THE finalists have been announced in the second annual Bradford Curry Awards.

The competition seeks to find the best of the best while encouraging newcomers to the industry which employs over 30,000 people district-wide.

Organiser and event director Fatima Patel said Bradford had won the national title of Curry Capital of Britain for six consecutive years and boasts more than 200 curry establishments. The awards offered a chance for the city’s establishments to shine.

READ MORE: Video - winners of first Bradford Curry Awards

She explained: “The Bradford Curry Awards have been organised to provide a platform to showcase the best of the local industry.

“They aim to recognise not just the city’s top chefs but also all those who work hard behind the scenes to create the city’s nationally-acclaimed culinary reputation.”

Curry-lovers from across the district were invited to nominate their favourite eateries - with more than 100 names put forward - and a shortlist has now been announced.

The shortlisted entries are:

Best Restaurant (Judges’ Choice): My Lahore; Shimla Spice; Akaash; Sweet Centre; East Z East.

Best Restaurant (People’s Choice): Sultan, My Lahore, Akbars, East Z East, Akaash.

Best Dish: Prashad; Café Regal; Akbars; Shimla Spice; Dhesi Grill.

Best Takeaway: Food2Go; Rawals/Chopstix; Raavis; Bengal Tiffin Tandoori; Shama Balti.

Best Customer Service: Shimla Spice; Kiplings; Prashad; Akaash; East Z East.

Best Chef: Prashad, Akaash; Sweet Centre; My Lahore; Shimla Spice.

Best Manager: Shimla Spice; Prashad; Akaash; Dhesi Grill; Lahori Gate.

Best Caterer: Sunrise Catering; My Lahore; Aziz Catering; Iqbal Catering.

Best Newcomer: Nawaab Gourmet; Tazza Kitchen; East Z East.

Ms Patel added: “Once again the public have chosen in their thousands and we are delighted with the response.

“We were aware that the people of Bradford love their food and know their curry, but they’ve really rallied round to support their favourite establishments. It’s been phenomenal to see how passionate everyone directly involved is about their industry and what it means to the Bradford economy.”

The judges will now visit the shortlisted establishments to choose final winners.

The five restaurants shortlisted in the People’s Choice category will go back out to a public vote on Monday, March 18.

Voting for the People’s Choice champion will close on Friday, April 5, and the restaurant with the highest number of verified votes will win this category.

The winners will be announced during the final at the Cedar Court Hotel, on Tuesday, April 9.