Britain to bring "Taste of Britain Curry Festival" to India

Kolkata, July 5: The 'Taste of Britain Curry Festival' is all set to travel to the home of curries, India, with leading British chefs aiming to recreate an exclusive selection of dishes that have become a hit in the European country.

Beginning on August 23 at Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kolkata, the festival will see seven British chefs produce as many as 70 dishes including high street favourites like British Chicken Tikka Masala, Lamb chops with plum and coriander sauce and Bengal Lancers shrimp curry.

"It might sound a little odd taking curry to its birthplace but the festival has had an enthusiastic reception in the past from countries such as far afield as America, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Spain, UAE and Eastern Europe," said Editor of Curry Life Magazine and Director of the Festival Syed Belal Ahmed at the press launch of the festival here.

British Prime Minister David Cameron in a message of support for the festival said, "Curry, which of course originated in the Indian subcontinent, is now one of the most popular foods in the UK and has become part of the British way of life. And, those involved in the industry our high streets, boost local economies and contribute to local communities."

"Our shared passion for curry, as with cricket and business, only goes to reinforce the close ties between our countries," he added.

Labour party leader Ed Miliband too praised the role of curry is the British life both on the high street and in homes. "Britain's curry sector has not just changed our taste buds, it has also enabled thousands to build businesses, learn new skills, train apprentices, create jobs, build community, and bring people from different cultures together," his statement said.

The festival is now in its tenth year. Among the acclaimed team of chefs heading to India will be Michelin star British chef Dominic Chapman who has worked with world renowned names in the industry like Heston Blumenthal.

PTI