NATIONAL CURRY WEEK
THE COOK-OFF
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED
The heat is on this National Curry Week as six influencers step into the kitchen to battle it out for the title of Cook-Off Champion. Guided by their passion for food and a healthy dose of competitive spirit, each contestant serves up their best dish to impress an expert judging panel including Chef Ashok Kumar, Chef Parminder Singh, Oli Khan, Mitu Chowdhury and representatives from the BCA.
Hosted by Kingfisher Brand Ambassador Tommy Sandhu and Anisa Khan of Bombay Pizza and The Apprentice fame, the competition brings energy, flavour and plenty of fun. At stake is the ultimate prize: the Cook-Off crown and a £1,000 donation to the winner’s chosen charity.
Episodes release daily throughout the week, with the finale celebrating the champion’s journey and the standout highlights from an unforgettable Cook-Off.
watch the latest episode
watch the latest episode
EPISODE 1 - BOMBAY PIZZA CHALLENGE
IN THIS EPISODE:
Anisa sets the heat high with a challenge close to her heart, a ‘Bombay-inspired Pizza’.
Contestants must bring their unique flavours and creativity to the table, fusing two iconic favourites into one unforgettable dish.
Who will rise to the challenge and impress our expert judges? And who will fall short of the perfect balance between spice, crunch, and creativity?
EPISODE 2 – MALAI TIKKA CHALLENGE
IN THIS EPISODE:
The competition heats up as we enter the first knockout round!
This time, the challenge is all about a beloved classic: Malai Tikka. Contestants must showcase finesse, balance, and technique as they recreate this creamy, smoky favourite with their own signature twist.
Who will master the delicate flavours and tender perfection of Malai Tikka to secure their place in the competition? And who will stumble under the pressure of the knockout and see their journey come to an end?
EPISODE 3 - JALFREZI CHALLENGE
IN THIS EPISODE:
We’re cranking up the pressure as the Cook-Off enters its most intense round yet — a double elimination special!
In this fiery episode, the contestants must take on a bold and vibrant classic: Jalfrezi. Packed with heat, colour, and punchy flavours, it’s a dish that calls for balance, flair, and serious spice control.
The cooks must impress the judges with their ability to tame the fire while keeping every bite deliciously unforgettable.
But with a double elimination on the line, the heat is on like never before and two contestants will see their Cook-Off journey come to an end.
EPISODE 4 - GRILLED LEMON CHILLI PRAWN CHALLENGE
IN THIS EPISODE:
Three contenders. Two spots in the finale. One dish to decide it all.
Naz, Sunia and Cec face a challenge that’s all about precision, flair, and bold flavour: Grilled Lemon Chilli Prawns.
Smoky from the grill, zesty with lemon, and fiery with chilli, every element must be perfectly balanced to impress the judges.
By the end of this round, one cook’s journey will come to an end and the final two will be revealed.
EPISODE 5 - LAMB LAAL MAAS
IN THIS EPISODE:
Two finalists. One final challenge. One champion to be crowned.
After rounds of bold flavours, fiery competition, and unforgettable dishes, it all comes down to this.
The finalists face the ultimate test, Lamb Laal Maas. Rich, spicy, and deeply aromatic, this Rajasthani classic demands skill, balance, and heart in every bite.
Only one contestant can claim the crown. By the end of this round, the National Curry Week Cook-Off Champion 2025 will be revealed.
MEET THE JUDGES
Oli Khan: President, Bangladeshi Caterers Association UK
Oli Khan MBE is one of the most influential figures in the UK curry industry. As President of the Bangladeshi Caterers Association UK, he represents thousands of restaurants and caterers nationwide, championing the heritage of Bangladeshi cuisine while supporting innovation and growth across the sector.
A chef, restaurateur, and community leader, Oli’s contributions to hospitality were recognised with an MBE. His leadership, passion, and commitment to the curry industry make him a vital voice on the National Curry Week judging panel.
Mitu Choudhury: Secretary General, Bangladeshi Caterers Association UK
Mitu Choudhury is a prominent figure in the UK curry industry, serving as Secretary General of the Bangladeshi Caterers Association UK. She plays a key role in representing and supporting Bangladeshi restaurants and caterers across the country, advocating for the sector while helping drive innovation and growth.
With deep experience in hospitality and a passion for preserving and promoting Bangladeshi cuisine, Mitu brings insight, leadership, and dedication to the National Curry Week judging panel.
ASHOK KUMAR: Head Chef of Kanishka by atul kochhar (Mayfair)
Ashok Kumar is an award-winning chef recognised for his inventive approach to modern Indian cuisine. As Head Chef at Kanishka in Mayfair, he leads one of London’s most acclaimed Indian fine-dining restaurants, showcasing bold flavours with refined presentation.
He has represented his craft on the national stage, competing in the BBC’s Great British Menu 2024, and has earned accolades including National Chef of the Year finalist (2022) with the Craft Guild of Chefs and Lumina Challenge Champion (2023).
Blending creativity with classical technique, Chef Kumar continues to push the boundaries of Indian gastronomy, making him an inspiring addition to the National Curry Week judging panel.
PARMINDER SINGH: Chef/Owner of Cho Asia Restaurant | MasterChef: The Professionals 2022 Contestant
Parminder Singh is a celebrated culinary talent whose career spans some of the most prestigious Indian kitchens worldwide. As the Chef and Owner of Cho Asia Restaurant, he brings together modern innovation with deep-rooted Indian traditions, creating food that is both authentic and forward-thinking.
He first rose to wider public attention as a standout contestant on MasterChef: The Professionals 2022, where his creativity and precision impressed both judges and audiences. Before opening his own restaurant, Parminder honed his craft as Head Chef at Indian Accent - the award-winning modern Indian fine-dining destination with acclaimed outposts in London, New York, and Delhi.
With a passion for redefining Indian cuisine on a global stage, Chef Singh combines technical mastery with an instinct for flavour that pushes the boundaries of what curry and Indian food can be. His experience and insight make him a valued voice on the judging panel for National Curry Week.
Atik Rahman: Senior Vice President, Bangladeshi Caterers Association UK
Atik Rahman is a respected chef, restaurateur, and Senior Vice President of the Bangladeshi Caterers Association UK. He brings extensive experience in running successful restaurants while championing innovation and growth across the UK curry industry.
With a deep passion for Bangladeshi cuisine and the wider sector, Atik’s expertise and leadership make him an invaluable member of the National Curry Week judging panel.
MEET THE CONTESTANTS
Cec is your go-to for mouth-watering eats and honest foodie finds. From kitchen creations to must-try spots, she’s always on the hunt for what tastes amazing.
Cooking for
Adam turns showcases the most heavy cravings foods that you simply can’t scroll past. Bold, fun, and full of personality, his content is as tasty as his cooking.
Cooking for
Naz brings comfort food with a twist! Think big flavours, bold spices, and dishes that make you say exactly that… ooh wee!
Cooking for
Leeanne brings the laughs and the personality to the table. Known for her witty, relatable content and playful energy, she’s not just about food, she’s about making everything more entertaining. And that’s exactly what she did in the Cook-Off!
Cooking for
Sunia serves up mouth-watering homecooked dishes packed with flavour and colour. Her page is all about spices that sing, and recipes people actually want to cook at home.
Cooking for
Rachel is all about flavour-filled adventures! From exploring foodie hidden gems to exciting events/experiences. She brings big energy, big smiles!
