Birmingham's Maharaja Restaurant has been named the best in Britain by a BBC food magazine.
The city's oldest and finest Indian restaurant, established in 1971, has won the Top Quality Indian award in a culinary roll of honour in the latest issue of Olive magazine.
It was chosen from hundreds of Indian restaurants for its "superb curries" and "excellent tandoori specialities" served in "an elegant and civilised setting".
Nat Batt, the restaurant's proprietor, said: "We are delighted to have received this accolade by such a prestigious publication. It confirms our commitment to serving the finest authentic Indian food using a tandoor oven from India and spices prepared on our premises." Meanwhile, another city restaurant has beaten off international competition to win an award presented by the Prime Minister of Thailand.
The Thai Orchid Restaurant, in Bennett's Hill, was presented with the Service Award by Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at a ceremony in Bangkok.
It was honoured as the flagship restaurant of a Thai family's group of businesses, including restaurants, supermarkets and a food- and- drink import company.
The Kharmakharm family business originated 40 years ago in Bangkok, with an award-winning restaurant, favoured by local politicians and celebrities. Vichai Kharmakharm said: "We have captured the atmosphere of Thailand."
