Britain's Curry King bringing authentic Bangladeshi flavours to global audience

Dhaka : Renowned as the "Curry King" of Britain-Tommy Miah-launched a South Asian street food brand in the United Kingdom's London, Birmingham and Manchester called "Tommy Miah's Chotpoti" in 2022. With this, the Bangladeshi-British culinary pioneer continues his mission of bringing authentic Bangladeshi flavours to a global audience. The Member of the Order of the British Empire also plans to expand the brand to Bangladesh soon.

Tommy Miah said this while talking to The Bangladesh Monitor at its office in the capital recently. 

Born in Bangladesh's Sylhet, Tommy Miah moved to England's Birmingham at the age of 10 and later completed his education in London. He began his culinary journey in Edinburgh, where he established the Raj Restaurant in 1986, laying the foundation for his expansive hospitality career.

In 1991, Tommy Miah founded the International Indian Chef of the Year competition. It attracts nearly 5,000 participants globally and raises funds for the Sreepur Village Orphanage in Bangladesh, informed the Curry King.

It may be mentioned here, the prestigious event that celebrates innovations in South Asian cuisine has seen the involvement of notable figures including Her Royal Highness Princess Anne in 2017.

Tommy Miah teaching his students during a culinary class

Tommy Miah's influence grew with the creation of the Original Raj Hotel in the year 2000, the United Kingdom's first Indian-themed hotel.

His legacy was further strengthened by the establishment of Tommy Miah's Hospitality Management Institute in 2002. So far, it has trained over 25,000 students, significantly contributing to the hospitality industry of Bangladesh.

Tommy Miah has also been instrumental in creating the Great British Curry Festival, which showcases British-Asian cuisine worldwide.

His achievements further include serving a special lunch box at 10 Downing Street for the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom John Major's 50th birthday, creating the world's largest curry and introducing sub-continental meals for in-flight dining.

A prolific author, Miah has published several cookbooks. Of them, one features a foreword by Her Majesty the late Queen Elizabeth the Second, mentioned the culinary maestro.

His philanthropic efforts support charities in both the United Kingdom and Bangladesh, including Cancer Research UK and the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed in Bangladesh, concluded the legendary culinary artist.