Birmingham could be set for a £1.5 million tourism boost if it is crowned Curry Capital of Britain.
The competition has been re-introduced for this year as part of the 13th National Curry Week, with Birmingham vying for the top prize against 11 other cities including Wolverhampton and Bradford.
The city last claimed the title in 2005 and is hoping to steal the title from current holders Leicester and increase tourism to the city, as has happened to previous winning cities.
Four restaurants – Itihaas in Fleet Street, Lasan in St Paul’s Square, Sweet Chillies in Yardley Wood Road and Rose Murree in Hagley Road – have been selected to form Birmingham’s entry.
A spokesman for Marketing Birmingham, which has submitted Birmingham’s bid, said: “Birmingham is a city of world cultures.
"Over the decades, the city has welcomed people to the region from across the globe, bringing with them new talents and skills. This mix of heritage and cultures has formed the distinctiveness of the West Midlands region.
“Today, Birmingham is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the UK, a fact that is reflected in many of the region’s strengths.
"The continual fusion of cultures in the city has created a unique community – our diversity is our strength. Birmingham’s food and drink scene is quickly gaining national and international recognition.
“The Times newspaper calls the city ‘England’s second culinary capital.’
“This year’s entrants will show how our city’s ethnic food offer is developing around quality and professionalism that the customer and visitors demand.”
A team of 13 judges will put the restaurants through their paces, scoring them on the standard of their food and service, their hygiene and cleanliness and how they serve their communities, as well as looking at a dossier explaining why the city should be named Britain’s Curry Capital. All restaurants involved have also been invited to hold a special charity dinner for The Curry Tree Charitable Fund.
The winner will be announced on December 8.
