Local family-run restaurant recognised at national awards
Masala City in Chichester has added a new accolade to its trophy cabinet after being named the Outstanding Award – Restaurant of the Year (South East) at the 15th English Curry Awards. The ceremony took place on 10 August 2026 at Grand Station in Wolverhampton, where the independent city restaurant was one of three finalists in its regional category.
The award recognises establishments judged to be leading curry restaurants in their region. Masala City, which first opened in 2002 and remains family-owned, was singled out for its blend of tandoori, traditional and contemporary dishes and its stated use of high-quality ingredients and locally sourced produce wherever possible.
“To receive the Outstanding Award for the South East is a very proud moment for everyone at Masala City. We are a local, family-run restaurant, so to see Chichester represented on a national stage means a great deal to us. This recognition belongs to our whole team. Their skill, care and hard work are behind every service, and I could not be prouder of them. It also belongs to our customers, whose loyalty and encouragement have supported us for so many years. We will use this achievement as motivation to keep improving and to give every guest an experience that Chichester can be proud of.”
— Murad Hossain, co-owner
What the award means for Chichester
For residents and visitors this is more than a single prize for one business. Local hospitality wins can encourage greater footfall into city centre restaurants, raise the profile of Chichester’s dining scene and contribute to the wider visitor economy. Masala City’s recognition also underlines the role of independent, family-run venues in the city’s culinary identity.
Chichester has a compact but busy hospitality sector that depends on a mix of local custom and tourism linked to the cathedral, theatres and nearby coast. Awards such as this often act as a draw for diners seeking assured quality and can have a positive knock-on effect for suppliers and neighbouring businesses.
- Business longevity: Masala City has been operating in Chichester for more than two decades, establishing long-term local roots since 2002.
- Regional standing: Being one of three selected in the South East category places the restaurant among the region’s recognised curry venues.
- Community impact: The owners highlighted the contribution of staff and customers in securing the award.
Details of the award
Below is a brief summary of the award and ceremony details.
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Award | 15th English Curry Awards 2026 |
| Category | Restaurant of the Year – South East (Outstanding Award) |
| Date | 10 August 2026 |
| Venue | Grand Station, Wolverhampton |
Masala City’s owners pointed to their team and customers as central to the achievement. The co-owner described the award as something that will spur the business on to continue improving guest experience — a message that will be welcomed by locals who have long supported independent firms through economic ups and downs.
While the award is regional rather than national, it remains a noteworthy recognition for Chichester’s hospitality profile. Other independent restaurants and cafes in the city may see similar benefits from increased attention, and the accolade provides a timely reminder of the contribution small and medium enterprises make to the city’s vibrancy.
For residents planning a meal out, Masala City’s win is an invitation to sample a venue that has received peer recognition. For the wider city economy, the award offers both pride and a small boost to Chichester’s reputation as a place where long-established, family-run hospitality can flourish.
