Hannan’s Spicy Cuisine chef is a Bangladesh Caterers Association contest finalist

A restaurant chef is a finalist in a national catering competition.

Abdul Hannan, who runs Hannan’s Spicy Cuisine in Uppingham, was named a finalist in the Bangladesh Caterers Association contest earlier this month, with the final taking place in London on October 28.

In order to qualify, Abdul took part in a live ‘cook off’ with the dishes chefs produced tasted by a panel of judges.

Abdul, a chef of more than 30 years, worked in Scotland, London and Leicester before setting up his family business in Ayston Road, Uppingham.

He employs several staff and has recently opened an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Evesham Road, Leicester,

Last year he netted the Takeaway of the Year title in the Leicestershire Curry Awards and he is a previous winner in Bangladesh Caterers Association competitions.

Abdul and his wife Najma have developed a loyal customer base at their Rutland takeaway, which has been open for seven years and has a five-star hygiene rating.

“I’m delighted that we are finalists at this year’s awards, which celebrate innovative cooking at a very high standard,” he said.

“I enjoy creating new dishes as well as making sure our customers’ favourites continue to be excellent for them.”

Abdul learned cooking skills from his mother but firmly believes Najma makes the best Bangladeshi fish dishes he has tasted.

The couple have five grown-up daughters and the family has retained its cultural links by being active in the Bangladeshi community in Leicester.