Kumar Menon, the man behind Leela’s Kitchen in the island, is celebrating after scooping Great Taste awards.

He was praised for his Turmeric Powder and Black Peppercorns premium spices.

The judges said of the Black Peppercorns: ’A lovely, fresh (yet earthy) aroma emanates from the unground peppercorns in the bowl.’

The acclaimed panel of judges saidthe Turmeric Powder was ’absolutely beautiful bright colour and a warming, fresh aroma.’

Kumar said it was ’fantastic news’ to come home to after a ’culinary journey’ across South India in July where he visited the Blackpepper plantation from where his peppercorns come from.

He said it was great to meet the farmers and actually see how the Black peppercorns, (Black Gold) is grown.

I’m very grateful to our Manx public who has been using my spices and the reviews speak for themselves. I’ve food and drink businesses using them, customers like Hooded Ram, Paula’s kitchen to name a few. To receive an award from the Great taste values taste and quality.

Kumar’s new product is Piri Piri rub which he says will be the first of many more from Leela’s kitchen World Spice series.

He said: ’I just love spicy food and this can be noticed from my new rub.’ It will be available from Robinson’s Fresh foods, Tynwald Mills and soon from the Food Assembly. To know how to use them, you can visit his website www.leelaskitchen.co.uk

Leela’s kitchen conitnues to offer its popular Indian cooking classes and tailor made dinner parties. Kumar, who lives in Douglas, tarted Leela’s Kitchen in 2011 in memory of his late grandmother Leela. ’My grandmother and mother are the inspiration behind my passion for food especially Indian food, spices and the culinary journey.