Shozna’s Chef Jay Ahmed Leads Restaurant To South East Authentic Restaurant Of The Year
Chef Jay Ahmed’s Vision Wins Recognition
Shozna, led by executive chef Jay Ahmed, wins Authentic Restaurant of the Year for the South East at the 2025 Asian Curry Awards, celebrating nearly 30 years of excellence.
T he 2025 Asian Curry Awards, often referred to as the “Curry Oscars”, turned out to be a night to remember for Shozna in Rochester, as the restaurant claimed the highly coveted title of Authentic Restaurant of the Year for the South East of England. The ceremony took place on 17th November 2025 at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Mayfair, London, and brought together more than 1,200 guests, including celebrated chefs, restaurateurs and industry leaders.
At the helm of Shozna’s success is its executive chef, Jay Ahmed, whose exceptional skills and leadership secured this prestigious accolade. This latest honour adds to the restaurant’s extensive list of achievements, as Shozna and its founder Jay Ahmed have won numerous awards and accolades over the past 30 years. Known for its dedication to authenticity, Shozna has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of fine dining in Kent.
As the restaurant approaches its 30th anniversary in April 2026, this award marks yet another milestone in its legacy of delivering high-quality food alongside outstanding service. Shozna has remained a firm favourite among loyal patrons for three decades, thanks to its unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation.
Meanwhile, Kent celebrated a double victory at the Asian Curry Awards, as Humayra in Sittingbourne was also recognised at the prestigious event. The restaurant’s manager, Rose Ahmed, was awarded the title of Takeaway of the Year for the South East, further highlighting the region’s excellence in Asian cuisine.
With their well-deserved victories, both Shozna and Humayra represent the strength and passion that define the UK’s Asian dining scene. As Shozna prepares to celebrate its 30-year milestone next year, it continues to shine as a beacon of authenticity, reflecting its dedication to tradition, quality and culinary distinction.
Kent’s triumphs at the Asian Curry Awards reaffirm its reputation as a hotspot for outstanding Asian cuisine, made possible by the incredible talents of those at the heart of these exceptional establishments.
