A BASINGSTOKE restaurant has been named the best Indian restaurant in the south.

Chennai Express in Wote Street won The Best Indian Restaurant of the year South at the Nation’s Curry Awards 2023 in Manchester.

The chef-owned restaurant, which opened four years ago, has an open kitchen and uses home-ground ingredients for dishes.

Manager Kendra Dhakal said the team of 10 members is “very delighted” about winning the award.

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“For a young business, which has been in the market for only four years, we have already won quite a few awards. This latest addition is even more special,” Mr Dhakal said.

“We have got a very experienced and passionate team in the business who constantly tries to give the best.

“We try to provide top quality food with excellent service which reflects on all the reviews.

“It’s really a team spirit. Everyone working on the same energy level, determination, passion and commitment. All our hard work has paid off.

“And special thanks to our customers, who really love our food because we have an open kitchen. People can see the sizzling and vibes of the kitchen. In addition, all our ingredients are home-grinded.”

Vamsi Maddireddy and Sagar Barlawar are the two chef-owners of the restaurant.

Mr Barlawar said it was like a 'dream-come-true' experience for his team to be nationally recognised and to become the best in the entire South of England.

Mr Madireddy said the award has encouraged the team to offer even more varieties of authentic South Indian food in the future.