For the first time, the American Curry Awards will be held in New York, sparking widespread excitement among the Bangladeshi expatriate community. The event is set to take place on Saturday, May 24, at Terrace on the Park in Queens. Organizers—Khalil Group of Industries and Asha Group—shared details of the extensive preparations during a press conference held on Wednesday, May 14.
Organizers noted that the American Curry Awards have generated great enthusiasm among immigrant culinary artists. A special cooking competition for home chefs is already underway, with 50 selected participants. This competition will take place on Sunday, May 18, at Khalil Biryani House in the Bronx. Awards will be given in three categories under the slogan “You can be a chef too.” A shortlist of selected participants has already been handed to the panel of judges.
In addition to the Best Home Chef competition, the Curry Awards will be presented in eight other categories. Participants have registered from across the United States and other countries. The award categories include: Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Food Blogger, Best Entrepreneur, Chef of the Year, Personality of the Year, Curry Legend Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
Chef Md. Khalilur Rahman and businessman Akash Rahman, the managing authorities of the American Curry Awards, outlined event details at the press conference held at Khalil Biryani House in Jamaica. The event was moderated by Hasanuzzaman Saki.
Khalilur Rahman and Akash Rahman stated that renowned culinary experts from around the world will participate in the awards. Judges include internationally acclaimed chef Tony Karim Khan; Dr. Izzat Hussain, a renowned Indian culinary expert and member of the Culinary Forum; Malaysian expert Rosahm bin Rusli; WACS-certified trainer Montasir Masud from Saudi Arabia; Bahraini culinary consultant Silverstar Rosario; Jordanian professional Mahmud Yasin; British-Bangladeshi catering entrepreneur Oli Khan, MBE; Prof. Md. Golam Mostafa of Washington University of Science and Technology; Bangladeshi culinary artist and TV personality Rahima Sultana Rita; international chef, innovator, and author Shaheda Yasmin; and culinary experts Merina Khondokar and Lobi Rahman.
Also attending will be popular Bangladeshi content creator, food blogger, and influencer Adnan Faruk Hillol, along with Nusrat Islam of Joltan BD fame. Distinguished guests, politicians, and lawmakers from various U.S. states are expected, as well as Dr. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil International University in Bangladesh.
Chef Khalilur Rahman said the initiative has already sparked significant interest in the U.S. culinary world. A unique and elegant design has been created for the award trophy, which was unveiled at the press conference and received high praise.
Akash Rahman added that although this is the first time such an event is being held in the U.S., organizers are striving to make it an international-standard celebration. “With everyone’s participation, we hope to successfully host a vibrant and unique event,” he said.
Sadia Khondokar, coordinator of the home chef competition, also spoke about various aspects of the event. The title sponsors of the American Curry Awards are Asha Restaurant and Khalil Biryani House.