Canterbury Chef Dev Biswal Earns Top Honour For Bringing Odisha’s Culinary Heritage To Britain

Photo: Dev Biswal receives the Regional Indian Cuisine Championship award at the inaugural Indian Restaurant Awards in London, recognising his contribution to promoting Odisha’s culinary traditions in the UK.

Dev Biswal Wins National Honour

Dev Biswal, owner-chef of The Cook’s Tale in Canterbury, won the Regional Indian Cuisine Championship at the Indian Restaurant Awards in London, celebrating his efforts to showcase Odisha’s rich culinary heritage.

Dev Biswal, the owner-chef of The Cook’s Tale restaurant in Canterbury plus The Cook’s Adventures tour company, has collected the prestigious Regional Indian Cuisine Championship accolade at the inaugural Indian Restaurant Awards in London.  This was the first international edition of the Indian Restaurant Congress & Awards, held on 28 May 28 at the Royal Lancaster London, marking the platform’s expansion after 15 years, from an India-focused industry event to a global hospitality authority.

The event’s key speakers included: Atul Kochhar, chef and restaurateur, Vivek Singh, Executive Chef, Cinnamon Collection, Cyrus Todiwala OBE – owner chef of Cafe Spice, Sameer Taneja, Executive Chef, Benares, Sanjay Chairman and Founder, Madhu’s, Kahani London among others.

Dev Biswal’s achievement highlights culinary excellence, cultural preservation, and dedication to introducing authentic Odisha cuisine to international audiences.

Highlights

• Dev Biswal won the Regional Indian Cuisine Championship accolade.
• Award presented at the inaugural international Indian Restaurant Awards in London.
• Event took place on 28 May at the Royal Lancaster London.
• The awards expanded globally after 15 years as an India-focused industry platform.
• Biswal owns and operates The Cook’s Tale restaurant and The Cook’s Adventures tour company in Canterbury.
• The award recognises authentic regional Indian cuisine and culinary excellence.
• Odisha cuisine received national recognition through Biswal’s efforts.
• The Cook’s Tale combines Indian heritage with locally sourced Kent produce.
• Ingredients are sourced within 30 minutes of the restaurant kitchen.
• The restaurant’s name is inspired by Chaucer’s “The Cook’s Tale” character Perkyn Revelour.
• Leading chefs including Atul Kochhar, Vivek Singh, Cyrus Todiwala OBE and Sameer Taneja attended the event.
• Other major winners included Colonel Saab, Jamavar, Cinnamon Club, Kahani, Tresind and Koyal.
• Canterbury Experiences offers culinary tours highlighting local food and countryside.

Whereas there are now over 20 awards in the UK, all claiming to be the “Curry Oscars”, which tend to focus on typical high street curry, these Awards are focused on the high-end authentic Indian restaurants, with classically trained chefs. 

Several of the finalists hold Michelin Stars, with most others aspiring to one.

Upon collecting his honour Biswal said: “This award is incredibly special because it recognises a cuisine that is still relatively unknown outside India.

“Odisha has one of the oldest and richest culinary traditions in the world, yet very few people in the UK have had the opportunity to experience it.

“Through The Cook’s Tale, my mission has always been to share the food, stories and hospitality of my homeland with our guests in Canterbury.

“This award is incredibly special because it recognises a cuisine that is still relatively unknown outside India.”

“To receive national recognition for championing regional Indian cuisine is both humbling and deeply rewarding.”

Other top awards went to Colonel Saab, Jamavar, Cinnamon Club, Kahani, Tresind and Koyal.

Presenting the awards Sachin Marya, Editorial Director, Restaurant India said: “This inaugural international edition marks a significant milestone for the Indian hospitality community.

“By bridging Indian heritage with global innovation, we are providing an unparalleled stage for business intelligence and networking that will propel the next generation of culinary excellence onto the world stage.”

The name Cook’s Tale is taken from the character of the apprentice Perkyn Revelour, who is rather fond of wine, women and song”. 

Dishes showcase much of the locality’s finest, sustainable local produce, is exclusively created using ingredients sourced from within 30 minutes of the kitchen.

Canterbury Experiences offers tailored ‘culinary pilgrimages’, taking in the local area’s beautiful countryside, working closely with local partners  at 

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