Bradford 2025: Behind the scenes at hugely popular Indian restaurant Prashad ahead of city-wide celebrations
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Bradford 2025 will get underway in a matter of weeks, with a thrilling programme of events spotlighting culture, creativity and the arts. And with anticipation higher than ever, we spoke to the owners of Prashad, a home-grown restaurant that has set new standards for the region.
The Indian restaurant has long been a favourite for foodies in the city. Founded in 1992, it began as a deli serving specialist Indian sweets, before moving to its current home in Drighlington.
Prashad rose to fame on TV series Gordon Ramsay’s Best Restaurant and has since featured on several high profile programmes. The eatery, which is run by head chef Minal Patel and her husband Bobby, has retained a prestigious Bib Gourmand recommendation in the Michelin Guide for the last 12 years and has earned two rosettes from AA.
Reflecting on the upcoming festivities, Bobby said: “Bradford 2025 is going to be a fantastic time for us all. It's a time to celebrate. We're going to showcase our city in the very best light and we're very proud to be involved.”
He continued: “Bradford is a very special place to live. I was born in Bradford and have worked throughout the UK, but I've always come back here.
“It has such a community spirit, and there is the multicultural aspect, as well as the opportunities. In general, we have all the opportunities that Prashad could ever dream of in Bradford.”
Prashad has evolved significantly over the last few decades - and has earned its reputation as being one of the best restaurants in Yorkshire. Explaining its roots in Bradford, Bobby said: “We grew up with Prashad, and I learned that it was always about giving.
“My mum is the most generous soul on the planet, both in terms of giving materially but also giving joy, happiness and positivity.
“I took over Prashad with my wife Minal, who was born to be a chef and the restaurant is now in its third decade and second generation. But we keep to the values that we learned at the beginning.”
He added: “In my culture, food is something that should be shared. If you give food away, it will never run out.”
It has not been without its accolades, picking up several awards over the years.
“Since Minal took over, we changed Prashad from a deli to a restaurant,” said Bobby. “With that, our aspirations changed too. We were very lucky to be selected to be on Gordon Ramsay's Best Restaurants series, which kind of put us on the map. It also gave us the opportunity to dream.
“Minal was guided by Gordon's advice to consider Michelin and aim higher. That's the journey we've been on. She has retained a Bib Gourmand for the last 12 years, and has also built one rosette up to two - she's very much focused on building it from two to three.”
In an inspiring display of generosity earlier this week, hundreds of people picked up meals entirely free of charge from Prashad.
Minal and Bobby said they wanted to acknowledge the financial pressures that come with the festive season by cooking and serving hundreds of portions of Gujarati curry.
Speaking ahead of Tuesday’s initiative (December 17), Minal said: “This is for anyone who is struggling at this time, so they can come and eat my food for free.
“People can donate if they want, but there's no pressure at all. We're making chickpea and potato curry with some plain rice, and we're very, very excited to serve it to everyone.”