Local Simbithi resident and author Erica Platter has won three awards for her fourth book ‘Durban Curry Up2Date’ at the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, placing her in the running for the 2020 Best in the World title.

The awards, started in 1995 by Eduoard Cointreau, features entries from 225 countries featuring all cultures, languages and culinary tastes.

Labelled as the ‘Oscars’ for cookbooks, Erica’s book featuring photographs by Clinton Friedman has won in the categories for photography, single subject and peace (bridging gaps between cultures).

‘Durban Curry Up2Date’ was the basis of feature by CNN Inside Africa from November 15 to 20 where Professor Ashwin Desai travelled the North Coast, featuring three prominent local curry destinations: Cindy’s in Umhlali, Sasol Salt Rock’s Praveena Thulkanum and Shamen Reddi of Impulse by the Sea in Tinley Manor.

Erica was thrilled at having won the award and credits Clinton Friedman for his outstanding photography, highlighting that Durban curry has actually broken down international barriers and is something we should be proud of on an international scale.

“Everyone can make a curry right from the townships to an exquisite chef, each with his or her own story behind it,” said Erica.

“Durban curry does not need to wait for anyone else in the world, and it is about time a curry festival was organised so each and every taste can be presented and identified.”

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