Sponsored Editorial

Chef Patron Jamal Uddin Ahmed - who owns Shozna Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant in Rochester - recently took inspiration from the Curry Life Culinary Workshop in London and is looking forward to raising his game even further.

The award-winning restaurateur and curry chef along with his brother Jalal Uddin - who is also an award-winning chef - met and engaged with some of the biggest names from the food and hospitality industry at the grand culinary masterclass.

The Curry Life Culinary Workshop took place with many attendees welcoming the chance to gather together for the first time since Covid restrictions were relaxed. Around 150 restaurateurs and chefs took part in the event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel London's Docklands.

There is a growing demand for learning new techniques and sharing innovative ideas in a very competitive business environment. The event creates this opportunity for selective guests from curry houses and leading hospitality industry experts to come together to share innovative ideas and skills to help to shape business better and potentially increase sales.

The restaurateurs, chefs, hotel owners and influential industry figures enjoyed a networking session over canapés and drinks before sitting down for a three-course dinner, with entertainment from a harpist.

The workshop featured a keynote speech and talks on the Best Practices to address Food Allergy, a popular and straightforward Indian Street food cooking demonstration by highly acclaimed Michelin Star chef Atul Kochhar. Mr Kochhar was the first Indian Chef in the UK to receive a Michelin Star and now runs six high-end restaurants across the UK.

Another highly acclaimed Michelin Laurate chef, Mark Poynton from Cambridge, gave his talk about the importance of sustainability in the food business, highlighting the benefits. Mark has won RSPCA AWARDS on sustainability in the past.

The founder of www.revealmyfood.com Ludovica De Pieri made a presentation on allergen management. Her company helps and advises restaurants on safe and suitable food choices per individual unique requirements.

Syed Belal Ahmed, the editor of Curry Life magazine, took to the stage, with his welcome speech echoing many of the attendees' thoughts.

"While the industry has reopened for business, there are many challenges ahead," he said.

Ahmed cautioned that the industry could not ignore the pandemic and highlighted how it needs to improve and make changes.

"The pandemic has taught us many lessons about adopting digital techniques and taking advantage of online ordering systems and new technology," he said.

"We need to look at our restaurants and create value. While staff shortages are crippling the hospitality industry, we have no shortage of talent."

"This curry sector has come together to support each other, bringing to life the notion of resilience, grit and overcoming obstacles," she said.

"Within every obstacle is an opportunity - what matters is what you do with what you get given."

The event was held with support from headline sponsor Just Eat, with additional event partners including Bangla Beer which is part of LWC Drinks, Unisoft Solutions, CLCC and Travel Links Worldwide.

Shozna Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurant in Rochester is located at 153 Maidstone Road in Rochester (ME1 1RR).