Modern Indian eatery Jai Ho of Ocean Road, South Shields, first opened its doors in September 2009, offering customers the chance to enjoy delicious recipes, old and new, in a unique, modern setting. Embraced by local diners, the venue has gone from strength to strength in a few short months. Now, still short of its first birthday, it has been confirmed as the winner in the regional cook off for the highly-prized and strongly contested accolade of best curry on South Tyneside.

Chef Mohammed Mubrok impressed the judges with his skilful cooking and subtle use of spices to ensure his restaurant won the title. His offering of Roshuni Horrin Manshoor (fine cuts of organic venison cooked in medium garlic sauce with subtle spices) accompanied by onion pilau rice and a Chef’s Special Bhaji impressed the judges as much as it has impressed regular customers, receiving the highest praise.

The competition as a whole demanded high standards from the entire team at Jai Ho. The gruelling assessment began with a thorough food hygiene inspection of the premises by one of the Council’s Food Inspectors. The venue was examined for the key concerns of food safety, structural conditions and confidence in the management. This inspection was followed by an intense tasting session of a main authentic dish and side dish presented by the resident chef, which was judged by the panel at the restaurant. Jai Ho was then given an overall score which proved to be among the three highest of all the venues entered.

Chef Mohammed Mubrok wowed the judges in the cook off, which took place at South Tyneside College on the 20th July, taking away the prestigious title. He saw off hot competition from Café Bangla from East Boldon, and Zeera, also from Ocean Road in South Shields, and will now represent the South Tyneside district in the regional final, to be held in Newcastle in October.

Café Bangla’s owner and head chef Ali Hussain is a former South Tyneside Curry Chef of the Year who represented Britain in the Taste of Britain Curry Fest, held in Bangladesh in October 2009. His menu came second, while last year’s winner, Zeera head chef Kohinoor Choudhury, came third.

Owner Khamal Hussain is delighted at this latest accolade:

“The past few months have exceeded any possible expectations we had for the restaurant and we are all delighted at its success to date. To win this demanding competition against so many other well-respected venues is a great honour, and everyone is very excited about reaching the next stage. Being chosen as the winners is a fantastic early birthday present and we’ll be aiming to present the best food we can at the next cook off. Obviously, we can’t help hoping that our name will continue to prove prophetic for us- Jai Ho is Hindi for ‘May you be victorious!’