Tiffin Cup

The Tiffin Cup is an annual British competition run by the Tiffin Club to find the best South Asian restaurant in the United Kingdom. Nominees are selected by their constituency and then put forward by their local MPs. One restaurant from every region is then shortlisted and invited to participate in the Grand Final cook-off event held in the House of Commons of the United Kingdom, as judged by MPs and guest celebrities, with the proceeds going to a selected charity.

History of Tiffin

The name tiffin is given to the containers that transported light meals. The tiffins, or tiffinboxes are made up of three porcelain round trays with handles and lids in which lunches are delivered to workers. They are delivered through a complex network of Dabbawallahs, who set off with the dishes after the men have left for work. This practice is still in use in India today.

The word tiffin is also used to refer to taking a little light snack, including a cup of tea. It probably came into use when it became more popular to have a full meal in the evening rather than mid-afternoon, thus requiring a lighter meal at around midday that need a name.

Past Winners

2006 - Taj Mahal Indian Restaurant, Preseli Pembrokeshire

2007 - Bekash, Romford

2008 - Mint and Mustard, Cardiff North

2009 - Tamasha, Bromley and Chislehurst

Ongoing Competition

2013 - The competition included Ainsley Harriet as the chair of a panel of judges.

Notable mention to the Bilash Balti in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, which was the first restaurant in the Fylde to win the Best in the North West category.

2010 - A record 74 nominations were received by the Tiffin Club! The Launch of the Newby Teas Tiffin Cup 2010 was on Tuesday 14 September 2010.

In 2010, the competition was in aid of World Vision.