Tiffin Cup facts for kids
The Tiffin Cup is a yearly cooking competition in the United Kingdom. It's organized by the Tiffin Club to find the best South Asian restaurant in the country. Restaurants are chosen by local politicians, called MPs.
One restaurant from each region is then picked to compete in the Grand Final. This exciting cook-off happens right inside the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, which is where MPs work! Judges include MPs and famous people. All the money raised from the event goes to a special charity.
What is the Tiffin Cup?
The Tiffin Cup was started by a group of MPs. They wanted to celebrate the amazing South Asian food found in Britain. They also wanted to raise money for good causes.
Each year, MPs are asked to suggest a restaurant from their area. These restaurants are then visited and a smaller group of finalists is chosen. These finalists get to cook live at the Houses of Parliament. For example, in 2019, 81 restaurants were nominated! 13 of them were chosen to cook for the judges.
The money raised from the Tiffin Cup always goes to the World Vision charity. This charity helps children and families around the world. The main person in charge of the Tiffin Cup is Keith Vaz MP. The head judge is often the famous chef Ainsley Harriott. The winner's trophy is usually given out by the Speaker of the House of Commons.
Past Winners and Highlights
Many amazing restaurants have won the Tiffin Cup over the years. Here are some of the champions:
- 2019 - Kuti's Brasserie, Southampton, Hampshire
- 2015/15 - Mushtaqs Restaurant, Hamilton, Scotland
- 2009 - Tamasha, Bromley and Chislehurst
- 2008 - Mint and Mustard, Cardiff North
- 2007 - Bekash, Romford
- 2006 - Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, Preseli Pembrokeshire
Recent Winners and Dishes
In 2019, Kuti's Brasserie from Southampton won the Tiffin Cup. The event took place in Parliament, London. Celebrity chef Ainsley Harriott was the chief judge. The Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, gave out the first-place trophy.
13 restaurants from all over the country took part that year. Kuti's winning dish was called Sikandari Royal Lamb. The judges loved it, saying it was fresh, seasonal, and super tasty!
Another big win was in 2015/15, when Mushtaqs Restaurant from Hamilton, Scotland, won. Ainsley Harriott praised their food, saying it had "some of the best flavour combinations I have ever eaten."
In 2010, a record 74 restaurants were nominated for the Tiffin Cup! This shows how popular the competition is.
See also
