LONDON: A Nepali restaurant Panas Gurkha, in Lee High Road, has been recognized in the British Curry Awards. It was shortlisted in the Best In London Suburbs category at a glamorous awards ceremony.

Owner Sujan Katuwal said, “It was wonderful to be shortlisted for the prize – it really was not something we were expecting at all.”

“It absolutely means a lot to have been recognized with an award – I am certainly taking it as a pride.”

The restaurant serves a wide variety of cuisine, cooked using fresh ingredients prepared in its own kitchens, and uses local produce in its dishes.

Sujan referenced Jhaneko Masu as one of the restaurant’s best dishes, claiming that it was Panas Gurkha that introduced the dish to the area.

It is a grilled spicy dish of lamb, seasoned with various spices.

“Most of my recipes come from my mum and wife,” Sujan added.

“We’re very much a family-run restaurant – I would say my wife really is the backbone of the business.

“But we would not have been able to come this far without the amazing support of our customers, staff, and the community.

“It takes years to build up that level of trust in the area, and I always want to do what I can to give back to the community.”

Sujan received the award on the night along with his wife Bandana and his mother, Sushila.

He was also surprised by a visit at the restaurant from MP Vicky Foxcroft, who dropped in to congratulate them.

(with inputs from News Shopper)