Let him cook! Portsmouth chef wins big at National Restaurant Talent Show

Portsmouth’s own Faz Ahmed, co-owner and chef at The Akash in Southsea, has been crowned ‘Creative Chef of the Year’ at the National Restaurant Talent Show 2024.

Faz’s victory brings national acclaim to both him and Portsmouth’s vibrant culinary scene. The award was announced live on Channel S, the most popular Bengali TV channel outside Bangladesh, with a global audience tuning in.

This achievement not only showcases Faz’s exceptional culinary skills but also puts Portsmouth in the national spotlight. Throughout the competition, Faz highlighted the city, its university, and Portsmouth Football Club (FC). His frequent mentions of Portsmouth FC even led to a joking apology during the live broadcast.

Faz said: “Winning ‘Creative Chef of the Year’ is an incredible honour and a moment of immense pride for me. This achievement is not just a personal victory but a recognition of the vibrant and diverse culinary community in Portsmouth. My journey has always been driven by a passion for creating exceptional food and a commitment to serving our community.

“Throughout the competition, I felt the support and encouragement of Portsmouth and our loyal patrons at The Akash. Mentioning Portsmouth and Portsmouth FC during the broadcast was my way of expressing gratitude for the immense support I’ve received, so much to the point I had to laugh and apologise, but it means so much to call this city my home. The love and pride I have for our community made me more determined to excel and represent Portsmouth on the national and international stage.

“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team at The Akash, and it belongs to all of us. It is also a reminder of the potential within our city to achieve great things. By showcasing our creative culinary excellence, we are not only bringing recognition to Portsmouth but also inspiring others in our community to pursue their passions.”

• https://www.theakash.co.uk/