Few restaurants can boast that their food has been enjoyed by a princess, but Nawaab in Yorkshire holds that distinction proudly.
Back in 1996, a sumptuous spread from the Bradford-based curry house traveled 202 miles to London for a charity dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, hosted by cricket legend Imran Khan.
Princess Diana was among the 600 guests, attending to support Khan’s cancer hospital, which had suffered significant damage in a terrorist attack earlier that year.
Interestingly, the royal feast took place just hours after Diana’s lawyers received a proposed divorce settlement from King Charles, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the evening.
This event firmly cemented Nawaab’s reputation as one of Yorkshire’s most famous curry houses, a status it has maintained since its founding by Mahbood Hussain in 1988.
A Local Trip Across the Pennines
Being from neighboring Greater Manchester, I was lucky enough to make a short drive rather than have my meal shipped across the country.
My goal was to see firsthand why Nawaab had earned the affection of everyone—from everyday Yorkshire diners to royalty.
I visited the Huddersfield branch rather than the original Bradford location, which is no longer open.
It promised the same high-quality Asian cuisine, and as I arrived just before 6pm on a weekday with my father, I was pleasantly surprised to find the restaurant already buzzing with diners—a promising sign for any eatery.
Settling In and Ordering
We were seated by a large window, giving us a good view of the bustling restaurant.
I kicked things off with a crisp pint of Cobra while scanning the early bird menu.
Keen to try a dish that Princess Diana reportedly enjoyed, I ordered the Nawaabi lamb, which came with a starter, main, and side for just £15.95—a surprisingly good deal.
To accompany the lamb, I chose an onion bhaji and garlic naan, while my father opted for a fish curry, vegetable samosas, and a portion of pilau rice.
Our starters arrived promptly, along with a pickle tray featuring mango chutney, diced onions, and raita.
Sharing a bhaji and samosa each, it was immediately clear that both were of excellent quality—the onion bhaji perfectly crisp, and the samosa tasting homemade.
The Main Event: Nawaabi Lamb
When the main course arrived, the Nawaabi lamb sizzled in a hot metal dish, chunks of tender meat bathed in a sauce made from fresh onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and yoghurt.
The lamb was succulent and paired wonderfully with naan and rice.
While I personally would have preferred a spicier sauce—leaning more toward a balti or madras—the yoghurt-based sauce offered a milder, masala-like flavor.
Given that Diana herself favored gentler flavors, it’s no surprise the dish suited royal tastes.
Even with my mild personal preference, the dish was undeniably flavorful.
A Beloved Local Institution
As we wrapped up and asked for the bill, more tables began filling up, many with regulars chatting warmly with the staff.
It was easy to see why Nawaab enjoys such loyalty.
Attentive service, a welcoming atmosphere, and high-quality dishes make it a cherished spot for locals.
After my evening there, it was clear that Nawaab deserved its royal seal of approval—and that a 202-mile journey from London would have been well worth it for anyone, even Princess Diana herself.
