Pan Asian restaurant Katiwok is shortlisted for the BTA’s Chef of the Year Award next month
Award winning takeaway restaurant Katiwok celebrated this month as head chef Yamuna Gurung, 28, was shortlisted to the top 5 Chefs of the Year at the British Takeaway Awards (BTA’s) 2016.
Five shortlisted chefs competed for the single title at the Michael Roux Jr Cookery School Cactus Kitchens. The chefs prepared their signature takeaway dishes under the watchful eye of Britain’s well-known judges, which included Ainsley Harriott. and Dragon’s Den investor Sarah Willingham.
The final Award ceremony will take place at London’s prestigious Savoy on the 4 December, where the long-awaited title will be announced.
Following the success of the BTA awards’ launch last year, the award for Takeaway Chef was created only this year to accredit the chefs who passionately cook those takeaways.
After three years of fantastic service, locals were left hungry when Yamuna left Katiwok for a day last month for the semi-final. We’re glad she’s back on Crwys Road again!
“I took my Afghan chicken kati roll to the final as I love the spice in it,” said Yamuna from Nepal. She added, “I also made chicken dumplings and Asian salad because my kimchi and olive oil dressing is very popular.”
Owner Niaz Taj from Cardiff said, “Amir Khan commented on a picture of the chicken dumplings!” He explained that the famous boxer was confused by the dish’s impressive look as it’s visual finesse is above general takeaway food expectations.
Yamuna’s kati roll is a more Nepalese version of the original Indian recipe using fresh south Wales sources.
Yamuna and Niaz said that the £1,000 winning prize money would massively benefit the restaurant. The restaurant of the winning chef will also get a free sign up to food delivery service Just Eat which is in partnership with the BTA’s.
The takeaway’s popularity is evident by its TripAdvisor reviews. This is highly important as most customers order their food online and said they frequently use TripAdvisor to help choose a good restaurant.
Yamuna promises to keep bringing new approaches to Asian street food to the multi-cultural city of Cardiff. Let’s hope the award ceremony next month does Cardiff and Katiwok proud!
