YORK’S first Malaysian restaurant is celebrating after its co-owner won a chef of the year trophy.

Norman Musa, who co-owns Ning restaurant in Tower Street, was crowned Young Asian & Oriental Chef of the Year at the prestigious European Asian Curry Awards in Park Lane London’s Grosvenor House.

He was presented with the trophy by the High Commissioner of Malaysia to the UK, Dato’ Sri Zakaria Sulong, and was praised by judges for his ‘unparalleled contribution and energy to promoting Malaysian food in the UK and Ireland.’

Ning’s sister restaurant in Manchester also won the Best Malaysian Restaurant award 2012.

Andy Spracklen, co-owner of the York and Manchester restaurants, who attended the ceremony, said: “We are very grateful for this important recognition of our work to make Malaysian food big in the UK.”