TWO award winning chefs have been showcasing the best of British curry at an international food festival.

Syed Zohorul Islam, chef at the Capital Restaurant, Claypath, Durham, and Syed Noor Hussain from neighbouring Spice Lounge in Market Place were among five British chefs showing off their skills at the British curry festival held in Bangalore, India.

The event is aimed at promoting British curry abroad.

Mr Islam said: “This was truly an inspiring event. We have not only showcased what we know best, we have also picked up lot ideas for new dishes which will reflect in our menu.

“I am happy that, this time I had another Durham chef to support me at this curry challenge. This was not a competition between chefs; it was a festival where we put our best of British dishes to the test with Indian diners. It went down very well with all diners and we had lots of praise for our curries.”

Mr Islam has travelled to the event before, going to New Delhi earlier this year, but this was the first time Mr Hussain has taken part.

He said: “This was very exciting for me to be part of this prestigious event. I am always up for new challenge, but this one was very unique.”