Pakistani-British Chef Wins Prestigious UK National Curry Competition

Pakistani-British chef Sunia Imran has made Pakistan proud by winning the UK National Curry Week Cook-Off 2025, one of the most celebrated culinary events in Britain. The competition, held in Covent Garden, London, brought together six of the UK’s most promising home chefs who showcased their creativity, technical skill, and love for curry the UK’s unofficial national dish.

This victory not only celebrates Sunia’s personal talent but also shines a light on the growing influence of Pakistani cuisine in the global food scene.

A Celebration of Curry and Culture

The National Curry Week, established in 1998, honors the chefs, restaurants, and communities that have helped make curry a cornerstone of British cuisine. Over the years, it has become a platform to showcase how South Asian flavors particularly from Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh continue to inspire new generations of British chefs.

This year’s Cook-Off was no easy feat. The event featured five intense rounds, each testing the participants’ creativity, timing, and precision under pressure. Contestants were given surprise dishes to recreate, and one chef was eliminated after every round.

Sunia impressed the judges from the very beginning, consistently delivering dishes that balanced authenticity with innovation. She won four out of five rounds, ultimately earning the title of UK National Curry Champion 2025.

Judges Praise Her Signature Style

The judging panel which included celebrity chefs from MasterChef UK, The Great British Menu, and other top British restaurants praised Sunia for her “refined yet soulful approach to South Asian cooking.”

One of the judges said,

“Sunia’s dishes reflect both heart and heritage. Her ability to balance complex spices while keeping the soul of Pakistani cooking intact truly sets her apart.”

Her winning dishes reportedly included a modern take on Chicken Karahi, a fusion-inspired Seekh Kebab Platter, and a signature saffron rice pudding with rose and pistachio, all of which wowed the judges for their taste and presentation.

A Chef and a Professional Leader

Beyond the competition, Sunia Imran is not a full-time chef she works as a Senior IT Project Delivery Manager for a UK government department. However, her love for cooking runs deep.

She shares her culinary journey on social media, where thousands of followers enjoy her authentic Pakistani recipes, cooking tutorials, and modern twists on traditional dishes. Her page focuses on family cooking, heritage flavors, and easy recipes for working professionals, making South Asian food approachable for everyone.

Sunia says cooking has always been more than just a hobby.

“Cooking connects me to my roots,” she shared in an interview after her win.
“Growing up in Lahore, our home was full of love, laughter, and food. My mother taught me that cooking is not only about taste but about sharing, caring, and bringing people together.”

Winning for a Cause

As part of her victory, Sunia received a £1,000 cash prize which she donated entirely to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, a gesture that touched both the judges and the audience. Her selfless act reflected the theme of this year’s National Curry Week: “Cooking with Purpose.”

She said,

“Winning this title is an honor, but being able to give back makes it even more meaningful. Food is about community and community is about helping others.”

Cultural Significance and Global Impact

Sunia’s win holds cultural importance beyond the competition itself. It symbolizes how Pakistani and South Asian cuisine continues to shape British culture. Curry, once considered an immigrant dish, is now one of Britain’s most beloved comfort foods and chefs like Sunia are carrying that legacy forward with pride.

Her victory also highlights the growing recognition of women chefs of Pakistani origin in international culinary spaces. By merging tradition with creativity, Sunia represents a new generation of chefs redefining the global food narrative.

A Bright Future Ahead

With her rising popularity, Sunia plans to expand her culinary footprint through workshops, pop-up dining experiences, and recipe collaborations. She aims to continue sharing authentic Pakistani flavors with a global audience while encouraging others to celebrate their roots through cooking.

For more updates visit: Nation bytes