Curry lovers across Ireland are being asked to turn their craving for korma and taste for tandoori into votes, with the first ever Irish Curry Awards, recognising the work of Asian chefs across the island.
Belfast-based restaurateur Ali Askir, owner of SAFA and the organiser, says the time has come "to recognise the contribution made to Ireland's food scene by hundreds of Indian, Bangladeshi, Pakistani and other Asian chefs, restaurant workers and managers".
"Asian food is now as popular and as widespread as the full Irish, the Ulster Fry and Irish stew,” says Mr Askir.
The awards will consist of six categories including Best Chef, Best Young Chef, Best Restaurant, Best Front of House, Best Takeaway and Best Newcomer.
Customers are asked to vote for their favourite restaurant with a shortlist of restaurants county by county.
A panel of expert judges including food writers and editors from broadcast and newspapers, including the Irish News, will select the winners with a ceremony held in Belfast in October.
The awards are sponsored by Cobra Beer and Yelp and all profits will go to The Children's Heartbeat Trust.
You can nominate your favourite restaurant on the website www.irishcurryawards.com.
