Chairmen of Aagrah, Shimlas and Akbars were, without doubt, the ‘Curry Kings’ that paved the way for the desi food scene
Tributes continue to flood in on the passing of Shabir Hussain, 56, founder of the Akbars restaurant chain across Yorkshire, as Bradford continues to mourn the great losses for the city.
The passing away of, within days of each other, chairman and founder of the Aagrah Group of Restaurants – Haji Mohammed Sabir, chairman and founder of Shimlas Restaurant – Mr Allah Ditta, and chairman and founder the Akbars – Shabir Hussain leaves a huge void.
All three were pioneers of the curry world, and paved way for the next generations of the desi food scene, and won numerous accolades recognising their very significant contributions to South Asian and Kashmiri cuisine.
Shabir Hussain, fondly known as ‘Bash’ founded Akbars Restaurant in Leeds Road, Bradford, in 1995, which then saw him expand his empire across Yorkshire. He’s known to be the restaurater who invented the famous ‘naan trees’, upon which giant naans were served.
Mr Hussain’s funeral takes place today, 17th October, at the Jamiyat Tabligh-ul-Islam Bradford Central Mosque, has been described as ‘the heart and soul of every gathering’.
Long-time friend of Mr Hussain, Deputy Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Mr Zulfiqar Karim said: “Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un – We belong to Allah, and to Him we shall return.
“Today, we say farewell to a true legend, Bash from Akbars.
“Known as the King of Curry, Bash was more than a successful restaurateur – he was the heart and soul of every gathering, a man whose warmth, generosity, and hospitality were unmatched. His infectious smile and comforting hugs made everyone feel welcome, and his friendship was a treasure beyond words.
“Bradford has lost not only a pioneer of the curry world but also a beloved brother whose presence will be sorely missed.
“Rest in peace, dear brother. Your memory will never fade.”
Just days before, Bradford said farewell to another curry legend – Mr Allah Ditta – chairman and founder of the famous Shimlas in Great Horton Road.
Mr Ditta opened the very first Shimlas restaurant in the 1970s, bringing Pakistani cuisine to the local area, sharing the scintillating spices and culture-rich recipes of his ancestral home with those around Bradford and travellers from all across Britain.
Just a day earlier, thousands from across the UK had flocked the city for the burial of the much-loved Haji Mohammed Sabir – chairman and founder of the Aagrah Group of Restaurants.
Haji Sabir, was not only and exceptionally successful businessman, but also a great humanitarian, having raised hundreds and thousands of pounds for charities over the years.
His journey began in 1976. With his wife’s help he began to serve up mouthwatering Kashmiri dishes from a mobile van named ‘Spice Pot’. He continued his day job as a bus driver, working 18-hour shifts to get the business up and running. A year later he opened the first Aagrah restaurant in Shipley, West Yorkshire.
At the funeral prayer for Muhammed Sabir MBE, the Imam at Bradford Central Mosque said: “Thousands of mourners came to pay their respects at the funeral prayer for Muhammed Sabir, the founder of Aagrah Restaurant.
“Muhammed Sabir was a loving and caring man and dedicated nearly 40 years to serving the community.
“Thousands of friends, family, and community members gathered at Bradford Central Mosque to attend the Janazah prayer.
“Sabir was a man who contributed to the community not just through his business, but also through his generosity.
Mr Hussain added: “Prior to the funeral, the imam spoke about how Sabir was a frequent attendee at both Bradford Central Mosque and Victor Street Mosque. He was known to be a kind and generous individual.”
Nadim Hanif, CEO of Asian Express says: “The loss of three industry giants within days of each other leaves an unfillable void.
“We are honoured to have been business associates, as well as friends with them. They have not only supported Asian Express, but have guided us since we began the newspaper 24-years ago.
“It is their leadership and contributions to UK’s Pakistani/Kashmiri food scene that has empowered others to pave their own way into the food industry.
“These men are legends – they are irreplaceable. May Allah (swt) grant them the highest ranks in Jannah. Ameen”
