An Indian restaurant in a Suffolk town has been shortlisted as a finalist in a national competition. 

Jilani in Sudbury's North Street has been recognised as one of the top Asian culinary establishments in the country as it made the final of the National Chef of the Year award at the upcoming Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards (ARTA) 2024. 

As part of the competition, chefs at Jilani took part in a cook-off on Monday, September 16, at Cambridge Regional College before a panel of esteemed judges.

Chefs presenting their food at the competitionChefs presenting their food at the competition (Image: Submitted)

This came after a rigorous competition process involving customer nominations from around the UK, with over 900,000 customers taking part. 

Owner Nasir Jilani said: “Jilani's achievement not only brings pride to Sudbury but also showcases Suffolk's growing reputation in the UK's diverse culinary landscape." 

The ARTA 2024 final ceremony is set to take place on Sunday, October 6 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. 

The competition celebrates excellence in Pan Asian cuisine across the UK. 

Chefs were judged by a panel on September 16Chefs were judged by a panel on September 16 (Image: Submitted)

Categories include Regional Restaurants of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, while Jilani is nominated for the National Chef of the Year award. 

This year's ARTA is supported by various sponsors, including Work Permit Cloud, ChefOnline, Guavapay, Super Pollo and Cobra Beer.

The event also partners with Cambridge Regional College to launch a specialised training program in January 2025, aimed at upskilling chefs in the Indian and Bangladeshi communities.

Jilani opened in Sudbury's North Street in February 2023, replacing the former India Restaurant. 

Inside of Jilani in SudburyInside of Jilani in Sudbury (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Before its opening a top London designer, who only undertakes a few projects each year, was brought in to overhaul the interior, giving it a fresh, stylish new look.

Nasir Jilani, who is also a firefighter, also runs The Chequers Indian Lounge in Great Blakenham, which opened in September 2022.