ONE OF the area’s youngest takeaways has come out on top at an industry competition.
Mumbai Wokingham was crowned Best Takeaway in the South East at this year’s English Curry Awards.
The Awards, which are now in their 10th year, celebrate local business across the country with a series of regional and national categories.
Iftekar Rahman, co-founder of Mumbai Wokingham, said he was overwhelmed to have beaten thousands of regional takeaways in 2021’s contest.
The Peach Street eatery is a family-run business, founded by Mr Rahman and his cousin Wahidur. It launched in the midst of the pandemic.
“We are absolutely ecstatic. Over the moon,” Mr Rahman said. “[My cousin and I] have worked so hard since we opened Mumbai Wokingham, so this means a lot to us.”
On Monday, October 18, the pair attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham to collect their prize.
Mumbai Wokingham was up against eight takeaways from across the South East, including restaurants in Maidenhead and Bracknell.
“We were competing against some really good takeaways,” Mr Rahman said. “And it was quite competitive because we know the others, and know how good they are.
“To even be nominated is a great achievement because it shows us eight are the best of the best.”
While the duo did not expect to win, they were optimistic throughout the nominations process.
“We were very positive because we know all that we have done over the last 14 months,” he added. “We know that we’ve gone the extra mile and made sure to offer the best service and food.”
Mr Rahman chalked Mumbai Wokingham’s success down to its out-of-the-box thinking.
“We are unique,” the co-owner explained. “We’re not just a usual curry house and that’s what makes the difference.”
The town centre eatery was nominated for the award by customers, and then selected to be in the final eight by the English Curry Awards’ organisers.
Mr Rahman has since thanked Wokingham residents for supporting his family business over the past year.
“This achievement is all down to our customers’ input,” he said. “They nominated us, so I’d like to express my gratitude to them for helping us get where we are.
“Thank you to all those who noticed that we really are trying our best – you have helped us stand here with this award now.”
And the pair also extended a thank you to their family, for supporting them throughout their business launch.
“We would like to thank our family, specifically our uncles and fathers Atthaur Rahman Kuti Miah and Fatik Miah,” Mr Rahman added.
“They have shown us the way and without them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
“They have given us great support in our business and it wouldn’t have happened without them.”
Find out more about Mumbai Wokingham, which has also launched a new secret food menu, here: www.mumbaiwokingham.co.uk
