A chef from a newly opened restaurant in Newport has won a major national award at a prestigious ceremony.

Kabir Hussain, of the Three Elephants in Llamdevaud, formerly Tamarind, was crowned the Wales King of Spice at a star-studded ceremony held by the Bangladesh Caterers Association at the InterContinental London at The O2 on Monday, 28 October.

Three Elephants opened after rebranding on September 3, and we tried their ‘high quality’ food a few weeks later.

Mr Hussain said of his win: “I am extremely humbled to win this award, competing against the very best of the region’s curry chefs. I feel privileged just to have taken part, but for my food to have been recognised as amongst the best in the country is a highlight of my career.”

 As one of 75 curry chefs who showcased their culinary skills in the Bangladesh Caterers Association (BCA) Curry Chef of the Year cook-off competition, Mr Hussain was put to the test.

As part of the competition, which took place in London on Tuesday, 17 September, at Hammersmith and Fulham College in London, with chefs were given just an hour to prepare and cook for a panel of judges using a box of mystery ingredients from the BCA.

The glittering awards ceremony was attended by a host of prominent MPs and ministers and was presented by TV presenter Angelica Bell and Talk TV’s Ian Collins.

King Charles III sent a message of good wishes, as did Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer.

The event also saw industry leaders raise concerns over the potential abolishment of current business rate relief benefits, which are due to end on March 31 next year.

Oli Khan, BCA President, said: “The current system provides eligible, occupied, retail, hospitality and leisure properties with a 75 per cent relief, up to a cash cap limit of £110,000 per business.

“This is due to end in less than six months’ time and unless this decision is reversed will sound the death knell for hundreds of hospitality businesses.

“The sector has been hit time and time again and simply cannot take any more.

 “We need help, we need support, and we need immediate reassurance that business rates relief will be extended, otherwise ministers will be waving goodbye to the nation’s favourite dish.”

Atik Rahman, BCA Awards Convenor, said: “This year’s awards has been a resounding success, celebrating the most outstanding talent in our industry. It has been incredibly exciting to see the level of culinary expertise across the country which is extremely encouraging for the future of Bangladeshi cuisine in the UK.”

Naz Islam, BCA Press and Publications Secretary, said: “Bangladeshi curry is part and parcel of modern British life and these awards are a celebration of the incredible talent that continues to shine across our industry.

“Chefs and restaurants are always looking to innovate to make sure diners can enjoy the very best experience.”

For more details on the competition and the association visit www.bca1960.com.