The battle to be crowned the top curry house in the land is under way, with nominations for the Asian Curry Awards now open.

Now in its eight year, and organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF) there are a number of categories open with the winners unveiled at a glitzy gala bash at London's Grosvenor House in Park Lane on November 18.

The Asian Curry Awards are the only accolades which celebrate the entire pan-Asian and Oriental restaurant and takeaway scene, with 16 national categories, plus 11 regional awards for local establishments.

Last year the Rajdani in West Kingsdown scooped the south east award, with Rochester's Shozna winning the region title for healthy eating restaurant.

Meanwhile, Abul Monsur of Chatham's Taj Cuisine was named Curry Chef Of The Year.

The ACF, which is lobbying the Government to adopt a string of policies designed to ensure the survival of the best venues, says its awards encourage restaurateurs to strive for ever higher standards and embrace change.

Bangladeshi, Burmese, Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Malaysian, Middle Eastern, Pakistani, Singaporean, Sri Lankan, Thai, Turkish and Vietnamese restaurants and takeaways, are eligible to enter.

ACF chairman Yawar Khan said: “The sector employs over 100,000 people and contributes more than £4.2 billion to the UK economy.

“These awards recognise the skills and effort of the industry’s best players.”

Curry lovers, can see the full list of award categories and vote for their favourite venues and chefs via www.asiancurryawards.com.

Against a backdrop of staff shortages and rising costs, the ACF chairman will be lobbying government ministers at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham in October.

A list of proposals calls for an amnesty of skilled chefs who have been in the country for five years, but who entered the country without the correct paperwork or who have overstayed their visa.

These illegal chefs are often exploited by some unscrupulous restaurant owners, paid below the minimum wage, receive no statuary benefits and are often forced to live in cramped, unhygienic conditions.

Because they are paid in cash, the ACF says, the government is being cheated out of millions of pounds in unpaid income tax, National Insurance and VAT payments.

The chairman added: "The illegal practice makes it hard for honest, lawful business to compete."

The ACF also wants to see asylum seekers being given temporary work permits whilst seeking the right to remain in the UK. At present asylum seekers are not permitted to undertake paid work. Khan believe this will reduce the burden on the state and fill much needed vacancies.

Once the Brexit process is complete, the ACF also wants a reduction on VAT on the hospitality sector from its 20% rate.