A chef from Liverpool has made it to the shortlist for the British Kebab Awards’ Chef Of The Year category for the second year in a row. This is after the same chef had already won the award in 2023.

Kemal Coskuncay, who is a Turkish Masterchef, has been acknowledged as one of the top ten kebab chefs in the whole country once again. He is expected to attend the prestigious awards ceremony on 27th February 2024, which will take place in London.

The 12th edition of the British Kebab Awards has become a significant event, attended by numerous celebrities, distinguished politicians, journalists and, most importantly, the hard-working restaurant employees of the nation, who gather for a night of celebration. The kebab industry is an essential contributor of over £2.2 billion to the UK economy, and the awards are proudly sponsored by Just Eat.

Kemal Coskuncay, a Masterchef from Turkey, is located in South Liverpool and runs a private dining and consultation company called Private Delicacies. He collaborates with some of the finest restaurants in Liverpool, such as Al Dente on Lark Lane, which has consistently been one of the Top 10 restaurants in Liverpool on Trip Advisor, and Casa Rima in Halewood.

Masterchef Kemal, a fan of Liverpool football club for his entire life, relocated to the city in February 2020. Prior to his move, he had experienced great success while working in London at several highly acclaimed restaurants, including Marrakesh in Leicester Square. In recognition of his culinary skills, he was awarded the title of ‘Best Foreign Chef in London’ and is a member of the International Gastronomy Federation. His career has been just as vibrant and varied as his colorful and imaginative dishes.

Kemal, a Masterchef, is also the manager of Al Dente beach restaurant located in Didim, Turkey. The restaurant has won several awards including Best Organic Turkish Food and Best Resort Restaurant. Kemal, who is settled in Liverpool with his wife and three children, is mostly occupied with his culinary skills and has been creating a buzz in the city.

Kemal said: 

“It is a real honour to be recognised once again after winning Chef Of The Year last year. I have been working very hard throughout my career and take great pride in what I do. I started out as a dishwasher and kitchen porter in Bodrum but learnt from the chefs, worked my way up and eventually became Young Chef Of The Year.”

“I am what is called a New Generation chef and I blend traditional Turkish methods and recipes with my own modern twists. Whether it be kebabs, tomahawk steaks or seafood dishes, I use only the finest ingredients. I am very passionate both as a chef and restaurant consultant and it feels great to be recognised by the British Kebab Awards for my work for the second year running.”

The judging panel for the 2024 awards will include prominent figures like James O’Brien, a broadcaster for LBC, as well as directors from companies like Oktopus Energy and Makro/Booker. Additionally, a number of celebrities and Members of Parliament will also be participating. The British Kebab Awards, which has gained support from influential individuals like Sajid Javid, is now widely regarded as one of the most prestigious awards in the UK hospitality industry. This recognition is a testament to how kebabs have transformed in terms of public perception.

Masterchef Kemal Coskuncay has gained a lot of popularity among diners in Liverpool and the city is now rooting for him. His culinary creations and personality have endeared him to Scousers, and his outreach work has been much appreciated. He has delivered hundreds of meals to vulnerable people in the local community and has also been teaching children how to cook at The Florrie.

Kemal summarised: 

“I love Liverpool and I have always wanted to live here. I am a big Liverpool F.C fan, as are my children, so serving food for Liverpool legends such as Ian Callaghan has been like a dream. I love the people here — they are friendly and really appreciate great food and service. I’m so happy to be recognised as one of the best chefs in the country again but to be recognised by Scousers is even more special to me.”

You can vote for Kemal here and for more information on the British Kebab Awards and this year’s finalists here.

READ MORE: LIVERPOOL CHEF WINS CHEF OF THE YEAR IN LONDON AWARDS