An Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant in Stoke-on-Trent has thanked the local community for their support after being recognised with a national award.

Ali's Kitchen, on The Strand, Longton, won the 'Outstanding Achievement' award in the Best Chef of the Year category at the 4th Nation's Curry Awards 2026, organised by Oceanic Awards. 

This is the latest in a series of accolades for the restaurant, including winning 'Best Chef of the Year' at The Curry Life Awards 2025, last October. 

Owner and chef, Muhammad Aaban Aamir Ali, said: "Me and my team are very proud to win this award and we couldn't do it without our lovely customers, so a big thank you to them." 

Muhammad explained that community is important to Ali's Kitchen and has attributed much of his success from the support of his local customers. 

He added: "The local people always support us when we've been nominated. 

"I'm pleased that they have supported me from day one." 

The menu at Ali's Kitchen is refreshed each year to offer customers a mix of traditional and modern cuisine (image via Nub News)

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For Muhammad, making sure that the menu caters to as many people as possible is a priority. 

Ali's Kitchen, which has a food hygiene rating of five, provides vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well as having a large selection of items to cater to individual tastes. 

The menu is also refreshed each year based on feedback from customers, meaning they offer authentic Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine as well as new dishes with modern twists. 

Muhammad said: "We always help the customers to get whatever they need, and we don't keep same menu every year. 

"We have old-style, favourite curries plus we add new dishes for people who want to try something different." 

Ali's Kitchen also likes to contribute back into the community who have supported them since they first opened in 2022. 

Over the Christmas period, the restaurant served over 20 free meals to vulnerable pensioners in the local area. 

The restaurant and the team regularly support the local community with charity events and free meals (image via Nub News)

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They are also preparing to host their second annual Prostate Cancer UK fundraiser on 19 April. 

Last year Ali's Kitchen raised £995 for the charity by selling tickets to the event for £20 and providing a three-course meal free of charge. 

Muhammad said: "We like to provide help to the local community and raise money at local events. 

"I think that is the most important thing, especially for your local community. If they ever need anything, I'm always there to help them out." 

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