The Tiffin Cup

The Tiffin Cup

Chefs from 14 curry houses in the UK will travel to Parliament on the 16th of May to compete in a "cook off" for the inaugural Tiffin Cup, which celebrates south Asian cuisine.

MPs Michael Fabricant, John Barrett and Keith Vaz launched the Tiffin Cup because of the "colourful contribution" south Asian restaurants make to the British food industry.

40 south Asian restaurants throughout the UK were nominated for the award by their local MPs. These were cut down to a shortlist of 14, and they will compete in a cook-in at the Commons on 16 May.

The judges include presenters Loyd Grossman, Ainsley Harriott and Nina Wadia from TV's Goodness Gracious Me.

The winning restaurant will get a year's supply of Cobra Beer, and the 2006 Tiffin Cup.

The competition will raise money for the Roko Cancer Appeal, which also fights tuberculosis in the UK and India.

Mr Vaz said:

"The UK's love affair with curry has come a long way. I am delighted to host the first Tiffin Cup grand final, which will feature 14 of the best south Asian restaurants Britain has to offer.

These restaurants raise a greater awareness and understanding of Britain's Asian communities.

I am sure this will be a fun-packed evening that will highlight how far south Asian cuisine has developed in this country, while also supporting two very worthy causes."