Talented curry chef Muhammad Ali has been chosen to showcase a variety of dishes during a prestigious festival in India. And the head chef at Forsbrook's Roshni restaurant will be serving up some of his own specialities alongside the 'British favourites' such as Tikka Masala, Balti and Jalfrezi.
The 39-year-old, of Dresden, is one of just three chefs from the UK who have been selected to take part in the Taste of Britain food festival where they'll be representing the country against a number of other nations all hoping to serve up the best curry and impress the judges.
Being selected to take part - and work with renowned chef Mark Poynton - represents an impressive rise through the ranks for Muhammad. The former Edensor Technology College pupil started working at the popular Cheadle Road restaurant back in 2002 as a waiter.
Now overseeing the kitchen, and regularly impressing customers, Muhammad said: "My aim was always to be head chef and that's what I do now. When I started I was about 16 and I would watch the chefs and see how they did things and the way they put meals together. I enjoy being part of a team and and keeping our customers happy. I will do special dishes and include those on the menu."
Next month Muhammad will jet off to India for the five-day festival, organised by UK-based magazine Curry Life. Judges will be on the lookout for the finest dishes produced by the UK team - featuring other chefs from County Durham and Chatham - and culinary experts from other nations.
Muhammad said: "I have only been to India once before for a holiday and am looking forward to this. So many people will be there. We will also be cooking something of our own and I will be doing a gurkha special and hariali special that I do here in the restaurant. There are some secret ingredients that I won't be revealing! I also hope to bring back some tips to incorporate into my cooking."
The festival will take place between March 5 and March 10.
Festival founder and Editor of Curry Life Magazine, Syed Belal Ahmed, said: "British food is enjoying a renaissance period after many years and curry has played a major role in helping put us back in the world kitchen. We're keen to promote the presentational, artistic and culinary skills of British Asian curry chefs and their role in helping the humble curry evolve to meet the tastes of food enthusiasts. This festival is not just about British curry cuisine, it is also a wonderful way of showcasing the best of British chefs and their best food creations."
