AN INDIAN takeaway owner was honoured to bag an invite to the “curry Oscars” just one year after opening.

Khairul Shakil, 25, opened his businesses The Royal Rasoi last October in Ness Road, Shoebury, and it has become a big hit ever since. 

Specialising in authentic Indian and Bangladeshi food, Khairul’s business has been rising the ranks ever since and bagged a nomination for the national Asian Restaurant and Takeaway Awards. 

The owner - Khairul ShakilThe owner - Khairul Shakil (Image: The Royal Rasoi)


Despite missing out on top spot, Khairul said it was an honour to be nominated so soon after opening and is confident over coming out on top next year. 

He said: “Getting the news was overwhelming, one day I just received the email and I just feel so proud to have achieved this is in such a short time.

“I’m really proud of myself and my team, it’s the curry Oscars, we were really proud to be finalists.

“Next year, we’re going to try and bring the prize back home.

Tasty - Some of the food on offer at The Royal RasoiTasty - Some of the food on offer at The Royal Rasoi (Image: The Royal Rasoi)

The takeaway’s menu offers speciality dishes such as its mixed Jalfrezi, their in-house Royal murghi masala, and chicken tikka masala.

Khairul was even more delighted with the nomination considering the small team he employs. 

Giving back - Khairul said the business plans to give back to the community by feeding the homelessGiving back - Khairul said the business plans to give back to the community by feeding the homeless (Image: The Royal Rasoi)

Despite going head-to-head with huge restaurants, takeaways and chains, his business consists of just six workers, three cooks, one front-of-house staff member, and a delivery driver.

Khairul said he wants to give back to community that has welcomed his business, and plans to do so by helping the homeless, with future plans to give a free curry rice to those strugglingCurry Oscars - Khairul said he was proud to be nominatedCurry Oscars - Khairul said he was proud to be nominated (Image: The Royal Rasoi)

“Our plan is to win it and bring it back to Shoebury next year, give the best service to our community, to our customers,” he added.

“The support the community has given my business in such a short amount of time is overwhelming. Many of our customers were happy for us, my plan is to continue giving the best service, the best food, and make sure we can deliver across Southend.”

The venue has a five-star rating on TripAdvisor, and a 4.9 star rating on Google Reviews with dozens of reviews from customers.