Kamal Indian Restaurant, located on Stanhope Street in Newcastle, has been recognised as one of the finest dining establishments in the country by being Highly Commended in the North East Asian Restaurant of the Year at the Asian Curry Awards 2024. The award ceremony took place at the iconic Grosvenor House Hotel in London, with over 1,000 attendees celebrating culinary excellence from across the UK.
The owner, Umayr Saleem, accepted the award on behalf of his team, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and passion we pour into our food every day. It’s a proud moment for us and for Newcastle’s vibrant food scene.”
Kamal Indian Restaurant has been a staple of Newcastle since 1992, but it reached new heights when Umayr and his family took over in 2011. They undertook a full renovation of the restaurant, modernising its interiors and exteriors while retaining its authentic charm. Today, Kamal offers traditional Indian cuisine made with the finest quality spices and ingredients, promising a taste experience that stays true to the roots of Indian cooking.
Kamal serves a variety of dishes, from flavourful biryanis to richly spiced curries. Each dish is crafted to deliver an authentic experience, steering away from the watered-down versions often catered to Western palates. Patrons are invited to bring their own alcohol, adding a personalised touch to their dining experience.
The restaurant also has a private function room that can accommodate up to 70 guests, making it a popular venue for birthday celebrations, family gatherings, and corporate events.
A family-run business, Kamal prides itself on creating a warm, welcoming environment. Umayr, who learned the craft from his father, emphasises the importance of maintaining a personal connection with customers.
“My father runs Saleems Takeaway in Gateshead, and I learned everything from him. He has been instrumental in my business and has taught me the value of good quality food and excellent customer service. We have a lot of regulars who visit us every week and we even get pop stars in from time to time when playing at the nearby Arena. The award is an amazing thing for all my staff and customers. We were selected by mystery diners who judged us on our food and customer service, and we received votes from our customers to who we are very grateful. I’m delighted to bring the award to Newcastle,” said Umayr.
The Asian Curry Awards recognise excellence across the culinary industry, assessing everything from food quality to overall dining experience. Kamal’s commitment to delivering authentic flavours and exceptional service helped secure its win, showcasing Newcastle’s prominence on the national culinary map.
Photos The Bigger Picture