Khayber passes the ‘Tiffin’ test at Westminster

The Khayber Indian restaurant in Ballymena was given a top taste award as the highest placed Northern Ireland entry to the ‘Tiffin Cup’ in Westminster.
Jayenbra Kaintura from the Khayer, Ballymena with Ian Paisley at the Westminster 'cook-off'Jayenbra Kaintura from the Khayer, Ballymena with Ian Paisley at the Westminster 'cook-off'
Jayenbra Kaintura from the Khayer, Ballymena with Ian Paisley at the Westminster 'cook-off'

Having been nominated by North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, the restaurant made it to the final of the event, which involved a ‘cook-off’ in the House of Parliament.

There were 10 finalists to make it through the judging panel to compete in the charity event’s finale in Westminster, judged by celebrity chef Ainsley Harriot.

The Khayber, represented by head chef Jayenbra Kaintura, were the highest placed Northern Ireland entry to the competition and finished 5th in the whole of the UK.

Ian Paisley MP with Ainsley HarriottIan Paisley MP with Ainsley Harriott
Ian Paisley MP with Ainsley Harriott

Speaking at the finals, the DUP MP commented: “I knew the Khayber would be a strong competitor in this competition. Having passed the ‘secret shopper’ assessment of our judging panel during the summer, they successfully qualified for the finals night in London.”

“This is a wonderful and richly deserved achievement and I hope it will undoubtedly help the restaurant grow their reputation as a great choice of Indian cuisine”

The Tiffin Cup, is a charity event hosted by Keith Vaz MP and is now in its 7th year. There were over 150 restaurants entered in this year’s competition from right across the United Kingdom.