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

Shaha Tandoori Restaurant 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 Syed Ali who started his business in the city over 30 years ago and has been serving generations of locals his authentic cuisine

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

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

"There is a lot of hard work that goes into the restaurant and it means a lot to me that our customers wanted to put us forward for this."

For Syed, the best thing about being in the Indian restaurant business is the connection he has developed with his customers thanks to their quality food and friendly service.

He said: "We have had a good reputation locally for a very long time and we have a lot of regular customers that we love seeing so much.

"I believe people really like our food and they really like our service and that is why they keep coming back regularly. 

"We love sharing our food with people but we also love being part of our customer's good times like when they have social gatherings that they enjoy with us.

"We get a lot of birthday parties and it is great to see people having fun with us and it has been great to see people grow."