Slough chef is sizzling success in national cook-off

A chef has beaten rivals from across the country after two of his dishes proved a hot favourite with a leading food journalist.

Ashwani Kumar, 37, from Slough, head chef at the Mango Lounge in Windsor, entered two of his dishes in a competition organised as part of National Curry Week - an event founded by renowned ethnic food journalist and creator of Mood Food magazine Peter Grove, who was among the judges.

A dad-of-two, Ashwani's winning traditional dish was lal maas, one of the hottest lamb curries you can get, while the signature dish was rice crusted king prawns with a trio of chutneys.

After presenting him with his framed certificate on Friday, Mr Grove said: "There are nine and a half thousand restaurants in Britain and really only half a dozen really doing something new.

"I had been to the Mango Lounge three times before with other people and always been blown away by Ashwani's efforts. I knew him when he was sous chef at the Cinammon Club in London and realised then he was destined for great things."

National Curry Week raises money to help the poor in India. About 4,000 to 5,000 restaurants took part nationally including Mango Lounge, raising a total of £10,000 to £12,000.