation and exceptional service that have become synonymous with this beloved cuisine.

“The curry industry has become a vital part of our culture, and these awards recognised the exceptional talents of the individuals and businesses that make it so special.

“We’d like to congratulate all of our winners and highly commended recipients on their accomplishments.”