We're highlighting the shortlisted curry houses in our competition in the News & Star. Each of the establishments will be featured over ten issues.

Masala Bazaar has been nominated by News & Star readers as one of the ten finalists in its 'Best Curry House 2024' award.

The restaurant is located on Carlisle's Botchergate and is owned by brothers Anthony and Joseph Gomes alongside their wives and their cousin, who started his business nearly four years ago in 2020. 

After being informed that Masala Bazaar had been chosen by News & Star readers to feature in the final ten of the 'Best Curry House 2024' award, Anthony was on hand to express his delight.

He said: "We are really happy to be nominated for this award.

"There are curries like the Korma, Tikka Masala, Madras, and Biriyani but what we do is 'out of the book'.

"It is home cooking and it is authentic. They grind the spices by hand and roast the masala. It is more time-consuming but that is how we cook in India and we want to bring that to Carlisle.

Anthony also discussed his family's commitment to authenticity and dedication to making their customers happy.

He said: "Our cuisine encompasses North and South Indian food and it is all authentic and I think that is why people like us.

"I can guarantee one thing when my wife cooks and my brother's wife cooks they are the best, nobody can beat them I am 100 per cent sure.

"We use fresh ingredients and quality spices. That does not mean that our food is too spicy but it adds amazing flavours.

"We love making people happy and giving them good food that is worth the hard-earned money they are paying for it. 

"When the customers are happy they will come again, we don't restrict the portions and we try our best to make them 100 per cent happy."