Pakistani-British culinary talent Sunia Imran has been crowned Champion of the UK National Curry Week Cook-Off 2025. The annual competition, held in London’s Covent Garden, brought together six of the UK’s most promising home chefs.
Judged by renowned figures from MasterChef, The Great British Menu, and top British restaurants, the contest celebrated innovation, skill, and the enduring influence of curry in British cuisine. Established in 1998, National Curry Week pays tribute to the chefs and communities that have shaped the UK’s rich culinary heritage.
The Cook-Off featured five high-pressure rounds, each designed to test creativity, timing, and precision. Contestants were given surprise dishes to recreate within a strict time limit, with eliminations after every round. Sunia impressed the judges from the outset, winning four out of five rounds and ultimately securing the championship title.
The judging panel praised her “refined yet soulful approach to South Asian cooking,” highlighting her ability to balance flavor, authenticity, and innovation. “Sunia’s dishes reflect both heart and heritage,” the judges remarked. “She demonstrates exceptional technical skill while preserving the essence of traditional Pakistani cuisine.”
As the winner, Sunia received a £1,000 cash prize, which she donated to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.
Beyond the kitchen, Sunia works as a Senior IT Project Delivery Manager for a UK government department. Her passion for food comes alive through her popular social media channels, where she shares vibrant, easy-to-follow recipes celebrating Pakistani and South Asian home cooking.
In an interview with reporters, Sunia described the competition as “an inspiring and challenging experience,” adding that cooking for her has always been about “connection and community.”
“Winning this title is a huge honor,” she said. “Cooking has always brought people together. Growing up in Lahore, our home was full of laughter, family, and food. My mother has been my greatest teacher — she taught me that cooking is not just about flavor but about love and togetherness.”
Sunia also reflected on the cultural importance of the event, noting, “This competition celebrates Britain’s deep love for curry. Being recognized for my interpretation of authentic Pakistani and South Asian flavors means so much to me.”
This is like the saddest post today. 😆
She’s British. Not pakistani. Ask her to come back and then you’ll see
Well done! Great achievement!
If she has done something good, you call her proudly a British-Pakistani. Had she detonated a bomb or stabbed someone, you would have written her off by labelling her ‘British’. We have double standards in everything.