CURRY COOK-OFF
THE NATIONAL CURRY WEEK
LETS TRAVEL THE CURRY GLOBE!
The heat is on this National Curry Week as six influencers step into the kitchen to battle it out for the title of The National Curry Week Curry 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 Praveen Kumar for our Indian round, Chef Tony in our Japanese round, Chef Lalita in our Thai round, Chef Chin in our Jamaican round & Theo - founder of The Chilli Trail in our Pan-Asian themed final.
Hosted by Kingfisher Brand Ambassador Tommy Sandhu and comedian Richard Blackwood, the competition takes us on a tour around the globe in the name of curry! At stake is the ultimate prize: the Curry 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 Curry Cook-Off.
watch the latest episode
watch the latest episode
MEET OUR HOSTS
richard blackwood
In 2009, Praveen and his wife Swarna opened Tabla Restaurant in Perth, which became the first Indian restaurant in Scotland to receive an AA Rosette. He later founded Scotland’s Indian Cook School and launched his own range of authentic Indian dishes, inspired by the recipes, ingredients and traditions of his upbringing on his family’s spice farm in India.
Praveen’s extensive experience, deep understanding of authentic Indian cuisine and commitment to showcasing its heritage make him ideal for judging his Railway Lamb Curry in the National Curry Week Indian round.
Tommy sandhu
Praveen’s extensive experience, deep understanding of authentic Indian cuisine and commitment to showcasing its heritage make him ideal for judging his Railway Lamb Curry in the National Curry Week Indian round.
MEET THE JUDGES
CHEF PRAVEEN KUMAR - FOUNDER OF PRAVEEN KUMAR
Praveen Kumar is an award-winning chef, restaurateur and entrepreneur whose career has taken him from Southern India to some of Scotland’s most prestigious kitchens, including Gleneagles and Turnberry.
In 2009, Praveen and his wife Swarna opened Tabla Restaurant in Perth, which became the first Indian restaurant in Scotland to receive an AA Rosette. He later founded Scotland’s Indian Cook School and launched his own range of authentic Indian dishes, inspired by the recipes, ingredients and traditions of his upbringing on his family’s spice farm in India.
Praveen’s extensive experience, deep understanding of authentic Indian cuisine and commitment to showcasing its heritage make him ideal for judging his Railway Lamb Curry in the National Curry Week Indian round.
CHEF TONY - PRIVATE CHEF SPECIALISED IN JAPANESE CUISINE
As our National Curry Week judging journey takes us around the globe, our next stop is Japan - where Chef Tony is perfectly placed to judge our Katsu Curry round.
A private Japanese chef and founder of Desk Gourmet, Tony specialises in Japanese cuisine and brings a deep understanding of flavour, balance, ingredients and traditional technique to the judging panel.
His expertise in Japanese food makes him the ideal judge to help us celebrate one of Japan’s most iconic curry dishes and ensure our Katsu Curry entries are judged with authenticity, knowledge and a genuine appreciation of the cuisine.
CHEF LALITA - PRIVATE CHEF SPECIALISING IN THAI CUISINE
Next on our journey through the world of curry, we head to Thailand for one of the country’s most celebrated dishes — Thai Green Curry.
Leading the judging for this round is Chef Lalita of Lali by Lalita, a private chef specialising in Thai cuisine. Lalita brings an expert understanding of the ingredients, techniques and flavour balance that sit at the heart of Thai cooking.
With Thai Green Curry relying on the perfect harmony of fragrance, heat, sweetness and freshness, Lalita’s specialist knowledge makes her perfectly placed to assess what sets an exceptional version of this iconic dish apart.
CHEF CHIN - OWNER OF CHIN’S KITCHEN
Our search for great curry flavours takes us to the Caribbean, with Jamaica bringing its own bold and vibrant style to the competition through Shrimp Coconut Curry.
Judging our Jamaican round is Chef Chin, owner of Chin’s Kitchen, whose cooking draws on the rich flavours and traditions of Jamaican cuisine. Chef Chin brings a strong understanding of how spice, seasoning, freshness and richness come together to create a beautifully balanced dish.
With Shrimp Coconut Curry combining delicate seafood with warming spice and creamy coconut, Chef Chin’s expertise makes her perfectly placed to judge what sets an outstanding version of this Caribbean favourite apart.
THEO FOX - CO-FOUNDER OF THE CHILLI TRAIL
For the final round of our National Curry Week judging journey, we’re handing the destination over to chance. Two contestants will each spin the wheel, with their result deciding which part of Asia & which style of curry they’ll be taking on.
Judging the Pan-Asian final is Theo, founder of The Chilli Trail, whose passion for food, travel and discovering bold flavours from across Asia makes him a natural fit for a round built around exploration and variety.
With neither contestant knowing where the wheel will take them, Theo’s broad appreciation of Asian food and flavour makes him perfectly placed to judge a final that celebrates the sheer diversity of curry across the continent.
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!
Cooking for
