THE owner of a Gourock restaurant has dedicated a national award to his customers after his small but mighty premises saw off competition from across Scotland.

Virender Rai’s Taj Mahal, on Kempock Street, picked up Neighbourhood Restaurant of the Year at the 2023 Scottish Curry Awards.

Staff attended a glitzy ceremony at Glasgow’s Marriott Hotel, where it was announced that they had beaten the likes of Indian Orchard in Glasgow, Bearsden’s Ranj Rani, Koh-I-Noor in Paisley and East Kilbride’s Wee Gurkha Curry House.

Port Glasgow’s Curry Lounge was also nominated in the same category and the Taj team were thrilled to win.

Mr Rai said: “We were really surprised. I didn’t expect to win it.

Greenock Telegraph: Virender Rai with server Geetanjali Gurung and chef Manjinder SinghVirender Rai with server Geetanjali Gurung and chef Manjinder Singh (Image: George Munro)

“I was working here and I sent my wife, sons and daughter, and three staff members. When they said our name it was a big shock.

“I never thought we would win it, because the other restaurants were really big ones – they’re five or six times bigger than this.”

The win was a first for Taj Mahal, which put its name forward after being encouraged to do so by customers.

The winner of the award was decided by an online public vote ahead of the ceremony.

Mr Rai added: “I’ve been working in this industry for so long.

“The good thing is the people of this area. They appreciate you and I really enjoy working here.

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“This award is totally dedicated to the customers, it’s nothing to do with us.

“Some places, no matter what you do, people still don’t appreciate it. I’ve worked in Johnstone, Glasgow, and Bishopbriggs, but this community here is so appreciative.

“You give them a poppadom and they give you ten back. I’ve never seen anywhere else in Scotland like this.

“I came here with basically nothing, and Scotland gave me everything.”