Indian cuisine restauranteur from Alness crowned ‘Curry Queen’ of Scotland

Alness High Street is now home to Indian cuisine royalty after one of its top restaurateurs was crowned “Curry Queen” of Scotland.

Neetu Singh, who owns and runs the vintage Indian-style restaurant, Fyrish Tandoor, scooped the prestigious title at the 16th annual Scottish Curry Awards last weekend.

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Winners in several Indian cuisine categories were announced at a grand ceremony hosted by the Oceanic Awards at Glasgow’s Doubletree by Hilton Hotel on Monday, April 15.

Ms Singh, who has been operating Fyrish Tandoor since February 2020, says that although she doesn’t know who put her forward for the award, she feels “humbled” by the recognition.

The 45-year-old was joined at the ceremony by her sons Joshim, Kash, Nathen and Zane Singh, along with Joshim’s girlfriend Kilda Lynch.

On her success, she said: “My restaurant was up for best takeaway restaurant in the north of Scotland, so that was the category I was looking out for.

“They then mentioned a Curry King of Scotland, followed by a drumroll before also announcing the Curry Queen of Scotland — and they said my name.

“I didn’t think that was my category, so I was in total shock. I feel really humbled to be a Curry Queen, not only for the north, but for the whole of Scotland.”

The prestigious event, which celebrates the talents and hard work of individuals and businesses within the Scottish curry industry, saw the top prize for Restaurant of the Year go to Cidsin Indian Bistro & Gin Bar in Pitlochry.

In the “North Scotland” region, Panache in Elgin won Curry Restaurant of the Year, while Jeet in Forfar won the voter’s choice for its restaurant offering.

The Eastern Eye in Aberdeen was named as the north’s Takeaway of the Year, while Tandoori Haven in Stonehaven won Indian Restaurant of the Year.

Organisers say the awards are designed to recognise people for their “exceptional quality, innovation, and consistency in offering a truly memorable dining experience.”

A spokesperson for Oceanic Awards 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 & highly commended recipients on their accomplishments.”

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