Crowning a victorious evening, Panda Mami in Chester relished the recognition as the “Best Buffet” at the illustrious Asian Restaurant Awards (ARA) 2023. Hosted at the grand Hilton Manchester Piccadilly on July 31, this distinguished event spotlights the UK’s vibrant and diverse Asian cuisine scene, with awards that cover the entire gastronomic spectrum from Bangladeshi to Vietnamese.
Panda Mami, nestled on Newgate Street, Chester, brought home its third Best Buffet award, reiterating its dominance in the buffet genre. Celebrated BBC news anchor Samantha Simonds and a legion of the UK’s leading Asian restaurant owners, chefs, and local dignitaries bore witness to this joyous moment.
This award triumph wasn’t confined to Panda Mami in Chester. Its sister restaurant Sushi Mami in Manchester, also savoured success by securing the Best Japanese award, highlighting the group’s versatility and commitment to offering authentic, high-quality Asian cuisine across multiple locations, including York and Nottingham.
Organised by the Asian Catering Federation (ACF), the ARA pays homage to the finest Asian cuisine in the UK. It is a testament to an industry that employs over 100,000 individuals across the UK, contributing a staggering £7 billion to the national economy.
During the award ceremony, Yawar Khan, Chairman of the ACF, lauded the industry’s willingness to innovate and adapt to “fresh culinary ideas” and the rising demand for nuanced, sophisticated cuisine from increasingly discerning consumers. The awards acknowledged the standout performers and innovators in this dynamic culinary landscape.
The night was adorned with success stories from all over the country. From Madhu’s winning the Best Group award to the Curry King honour going to Shabhir Hussain of Akbar Group, the awards resonated with the culinary diversity that makes the UK’s Asian restaurant industry such an exciting space. Further accolades included Best Buffet for the Mekong, a Panda Mami restaurant in Chester and York, and the Innovation award for Babuls in Barnard Castle.
Even amid the glittering lineup of winners, Panda Mami’s achievement holds a unique significance. In an arena as competitive as the Asian buffet, Panda Mami’s Chester outlet has consistently set the bar high. Its win is a testament to its unique fusion buffet approach, combining elements from different Asian cuisines into a coherent, mouth-watering spread that satiates every palate. The dedication and creativity of their team, led by the exceptional Xiang Yang Liu, have now been recognised on the national stage.
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, restaurants like Panda Mami have demonstrated remarkable resilience, successfully adapting to new consumer needs and expectations. This evolution has taken many forms, from fine-dining Indian restaurants offering takeaway services for the first time to creating finish-at-home meal kits and pop-up delivery kitchens.
As we emerge into a new normal, Panda Mami continues to provide an unbeatable Asian buffet experience that meets the highest standards of quality and innovation. Its triumph at the 2023 Asian Restaurant Awards isn’t just a win for the restaurant but for the thousands of guests who have enjoyed its exceptional buffet over the years. It’s a celebration of the rich tapestry of Asian flavours that Panda Mami skillfully weaves together daily – a banquet of delights that is a winning combination.
Panda Mami
With another Best Buffet award under its belt, the future looks deliciously promising for Panda Mami. Here’s to another year of excellence, innovation, and tantalising flavours at this beacon of Asian cuisine in Chester. Congratulations, Panda Mami; long may your success continue!
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