Abdul – the Curry King
It all began when dad, Abdul – the Curry King – left Bangladesh for the UK, taking a role as a kitchen assistant at a large Indian restaurant. He fell in love with the art of Indian cooking, watching over seasoned chef’s shoulders as they conjured exotic aromas and flavours to die for. Working hard to develop his natural talent he was eventually promoted to head chef and began setting his sights on a restaurant of his own.
Eventually the Eastern Eye, Lichfield, was born and the first of his award-winning recipes was served, awards that have included Bangladeshi Chef of the Year 1998-99 and a place in the National Curry Guide.
The Eastern Eye’s location next to the local newspaper office meant coverage from local and national press was inevitable, and as actors and footballers became regulars even the local MP became hooked, raising a House of Commons motion titled ‘PALACE OF WESTMINSTER INDIAN RESTAURANT’ to try and bring Abdul’s flavours into the seat of power.
Our favourite achievement has to be his Guinness World Record in 2005 for the world’s largest curry – a TEN-tonne tikka masala – but he never stopped talking about finding a way to make his sauces available for everyone…
Alfa – the Spice Master
Mum’s story also began in Bangladesh, in the small farming village where she met Abdul. When he proposed during a visit back home, she accepted and it wasn’t long before they had started a family in the UK.
But she missed her Dad and his jackfruit farm. The night markets and their delicious street food delights. So when she found she could get many of the same ingredients in the UK, she began recreating traditional Bengali recipes. They were incredible, revealing an uncanny knack for creating the perfect blend of spices. Visiting family were blown away, especially at her own inventions – pastes and chilli sauces that could be easily shared. Perhaps one day, even sold in shops…
Adam – the Hunter
This is where Adam’s story begins. Growing up he inherited their passion for food, and hoped one day to make Alfa and Abdul’s dreams a reality, blending his own love of travel and street food with their knowhow.
Together with Alfa he began to develop a small selection of curry/marinade pastes. The results all won prizes at the Guild of Fine Food awards 2018 – proof, if any was needed, that we were onto something. Adam began working with Abdul to add curry sauces to the range, and after many, many months of work they had created an absolute showstopper.
But food is just one side of this story.
Malika – the Chai Master
Tea flows in our family’s veins and brewing spiced chai has always been an occasion. Born and raised in Morocco, the land of Mint Tea, Adam’s wife Malika was a natural choice as our in-house Chai Master, responsible for everything from the choice of leaves to the balance of spices, fruits and flowers.
She helped us create our first chai blend, the Nepalese Chai Masala which won a star at the Great Taste Awards 2018. Now she is always working on new combinations, taking inspiration from street stands around the world.
Imran – the Barista
And of course, a street cuisine experience wouldn’t be complete without coffee. As luck would have it Adam’s younger brother is totally obsessed with the black gold, ever since studying in Cairo, Egypt. Imran – the Barista – began his part of the family journey roasting fresh green beans in a saucepan and now channels his knowledge of the world’s best beans into our street coffees, whilst championing the sustainable farms we source from.
To be continued...
Now that Hidden Street Food is finally here, we’re very excited about what the future holds. We’re committed to bringing you all manner of delicious street food discoveries, so you can recreate sensational food from around the world quickly and simply at home. And we’re delighted to be sharing this next stage of our journey with you.