A CHEF has been crowned the king of curry after winning an international food competition held in Madrid.

Habibur Rahman Chowdhury from Bengal Spice on Forest Road, Loughton was picked from hundreds to represent the UK at a food festival in the Spanish capital.

He impressed the judges with his fusion food, combining Indian and English flavours such as lamb chop with curried plum and coriander sauce.

After being awarded the title of British Fusion Chef of the Year Mr Chowdhury, 37 said: “It's such an achievement for me. This is really excellent. It's a new beginning for me.”

Syed Ahmed, Festival Director from Curry Life magazine said: “Competitions such as these are great for raising the profile of the British curry houses.

"We are very pleased with the achievements of this years participants.”