Award-winning Indian restaurant in Ottery proves it has star quality

‘Less spice and more taste’ proved a winning formula for an Ottery curry chef, who has gained recognition as East Devon’s finest.

Shams Uddin, 42, of the Star of India, took on tough competition from across the county, to clinch the third prize in the Curry Chef of the Year 2015 contest.

His dish was singled out by Indian cookery expert and star of ITV’s Food Glorious Food, Bini Ludlow, who praised the restaurant’s paneer aloo, saying it was one of the best she had ever tasted.

This was the Mill Street restaurant’s first time participating in the prestigious event, which was organised jointly by Exeter City Council, Teignbridge District Council and East Devon District Council.

Mr Uddin took on 14 of the area’s top curry chefs and had just one hour in which to prepare and serve a curry, complementary side dish and a bread or rice dish.

The chef and restaurant manager has been cooking for 27 years, and personally trains all of his staff.

He said his recipe for success is to add less spice and more taste to his dishes.

“The restaurant gets really good feedback from customers, who travel from as far afield as Exeter, Chard and Broadclyst,” said Mr Uddin.

He said he hopes to do even better next year.