The best bhaji in the UK is on sale in Nottingham

-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)
-Credit: (Image: Joseph Raynor/ Reach PLC)


They're the best-tasting Indian bhajis in the UK - and they're on sale here in Nottingham. The popular Indian snacks are one of the best-sellers at Bombay Delicatessen and are set to become even more popular after receiving a prestigious award.

They were awarded two stars in the snacks category of the 2024 Great Taste Awards, aka the Oscars for the food industry. The food and drink entries were blind-tasted by expert judges from the Guild of Fine Foods.

One judge said of the bhajis: "This is a generous, well-presented bhaji with a good crust and soft centre and excellent fragrant aroma. It has been very well made by someone who understands spicing to ensure a great, smooth flavour of spicing enhanced by well-judged heat." Another commented: "We loved the fact this bhaji was also not greasy, very clean and fresh. Delicious!"

The £1.80 bhaji, that is considerable in size, is on sale at the delis in Carrington Street, Nottingham city centre, West Bridgford and the original shop, founded nearly 30 years ago in Hyson Green by husband and wife Jeet and Neelam Passan.

It wasn't the only award for the business, now run by their son Rahul Passan. The spinach potato tikki received one star with complimentary feedback saying: "These taste as if they might be addictive."

Rahul, who was thrilled by the awards, said: "I think people are more inclined to buy things when they've gone through that rigorous judging process. This only enhances the direction the brand is going in and how we want to be recognised. It's good, we are making Nottingham proud. Next year we will be putting more snacks forward."

The British accolades are the largest in the world attracting 13,672 entries. More than 8.000 were from the UK in categories including bacon, beer, chocolate, bread, cheese, pasta, meat and coffee.

Other award winners included

  • Sauce Shop - Tomato Ketchup and Chipotle and Lime Aioli, both one star

  • Oxton Liqueur Company - Elderflower Gin Liqueur, two stars

  • Studio Chocolate - Sea Salt Caramel, one star

  • Stewarts of Trent Bridge - Coffees: Sunset Espresso, Swiss Water Decaf and Escape Espresso, all one star

  • Coosh Microbakery - Onion Bhaji Sourdough, one star