Tasfia Khan:
With global anticipation mounting, the inaugural American Curry Awards is set to take place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the prestigious Terrace on the Park in Queens, New York. Organized jointly by Khalil Group of Industries and Asha Group, the event aims to celebrate the cultural, creative, and entrepreneurial excellence of the curry culinary world—from professional chefs to passionate home cooks.
The awards come on the heels of a successful Best Home Chef competition, which was held on Sunday, May 18 at Khalil Biryani House in the Bronx. Dozens of home chefs showcased their culinary skills in three categories: appetizer, main course, and dessert. Winners from this segment will be honored at the May 24 gala, where they’ll receive the Best Home Chef Award, joining industry professionals on one of the most inclusive stages in the culinary world.
The final event promises to be an extravagant celebration of flavors and community. In addition to the home chef category, awards will be given in eight professional categories: Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Best Food Blogger, Best Entrepreneur, Chef of the Year, Personality of the Year, Curry Legend Award, and Lifetime Achievement Award.
At a press conference held on May 14 at Khalil Biryani House, co-founders Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, of Khalil Group, and Akash Rahman, of Asha Group, detailed the extensive planning behind the event. “Though this is the first time we’re hosting the American Curry Awards in the U.S., our goal has always been to make this a world-class event,” said Akash Rahman. “We’re proud of the diversity and talent this platform is bringing together.”
Also unveiled at the press conference was the official American Curry Awards trophy, which received widespread praise for its unique and elegant design. “This trophy reflects the prestige of the award itself,” noted Mohammad Khalilur Rahman, who rose to national fame with the launch of Biden Biryani and has continued to push boundaries in the culinary space.
The judging panel includes renowned names such as Chef Tony Karim Khan, Dr. Izzat Husain (India), Rossahm Bin Rusli (Malaysia), Montaser Masoud (Saudi Arabia), Sylvester Rozario (Bahrain), Mahmoud Yassin (Jordan), Oli Khan MBE (UK), and Md. Golam Mostofa (USA). Notable Bangladeshi culinary personalities such as Rahima Sultana Reeta, Shaheda Yasmin, Mareena Khandokar, and Lobbi Rahman are also part of the esteemed jury.
Adding star power to the ceremony, Bangladeshi food influencers Adnan Faruq Hillol and Nusrat Islam (Zoltan BD) are expected to attend, alongside dignitaries, lawmakers, and guests from across the United States. Special appearances are also expected from figures like Dr. Sabur Khan, Chairman of Daffodil International University in Bangladesh.
While the May 18 cook-off energized the community and revealed promising talent, all eyes are now on the May 24 awards ceremony, which is shaping up to be a landmark event for the global South Asian culinary community.
With registration closed and preparations complete, the stage is set for a night that promises to blend culinary artistry, cultural pride, and international celebration—proving that curry, in all its forms, continues to bring the world to the table.
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