The Asian Curry Awards has announced its 2021 winners and two places in Manchester made the list. 

Al Maidah in Manchester won the 'Asian Restaurant of the Year' award for the North West. 

One chef in Ashton-under-Lyne, Atik Sheikh of Purple Olive, won 'Asian Chef of the Year' in the 2021 awards. 

The award ceremony was held at the Grosvenor House in London’s Mayfair on Sunday November 21, attended by more than 800 VIP guests. 

The evening was hosted by the BBC’s Kate Silverton and restaurants up and down the country were recognised for their fabulous food.

Yawar Khan, Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation said: “The days of the cheap Friday night curry are coming to end, in the face of steeply rising costs and severe staff shortages.

The Bolton News: Yawar Khan, Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation (Asian Curry Awards)Yawar Khan, Chairman of the Asian Catering Federation (Asian Curry Awards)

However, he assured guests that “There is no shortage of customers willing to pay for a superior product.”

The Asian Curry Awards were sponsored by food delivery service Just Eat.

Andrew Kenny, Managing Director of Just Eat UK, headline sponsors of the awards said: “Just Eat has worked closely with the Asian Catering Federation for a number of years.

"As we begin to recover from the pandemic, I’m delighted to celebrate our partnership by helping to recognise the fantastic achievements of those in our industry who have worked tirelessly through the last 18 months and continue to do so.”

Here's everything you need to know about the two restaurants in Manchester that made the list. 

Al Maidah

Where: Sagar Street Off Bury New Road, Manchester, M8 8EU

TripAdvisor rating: 4/5 out of 253 reviews. 

The Bolton News: Al Madiah (TripAdvisor) Al Madiah (TripAdvisor)

Just a five-minute walk from the city centre of Manchester is Al Maidah, which took home the 'Asian Restaurant of the Year' award for the North West. 

This buffet-style Indian and Pakistani restaurant has over 60 dishes on offer and also does catering and events. 

It has an open kitchen where you can watch the chefs prepare authentic food from anywhere in the room.

Prefer eating at home? Al Maidah sells take-out food boxes for all your catering needs, serving between four and 10 people per box. 

Purple Olive Ashton 

Where: 83 Stamford Street East, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 6QH

TripAdvisor rating: 4.5/5 out of 27 reviews. 

The Bolton News: Purple Olive (TripAdvisor)Purple Olive (TripAdvisor)

Chef Atik Sheikh of Purple Olive in Ashton-under-Lyne won 'Asian Chef of the Year' at the 2021 ceremony. 

Purple Olive serves Indian and sub-continent cuisine available for dine-in and take-away. 

It has a fully-licensed bar and a team of experienced staff that will create the ultimate authentic experience.