The New Nation - Internet Edition

BUSINESS REPORT

The British government minister and MEP praises the efforts of British Bangladeshi chefs for transforming the British Curry Business into a multi-billion pounds Industry. Speaking at the UK launch of 5th British Fusion Food Festival to be held Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Bangladesh, Jim Fitzpatrick MP, Minister for transport, said: "The achievements of British Bangladeshi chefs are commendable and we salute them for making the British Curry Industry a great success."

Seven of the UK's top British - Bangladeshi chefs have produced a range of new dishes giving a spicy twist to traditional Anglo-Bangla meals.

The British Government Minister for Transport, MP Jim Fitzpatrick, MEP Robert Evans, Bangladeshi High Commissioner Shafi U Ahmed, Director - Sales and Marketing of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Mr Mahfuzur Rahman, were some of the first VIPs to tuck into the new dishes, which include Spicy Bubble and Squeak, Potato, Aubergine and Coconut Stew, Lamb Chops with Plum and Coriander Sauce and most favourites British invention Chicken Tikka Masala.

The people of Dhaka can get ready to tantalise their taste buds and enjoy a culinary extravaganza, at the British Fusion Food Festival, which takes place at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, Bangladesh, 13 - 16 November 2008. The festival will be in its 5th year, features a whole host of fusion chefs just gets bigger and better every year.

As part of this annual Gastronomic tour, a team of seven British - Bangladeshi chefs is jetting out to Bangladesh - to show off their curry cooking skills. They will be taking their British curry and other fusion food dishes to Bangladesh for the Food Festival to be held at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel.

And for those who cannot make their way to Dhaka, the festival in the UK is now taking place in different 'Prominent Bangladeshi Restaurants' across the country. As part of the festival, Chef Pintu Rozario, Sous Chef, from Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, is currently in Britain to participate at the first leg of festival in the UK throughout September 2008. He has prepared an exclusive menu, designed to help food lovers discover some of the most excellent culinary delights of Bangladesh.

The chefs selected for the festival in Dhaka, are required to create a menu that fits under the banner of 'BRITISH FUSION FOOD' and design dishes that combine the authentic with contemporary …creating the ultimate fusion of East and West. Chef Abul Monsur from Chatham, Kent, Oli Khan from Luton, Sarawar Uddin Khan from London Borough of Bromley, Atikur Rahman from South Wales, Shahidur Rahman from West Midlands, Syed Zohorul Islam from County Durham and Partha Mittra from Sussex, are amongst the seven British 'Super Curry Chefs' selected for the festival.

In addition to the seven participating chefs, a delegation of observers consists of Journalists, Restaurateurs, Community Leaders and Festival Sponsors from the UK will travel to Dhaka to see the festival. This special delegation is led by Mr Robert Evans, MEP (Member of the European Parliament for London), and Chair of the South Asia Delegation of the European Parliament.

Under the 'Best of British' banner, top British Bangladeshi chefs will serve up a variety of dishes for the hungry diners at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. The seven of the UK's top chefs have produced a range of new dishes giving a spicy twist to traditional British meals.

The highlight for this year fusion food menu includes, dishes such as:

· Spicy Bubble and Squeak

· Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding

· Lamb Chops with Plum and Coriander Sauce

· Potato, Aubergine and Coconut Stew

· Pistachio Chicken Pie

· Spicy Sardines in Tomato Sauce

· Dak Bangla Chicken

A programme of food-related talks, food safety and hygiene workshops will take place throughout the festival in Dhaka.

Syed Belal Ahmed, Festival Director, said: "We are looking forward to building on the success and growth of the festival in recent years and will be welcoming new and old friends to Dhaka, to celebrate the best of British food and have some fun too! "Good food can unite people, and in that regard the Britain and Bangladesh are no exception. This is a great way to celebrate the friendship of Britain and Bangladesh."

"Our aim is to promote and support Bangladeshi Restaurants, chefs, food producers and suppliers by providing an important and different platform for them to exhibit, create and perform. By organising this festival we strives for greater recognition of the British Bangladeshi chefs," he added.

Mahfuzur Rahman, Director - Sales and Marketing, Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, said: "During the month of November this year, you will find British fusion food delicacies served once again at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, prepared by a team of chefs from Britain's finest restaurants.

"The festival is not just about the food - a talented line-up of entertainers with live music and dance is also in the pipeline, with a dedicated performing stage by the pool side of Dhaka Sheraton Hotel, to create a cultural backdrop to the feasting that is such a feature of this festival. "

The event has been organised by Curry Life, the industry's popular trade magazine. Sponsors include Etihad Airways, Ellwoods, Bangla Beer, Icon College, Aerolex (UK) Ltd, Nandan, Radio Foorti, Chy Tel Communications, Chefskit, Red Fort, Jamuna Money Exchange, Ocean Blue Finance, Community Skills Development Agency (CSDA) and Bangla Town Cash & Carry.

Participating Chefs:

1. Mr Abul Monsur, Executive Chef, Taj Cuisine

1 Walderslade Centre, Walderslade Road, Chatham, ME5 9UD, Tel: 01634 - 686648

2. Mr Sarawar Uddin Khan, Executive Chef, Kosturi Restaurant

18 Station Approach, Hayes, Bromley, BR2 7EH, Tel:020 8462 8594

3. Mr Atikur Rahman, Executive Chef, Tamarind

Blenheim Rd, St. Dials, Cwmbran, NP44 4SY, Tel: 01633 874411

4. Mr Oli Khan, Executive Chef, Stopsley Surma

610 Hitchin Rd, Luton, LU2 7UG, Tel: 01582 611015

5. Mr Syed Zohorul Islam, Executive Chef, The Capital

69 Claypath, Durham, County Durham, DH1 1QT, Tel: 0191-386 8803

6. Mr Shahidur Rahman, Executive Chef, The Raj Spice

7 Halesowen St, Rowley Regis, B65 0HG, Tel: 0121-559 5537

7. Mr Partha Mittra, Executive Chef, Indian

Brighton, East Sussex