The award recognises excellence in the Bangladeshi community.

Eight years after it transformed an historic site and a city restaurant is still going strong after racking up its latest award.

Sunderland businessman Tahim Ahmed said he was delighted with the win | Submitted

placeholder image — Sunderland businessman Tahim Ahmed said he was delighted with the win | Submitted

Mumbai Silk has been named North East Best Restaurant at the NEBA, North East Bangladeshi Awards, which took place at The Fed in Gateshead this week.

It’s the second time the restaurant has scooped the overall regional award, and has also previously won the best in Sunderland award at NEBA.

The awards were established in 2022 to recognize the exceptional achievements and contributions of British Bangladeshi individuals, communities, and businesses.

Mumbai Silk transformed the basement of Wearside Masonic Temple | Sunderland Echo

Mumbai Silk opened in Douro Terrace eight years ago after transforming the empty basement of Wearside Masonic Temple into a stylish bar and restaurant, utilising the building's historic features, including old bank safes found in the site, in the decor.

Owner Tahim Ahmed said: “This recognition means the world to us, but we didn't get here alone.

“A massive thank you to our incredible team for their hard work, and to our amazing clients and community for your endless support. We truly couldn’t have done this without you.”

The city businessman added: “We have a lot of new restaurants opening in Sunderland, but we have so many regulars who always come back, which is so nice to see. They say when they step inside it doesn’t feel like Sunderland, they say it feels like they’re in a restaurant down South.

The restaurant was named the best in the North East | Sunderland Echo

“We had great feedback from the judges at the awards who said Mumbai Silk offers something different in terms of restaurant, food and service. I eat out a lot myself, in places like Leeds and Manchester, and credit where credit’s due there’s some great places out there, but I think as a total package Mumbai Silk can rival anyone.”

Sunderland-born broadcaster and host of the awards, Jeff Brown, presented Tahim with the trophy and is himself a Mumbai Silk customer.

NEBA is not solely a business award.

The ceremony also recognises a myriad of community achievements such as Bangladeshi Person of the Year, the Bangladeshi Women in Leadership, Lifetime Achievement Award, the Public and Voluntary Sector Awards and much more, as well as recognising the achievements and contributions of the Bangladeshi Curry industry to the UK economy.

A spokesperson for the awards said: “ We would like to thank everyone who attended our NEBA 2026 and we would like to congratulate all finalists and winners.

“Your contributions, achievements and continued support play an important role in celebrating and strengthening the Bangladeshi community across the North East.”