Muraliraj Narashimaraj wins the UK industry's prestigious prize of the South Asian Chef Competition (SACC) 2011.
Muraliraj is the Head Chef at the Lasan Eatery in Birmingham, and part of the renowned award winning Lasan Group. He is a lifelong member of the South Indian Culinary Association. Muraliraj describes himself as a Chef with a passion for food together with a strong kitchen background and extensive experience working in high profile establishments throughout Southern India and in particular Chennai City.
The winner of the competition was awarded the coveted title of South Asian Chef of the Year 2011 and wins a majestic and unique prize comprising of 7 days at the world famous Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai India for 2 people working with globally renowned Chef Hemant Oberoi, £1,000 cash, includes 2 return flight tickets courtesy of Kingfisher Airlines also one years free Membership of the Craft Guild of Chefs and the SACC Gold Medal 2011
Now in its 7th year,, the national finals of the South Asian Chef Competition 2011 saw 8 finalists from across the regions compete and cook off for the hotly contested first prize. The competition was held at Leeds City College under the watchful eyes of respected industry judges Andrew Green, Shyam Patiar and Stephen Gomes.
The South Asian Chef Competition (SACC), setup by Mohammed Aslam MBE, Aagrah's Managing Director and Executive Chef, is spearheaded by the Aagrah Group of Restaurants, UK's largest chain of Kashmiri restaurants, supported by Kingfisher, LWC, Cobra and Barclays. The challenge called for competitors to produce among others a healthy option dish and an innovative dish. All the dishes had to be creative and adventurous, with chefs using their own original recipes to win the title.