A Burnley restaurant is set to appear on a BBC Two show and the owner said the presenter couldn't get enough of his cooking.
Aroma Asian Restaurant is set to feature on Andi Oliver’s BBC Two show, Fabulous Feasts, which starts on Wednesday (March 27).
Abdul Majeed said film crews descended on the restaurant after hearing good things about the site from local people.
He said: “Out of the blue I received a call from the BBC saying they were filming in Burnley.
“They asked to meet us and speak to us and they asked if we could cook a dish with Andi Oliver.
“I have no idea why they chose us. They said wherever they went in the town, locals were talking about Aroma and me.”
Abdul said the restaurant’s awards may have been a contributing factor to it being selected. Last year, it was named best in the UK for customer service at the English Curry Awards.
Abdul was also given a lifetime achievement award.
Abdul said it was a “huge privilege and honour” to have been chosen to take part in the BBC show.
He said: “I am one of the longest-serving restaurateurs in the area. We have won some awards in the past which might also have had something to do with their visit.”
When the show airs, viewers will watch Abdul and Andi cook a popular curry dish on the menu.
Abdul said: “Andi loved it. She had a taste and wanted to take the rest with her so I think she enjoyed it.
“She was a very nice person, so lively. I felt comfortable cooking with her. I never felt nervous or under pressure.”
Abdul said he is delighted that the spotlight is being shone on Burnley’s cuisine.
He said: “I am trying to make Burnley very famous. My restaurant is a little more modern and my cuisine is a little different from other Indian restaurants, in that the food has a modern twist.
“I want to thank my customers and the public for supporting and loving me for this many years. I am so lucky.”
Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts sees the renowned chef and restauranteur bring her party organising skills to towns and cities across the UK.
She is coming to the aid of people up and down the country desperate to celebrate their towns and communities in the most joyful way possible.
Each episode will see Andi’s creative sparks fly, devising unique themed dishes to serve up on the big day. For inspiration, she’ll meet local chefs and suppliers, getting to grips with the regional produce and recipes that make the area special.
But it’s not just food on Andi’s agenda. As a singer in the 80s punk band Rip Rig and Panic, Andi’s life has always been filled with music and art, so she’ll also be digging into local culture, discovering the brilliant performers and artists who’ll bring each event to life.
Andi Oliver’s Fabulous Feasts airs Wednesday, March 27, on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer. It is not yet known when the episode featuring Aroma Restaurant will air.
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