Enam Ali

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Enam Ali MBE

Enam Ali (1 December 1960 – 17 July 2022) was a British-Bangladeshi restaurateur and businessman. He was best known for founding the British Curry Awards, an annual event celebrating the best in the British curry industry. Ali was a prominent figure in the British Asian community and made significant contributions to the promotion of Indian cuisine in the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Enam Ali was born in Sylhet, Bangladesh. He moved to the United Kingdom in the early 1980s. Ali pursued higher education in the UK, studying hospitality management and business administration.

Career

Ali began his career in the hospitality industry by working in various restaurants. In 1990, he opened his own restaurant, Le Raj, in Epsom, Surrey. Le Raj quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality Indian cuisine and became a popular dining destination.

British Curry Awards

In 2005, Enam Ali founded the British Curry Awards, often referred to as the "Curry Oscars." The awards were established to recognize and celebrate the best curry houses in the UK. The event quickly gained prominence and became a major annual fixture in the British culinary calendar. The awards ceremony is attended by celebrities, politicians, and industry leaders.

Contributions and Legacy

Enam Ali was a vocal advocate for the British curry industry. He worked tirelessly to promote Indian cuisine and improve the standards of curry houses across the UK. Ali's efforts helped to elevate the status of Indian restaurants and brought greater recognition to the contributions of the British Asian community.

Ali was also involved in various charitable activities and supported numerous community initiatives. His work earned him several accolades, including an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) for his services to the hospitality industry.

Personal Life

Enam Ali was married and had children. He was known for his dedication to his family and his community. Ali passed away on 17 July 2022, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the British curry industry.

See Also

• British Curry Awards
• Indian cuisine
• Sylhet
• Le Raj
• MBE